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Animal Control Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Ashland, VA · On-site

$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 ...

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Ashland, VA · On-site

$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 ...

University of Virginia

Animal Caregiver

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

The Animal Caregiver role is essential to maintaining the health and well-being of research animals through dedicated husbandry and facility care. As an Animal Caregiver, you'll be part of a hands-on ...

City of Suffolk

Communications Operator - New

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$54K - $84K/yr

Dispatches appropriate emergency personnel (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, Public Works, Virginia Highway Department, etc.) and equipment to public safety situations. Employee must exercise ...

City of Chesapeake

Veterinarian

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Conducts medical evaluations, necropsies, and documentation for animal cruelty and neglect cases; collaborates with Animal Control Officers; provides expert testimony in court when needed. * Develops ...

Virginia Tech

Animal Care Technician (ACE)

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care Technician (ACE) Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537470 Work type: Staff ... These standards require maintaining and documenting quality control for sterilization equipment ...

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 ...

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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 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 Technician - Full Time

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Animal Welfare League of Alexandriaexternal

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
DEPARTMENT: Animal Care
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY: Do you love animals? Do you have a drive to ensure that all animals have the care and respect they deserve? If the answer is yes, then we have a dynamic entry level position that may be right for you. This position is responsible for the daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment of the animals in our shelter. Additionally, this position is asked to assist in the handling of animals for medical procedures and to provide assistance in showing animals to potential adopters. This is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of animals and gain experience in humane animal handling and care. Weekend work will be required; Saturday or Sunday availability is required.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB INCLUDE:
Animal Care:
  1. Ensure that all animal areas are clean, sanitary and comfortable
  2. Clean animal enclosures every morning
  3. Feed, water, groom, and medicate animals on a daily basis, while monitoring the physical condition and behavior of each animal
  4. Provide affection and socialization to all animals on a regular basis, including walking dogs as needed
  5. Examine and vaccinate animals entering the shelter
  6. Accurately evaluate the medical status of an animal to determine whether it is stable and can remain in the shelter
  7. Administer emergency first aid to sick or injured animals
  8. Humanely euthanize animals when necessary
  9. Participate in dog playgroups as needed
  10. Assist in keeping the office areas where animals are housed neat and clean
  11. Communicate regularly with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibility
  12. Participate in staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole

Administrative:
  1. Ensure that paperwork and records are maintained accurately and that database information is updated
  2. Learn and use the descriptive identification used by AWLA, and develop a current working knowledge of all American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds and other commonly seen dog breeds, as well as commonly seen cat breeds
  3. Develop a basic working knowledge of the AWLA's procedures, guidelines, and protocols for the safe handling of animals
  4. Legal and statistical reporting procedures, and veterinary protocols
  5. Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia substance regulations, and Commonwealth of Virginia and municipal animal regulations
  6. Understand and comprehend AWLA's Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  7. Assist on an as needed basis with AWLA inventory and report necessary product orders
  8. Perform intake exams of stray, injured and owner-relinquished animals
  9. Accurately complete all animal intake paperwork
  10. Maintain accurate animal intake information in database
  11. Retrieve general voicemail messages and respond to calls and/or forward them to the appropriate department

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:
  1. 6 months of experience in working in an animal kennel environment.
  2. High school diploma or equivalent
  3. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment
  4. Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculation
  5. Understanding of humane care and treatment of animals
  6. Ability to obtain certification as a euthanasia technician within the first twelve months of employment
  7. Valid Driver's License
  8. Fluent in English
  9. Previous experience working in animals sheltering.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  1. Indoors in a high noise, air-conditioned/heated building, outdoors at shelter in various weather conditions, or on-location for various activities
  2. Equipment use:

Includes use of PC, laser printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, power washer, industrial dish washing machine, laundry machine, dryer, and cleaning supplies
  1. Work hours:
  2. Work hours will vary
  3. Early morning, evening, weekend and holiday hours will be required

MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNCATION DEMANDS:
  1. Regular exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, bites, scratches
  2. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
  3. The employee must frequently bend, grip and be flexible to do so
  4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
  5. Ability to work around pet dander, dust and other allergens without issue
  6. Regularly required to stand and walk
  7. Strong data entry skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in a database, currently Chameleon
  8. Requires working alone or with minimal supervision - must be self-motivated
  9. Requires patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional, or angry people
  10. Must have the ability to effectively communicate; verbally and written, over the phone and intercom, with a wide variety of both internal and external individuals, including the Directors, Managers, Coordinators, the staff, a volunteer workforce, partner organizations, and private citizens
  11. Requires treating people and animals in a pleasant, courteous and professional manner
  12. Adherence to AWLA's policies and philosophies
  13. Must be willing to receive Rabies vaccine and/or titers test upon request

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.

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