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Animal Control Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Animal Care Technician

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care Technician Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537484 Work type: Staff Senior management: Vice President for Research Department: Animal Care Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ...

New

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA

$15.25 - $20/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Newport News, VA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

New

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Harrisonburg, VA

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Hampton, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Hampton, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Virginia Tech

Animal Care & Operations Manager

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care & Operations Manager Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535936 Work type: Staff Senior management: Vice President for Research Department: Animal Care Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ...

Medix™

Animal Caretaker - 254746

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Perform daily animal husbandry tasks, including feeding, watering, and monitoring animal health. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the facility, including cage-washing, sterilization ...

Paws Awhile Pet Motel

Animal Care Technician

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Paws Awhile Pet Motel is hiring a full-time or part-time Animal Care Technician, and this could be the opportunity you didn't know you were waiting for in Warrenton, VA. Flexible schedule? Supportive ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsAnimal Control Officer JobsAnimal Control Officer Jobs in Virginia

Animal Control Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$47.5K

$69.9K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in Virginia is $47,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $53,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal control officer?

Animal Control Officers are public safety professionals responsible for enforcing laws related to the care and control of animals. They investigate cases of animal cruelty, rescue animals in distress, and manage issues such as stray animals or dangerous pets. These officers often educate the community about responsible pet ownership and may work for local government agencies or animal shelters. Their role helps ensure the safety of both the public and animals in their community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal control officer?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, local laws, and public safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes animal capture or tranquilizing tools is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help build trust with the public and efficiently manage stressful situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring community safety, humane animal treatment, and effective enforcement of animal-related regulations.

What does an animal control officer do?

As an animal control officer, your job duties include dealing with dangerous wildlife and capturing stray pets and abandoned animals. You may also work on the investigation of animal abuse cases. When on duty, you may patrol a community or wait for a dispatcher to deploy you to deal with an escaped pet, potentially dangerous wildlife, or stray animal. Your responsibilities also include providing care and treatment for injured animals, both wild and domestic. You may work “on call,” meaning that you may be called to provide service at any time of day or night.

What are common challenges an animal control officer faces in the field?

Animal Control Officers often encounter challenging situations such as handling aggressive or frightened animals, dealing with emotionally charged interactions with pet owners, and responding to emergency calls at irregular hours. They must also navigate local laws and regulations while ensuring public safety and animal welfare. Strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Animal Control Officer vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Control OfficerAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, sometimes animal control certificationHigh school diploma, animal care training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor and community settingsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, government agenciesAnimal shelters, rescue organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for animal handling and enforcement rolesCompared for animal care and shelter management roles

Animal Control Officers primarily handle wildlife and stray animals in the community, enforcing local laws, while Animal Shelter Workers focus on caring for animals within shelter facilities. Both roles require animal handling skills, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

Is it hard to be an animal control officer?

Being an animal control officer can be physically demanding and requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of animal behavior and local laws. The job often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and handling potentially aggressive animals, which can be challenging but manageable with proper training and experience.

What skills are needed to be an animal control officer?

Animal control officers need strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the public and handle animals safely. They should have knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and often require physical fitness and the ability to operate equipment such as traps and vehicles. Certification in animal handling or related training is also beneficial for the role.
More about Animal Control Officer jobs

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The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs in Virginia are:

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For Animal Control Officer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Control Officer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Control Officer jobs in Virginia are:

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Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Control Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Officer jobs in VA?

For Animal Control Officer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Control Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,502 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Animal Care Center Pearisburg - Veterinarian

Animal Care Center - Pearisburg

Pearisburg, VA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Animal Care Center in Pearisburg, Virginia is a team of compassionate and experienced veterinarians who practice high quality veterinary medicine in a collaborative small-animal focused environment. Just one hour from the town of Blacksburg, Animal Care Center is a great place for a new graduates, experienced veterinarians, and veterinary professionals to build and grow their careers!
Animal Care Center in Pearisburg, Virginia is excited to welcome an experienced full or part time veterinarian to their team! This full-service location has a large, nearby sister hospital in Princeton, West Virginia, recently under new leadership! Both locations are less than one hour from Blacksburg, Virginia.
About Animal Care Center Pearisburg:
  • Our Pearisburg location is set up perfectly for an experienced veterinarian who enjoys leading the team as the only doctor on shift. You'll be well-supported by at least two dedicated, experienced technicians/assistants and a well-trained, engaged client relations team members.
  • While Pearisburg shifts are solo shifts, multiple doctors are just minutes away at our large Princeton location. Our 2 doctor team currently rotates shifts between Princeton and Pearisburg locations.
  • 2 Veterinarians across 2 locations
  • Collaborative, positive Practice Manager focused on team building and smooth day-to-day operations
  • Ultrasound, endoscopy/rhinoscopy unit, laser therapy and laser surgery equipment

About Pearisburg, Virginia
  • Located less than 30 minutes from Blacksburg, VA
  • Pearisburg is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. The Appalachian Trail is located nearby. Pearisburg prides itself on being a hiker friendly town and enjoys its designation as an AT Trail Community. The north flowing river is nearby with newly renovated boat landing and prime fishing opportunities. Library ranked #2 in the state
  • Revitalized downtown area with museums, new shops and restaurants
  • Cost of living is 20% lower than the national average. Affordable land with with gorgeous mountain surroundings.
  • Pearisburg is ranked as one of the safest communities in Virginia

Our Ideal Candidate
  • Experienced small animal veterinarian, comfortable working solo shifts with a nearby team to collaborate with as needed
  • Open to full or part-time
  • Aligned with our core values - Serve, Evolve, Trust

About VetEvolve
  • Animal Care Center is part of the VetEvolve hospital network. VetEvolve is a network of veterinary practices built to support the people delivering care and the practices they lead. We combine clinical insight with operational strength to give our teams the support, tools, and structure they need to thrive, without losing what makes each practice unique. We are intentionally focused on growth, not as an end in itself, but as a way to strengthen our practices, expand access to care, and create more opportunities for our teams. Guided by our values: Care First. Better Together. Grow Forward. Own It. We create an environment where veterinary professionals can do their best work, build meaningful careers, and deliver exceptional care. Growth with intention. Care without compromise.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive full-time, experienced base salary commensurate with skillset, experience, schedule and your preferred pace.
  • Additional opportunities to earn: Highly competitive monthly, no negative accrual bonus plan. Bonus plan is not mandatory (for candidates preferring straight salary).
  • Relocation stipend
  • Bonus in exchange for multi-year commitment negotiable; commensurate with length of commitment, skillset and schedule commitment
  • Basic benefits information: Paid vacation & sick leave; health, dental, vision insurance with generous employer contribution; several additional supplemental insurance options; 100% coverage of liability, license defense, professional dues and licensing fees, 401k with generous employer contribution, 100% coverage of short term disability insurance premiums.
  • Wellness, Mentorship and Professional Development
    • Customizable continuing education package tailored to your goals and passions & full week of paid time off for continuing education each year.
    • Support From the Start wet lab-focused mentorship program for new graduates. Continues through your first year of employment.
    • Additional internal continuing education opportunities including but not limited to webinars, annual veterinarian retreats, local didactic and hands-on CE
    • MentorVet, Vet Specialists On Demand, AbleTo coaching & counseling and several additional mental health and professional development tools.

Apply here or contact Thea Dziubczynski at thea@vetevolve.com for more information and a confidential, exploratory conversation!

Apply