ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

FLOYD CO ADMINISTRATOR

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Floyd, VA · On-site

Full-Time Animal Control Officer Position Summary Floyd County is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to enforce state and local animal control laws, protect public health and ...

JAMES CITY COUNTY

Animal Control Officer

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$48K/yr

Animal Control Officer Apply now Job no: 40000404 Work type: Full Time Location: Williamsburg Categories: Law Enforcement Job Summary $48,856 / year or higher DOQ + Full-Time County Benefits Performs ...

Prince William County, VA

Deputy Animal Control Officer

VA · On-site

$23.25 - $45.12/hr

Animal Control Officers enforce the Prince William County and State codes relating to the humane treatment and impounding of animals, as well as promoting and educating the public on common animal ...

Stafford County, VA

Animal Caretaker

Stafford, VA · On-site

$19.25 - $21.20/hr

Animal Control Opening Date: 06/18/2026 Starting Salary: See position description ANIMAL CARETAKER Hiring Range $19.25 - $21.20 per hour Part-time Position - 28 hours per week/daytime hours Prior ...

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

... animal control agencies in situations requiring legal intervention, and follow up to ensure that action is taken Conduct investigations involving neglected or abused animals Perform emergency first ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

... with animal control agencies in situations requiring legal intervention, and follow up to ensure that action is taken • Conduct investigations involving neglected or abused animals • Perform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Control JobsAnimal Control Jobs in Virginia

Animal Control information

See Virginia salary details

$20.8K

$39.8K

$60K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Virginia is $39,758.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,700.00 and $46,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Animal control officers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades like commercial diving or certain construction management positions can reach or exceed that income level without formal college degrees. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, or experience and may involve irregular hours or physical work.

What do I need to work for animal control?

To work in animal control, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles require a valid driver's license. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and knowledge of animal behavior are important, and certifications in animal handling or safety may be preferred or required by some agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Control Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer, you need knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and relevant local regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes law enforcement databases is important. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills help when interacting with the public and de-escalating tense situations. These competencies ensure public safety, humane treatment of animals, and effective enforcement of animal-related laws.

What are some common challenges faced by animal control officers in the field?

Animal control officers often encounter unpredictable situations, such as handling aggressive or frightened animals and addressing emotionally charged interactions with pet owners. They must also navigate varying local laws and regulations, ensuring proper documentation and evidence collection for potential legal cases. Additionally, officers may be required to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, to respond to emergencies or public safety concerns. Building strong communication skills and resilience is essential to manage these challenges effectively.

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

AspectAnimal ControlAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsAnimal Control Officer Certification, sometimes requiredBasic animal handling and shelter management training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor, community-basedIndoor shelter facilities, community interaction
Employer & IndustryMunicipal agencies, animal control departmentsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations
Job FocusEnforcing animal laws, capturing stray animalsCaring for animals, adoption services

Animal Control officers primarily enforce laws and capture stray or dangerous animals in the community, often working outdoors. Animal Shelter Workers focus on caring for animals within shelter facilities, preparing them for adoption. While both roles involve animal handling, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is the highest paying job to work with animals?

The highest paying jobs in animal-related fields include veterinarian specialists, such as veterinary surgeons or anesthesiologists, who often earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and may involve working in private practices, research, or specialized animal hospitals.

What Are Animal Control Jobs?

Animal control jobs focus on ensuring public safety and protecting animals. In this role, you may patrol your community, investigate reports of hurt or dangerous animals, and rescue pets from mistreatment. Your responsibilities also include supporting the safety of personnel, writing reports, and issuing citations as necessary. In some positions, your duties may involve supporting public awareness efforts. For example, if people need to abandon a pet because they are no longer able to take care of it, animal control officers can help them find a shelter or an adopting family. Animal control officers work with a variety of animals, some of which are dangerous, so the ability to handle a wide range of creatures is essential.

What are animal control officers and what do they do?

Animal control officers are professionals responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the care and control of animals in a community. Their duties include responding to reports of stray or dangerous animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty or neglect, capturing and relocating wildlife, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. They also work closely with local shelters and may assist in the adoption process for stray or abandoned animals. Animal control officers play a vital role in protecting both animals and the public from harm.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal welfare officer?

Animal welfare officers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education in animal science, biology, or related fields. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, good communication, and the ability to handle animals safely; certifications in animal first aid or handling may also be beneficial.
More about Animal Control jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Control jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Control job openings:
Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,758 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

FLOYD CO ADMINISTRATOR

Floyd, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description


Full-Time Animal Control Officer

Position Summary Floyd County is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to enforce state and local animal control laws, protect public health and safety, investigate animal-related complaints, and promote responsible pet ownership. The Animal Control Officer performs field work involving the capture, handling, transport, and care of domestic animals and responds to emergency situations involving animals.
The successful candidate must be able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and interact effectively with the public under challenging circumstances.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Enforce applicable Virginia animal control laws and County ordinances.
• Investigate complaints involving animal cruelty, neglect, nuisance animals,
dangerous dogs, and animals running at large.
• Capture and transport stray, injured, sick, or dangerous animals.
• Prepare incident reports, case files, and court documentation.
• Testify in court as required.
• Respond to animal bites and assist with rabies control procedures.
• Maintain animal control vehicles, equipment, and records.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, veterinarians, animal shelters, rescue
organizations, and public health officials.
• Participate in public education and outreach programs.
• Perform after-hours and emergency response duties as assigned and willing
to be on an on-call schedule.
Minimum Qualifications • High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Virginia driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain Virginia Animal Control Officer certification within one year
of employment as required by Virginia law.
• Ability to safely handle domestic animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Basic computer skills and report-writing ability.
Physical Requirements • Frequentwalking, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying.
• Ability to lift and move animals and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to safely handle aggressive, frightened, or injured animals.
Special Requirements Animal Control Officers in Virginia are required to complete a State Veterinarian-approved basic animal control training course and ongoing continuing education. Animal Control Officers have authority to enforce animal control laws and issue summonses as provided by Virginia law.
Benefits Floyd County offers a competitive benefits package including:
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave
• Professional training opportunities
Contact/Application information: Please fill out a job application, which can be found on the Floyd County Administrative website, www.floydcova.gov, or available at the Floyd County Administrative office, 202 E. Main Street, Floyd. Resumes and applications can be sent to careers@floydcova.org. or brought directly to the Floyd County Administration office.
• If you have any questions about this job posting, contact the County Administration office, at 540-745-9300.

Floyd County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

recblid 9yw9gsxmoh9napbyotdavd7dpspsfe

Apply