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Animal Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Ashland, VA

$100K - $130K/yr

Contracted with Animal Control -- work on shelter pets -- sick visits & elective surgeries (great opportunity for New Grads) * Fully equipped Surgical suite with 2 Tables * Soft Tissue and Orthopedic ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 14, 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 is an animal control officer?

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 does an animal control officer do?

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

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 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.

Is it hard to be an animal control officer?

Animal control officers often face physically demanding work, including handling aggressive animals and working outdoors in various weather conditions. The job requires good communication skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and sometimes certification or training in animal handling and safety protocols.

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 positions require a valid driver's license. Relevant skills include animal handling, communication, and sometimes certification in animal care or safety; physical fitness is also important due to the nature of the work.
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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,758 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA

PETA
Non-Profits • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about PETAexternal

$43K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Objective: 

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina 


Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Perform daily Community outreach advertising, offering and providing PETA's animal and family services in Virginia and North Carolina, including spay/neuter surgeries and related transport, rabies vaccinations and other veterinary and wellness services

Contact potential and existing clients of PETA's Community Animal Project (CAP) to offer animal and family services in Virginia and North Carolina 

Handle incoming calls from existing and potential clients requesting services, prepare and update case sheets for providing those services, and maintain records of services provided, including photographing conditions when appropriate

Provide companion animal care and family services, including pick up and assistance to injured or unwanted animals 

File complaints 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 emergency first-aid procedures and euthanasia 

Care for animals in PETA's custody

Participate in the rotation for CAP's 24-hour pager providing emergency services to clients and the general public across CAP's service region

Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to describe and provide clients with animal and family services offered by PETA's Community Animal Project

Demonstrated experience with sales, customer service, public outreach or similar experience 

Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills

Minimum of two years of animal-handling experience

Proven effective problem-solving and crisis-management skills

Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment and discretion 

Proven ability to deal with a variety of people in a professional manner

Proven ability to coordinate several tasks at once and handle frequent interruptions

Demonstrated ability to manage time wisely and prioritize tasks

Willingness to obtain euthanasia certification (on-the-job training will be provided)

Willingness and ability to be on 24-hour emergency call

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. without assistance on a regular basis

Ability to engage in frequent bending, stooping, crawling, lifting, reaching, and stair-climbing

Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid U.S. driver's license, a minimum of three years of driving experience, and a satisfactory driving record

Commitment to the objectives of the organization



The salary range for this position is $43,000 - $55,000 annually. The ultimate salary within this range that will be offered to a qualified candidate will be determined based on the candidate's experience. 

A list of benefits available to qualified employees is available here.  

Application Deadline: 

Applications for this position will be accepted until September 13, 2026.

We may fill this job opening before the deadline if we find a qualified candidate.

Apply