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Animal Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Hampton

Animal Response Team Officer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

The class works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Manager according to set procedures. *Posted salary effective as of July 1 2026. Minimum Qualifications Requires a high school ...

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

$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 ...

Stafford County

Animal Caretaker

Stafford, VA · On-site

$19.25 - $33.69/hr

... Animal Control Officers Inputs and retrieves information on the computer such as records on dog licenses, citizen complaints, and shelter information Performs related tasks of a similar nature or ...

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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 Aug 3, 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 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,758 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Isle of Wight County

Isle Of Wight, VA

$42K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office is currently taking applications for the position of Animal Control Officer. Application, Background Investigative Form, and Authorization for Release of Information Form may be picked up Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm at the Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office, 17110 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight, VA 23397, or can be downloaded from www.isleofwightsheriffsoffice.com under the "Employment" tab. Position is open until filled at the Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office

Required Qualifications Applicants must be of good character, possess a High School Diploma and a valid Virginia driver's license. Candidates must have no felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude. Requires a valid driver's license, state animal control, and euthanization certifications.

Selected individuals will be required to undergo an oral interview and a comprehensive background investigation.

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