1

Animal Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Animal Dispatch is hiring crew members. We're a small, owner-operated wildlife removal and control ... Inspections and damage assessment - Set and monitor cellular trail cameras - Structural exclusion ...

New

Be Seen First

Animal Dispatch is hiring crew members. We're a small, owner-operated wildlife removal and control ... Inspections and damage assessment - Set and monitor cellular trail cameras - Structural exclusion ...

New

The Broiler Service Technician is responsible for managing the inspection of the farms for compliance with contractual agreements, animal welfare and biosecurity regulations, as well as animal ...

Veterinarian NF-04

Fort Myer, VA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

Ability to obtain/renew United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) accreditation within first 60-days of employment. * Ability to work occasional ...

Veterinarian NF-04

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$107K - $117K/yr

Ability to obtain/renew United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) accreditation within first 60-days of employment. * Ability to work occasional ...

Biosafety Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$55 - $68/hr

Interface heavily with principal investigators, laboratory staff, and animal husbandry workers. * Provides training through direct interaction during facility inspections and through platform and ...

New

Biosafety Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$55 - $68/hr

Interface heavily with principal investigators, laboratory staff, and animal husbandry workers. * Provides training through direct interaction during facility inspections and through platform and ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$24.3K

$54.5K

$98.2K

How much do animal inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal inspector in Virginia is $54,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $63,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal inspector do?

Animal Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, and humane treatment of animals in various settings such as farms, animal shelters, and zoos. They inspect facilities to check that animals are being properly cared for and that all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed. Their duties may include examining animals for signs of illness or mistreatment, investigating complaints of abuse, and enforcing animal welfare laws. Animal Inspectors often work closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations to protect animals and promote public health.

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

To thrive as an Animal Inspector, you need a background in animal science or a related field, knowledge of animal health regulations, and often state certification or licensure. Familiarity with inspection tools, animal health databases, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and the protection of animal welfare and public health.

What are some common challenges faced by animal inspectors when conducting field inspections?

Animal Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative owners, animals in distress, and navigating various environments that may be hazardous or unsanitary. Balancing regulatory enforcement with educational outreach requires strong communication and diplomacy skills. Additionally, inspectors must stay updated on animal welfare laws and manage detailed documentation, making attention to detail and adaptability essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Animal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal InspectorAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsOften requires state or local certification, knowledge of animal health and regulationsTypically requires certification, training in animal handling and local laws
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, inspection sites, animal facilitiesFieldwork, animal shelters, community outreach
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, health departmentsMunicipalities, animal shelters, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer

Animal Inspectors and Animal Control Officers both work in government settings related to animal welfare. While Animal Inspectors focus on health inspections, compliance, and regulations, Animal Control Officers handle live animal control, rescue, and community education. Both roles require certification and involve working with animals, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

How to become an animal inspector?

To become an animal inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of animal care and welfare. Many positions require relevant experience or education in veterinary science, biology, or animal science, and some jurisdictions may require certification or licensing. Strong observational skills and familiarity with animal handling and health regulations are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Inspector jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Animal Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Temporary, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,468 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Animal Caretaker (Part Time)

City of Suffolk

Suffolk, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago


City Of Suffolk rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

680th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description Under general supervision, responsible for care and feeding of animals in the shelter. Work involves maintaining the animal shelter in a clean and safe condition; feeding, handling, and providing custodial care to animals in the shelter. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in ensuring proper care for animals.

Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the general public. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of animal caretaking work. Reports to the Animal Shelter Manager.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions Maintains the animal shelter, office, records, and caring for the animals as according to State Code. Maintains records of animals and forms as according to State Code. Coordinates intake process of stray, domestic and feral (wild) animals.

Adopting out, redeeming and rescuing out animals. Performs Euthanasia and disposing animal bodies as according to State Code. Processes Fielding Citizen Complaints concerning possible cruelty to animals and giving these to the Animal Control Officers or the Police Dispatchers.

Administers prescribed medications to animals as directed. Contacts rescue groups and gathering the needed information for the rescue groups to be approved to pull animals. Maintains social media outlets of adoptable, missing and stray animals.

Keeps abreast of State Laws regarding animals. Performs other related duties as required. Required Qualifications Graduation from high school or GED with some experience in caring for animals; or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Requires a valid driver's license. Supplemental Information Knowledge of animal breeds, ability to determine sex and age. Knowledge of the geography of the City.

Knowledge of safety practices concerning the handling of animals. Ability to prepare and maintain records concerning daily activities. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with animal owners and the general public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions from superiors.

Ability to read a variety of records and forms. Requires the ability to prepare reports, forms and correspondence using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence, including communication over a two-way radio.

Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages. Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Requires the ability to assess critical situations and establish methods to resolve such situations. Ability to utilize mathematical formulas. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Must be able to utilize decimals and percentages. Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.


What City Of Suffolk employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom