Animal Services Officer (Animal Control Officer I)

About the role

Join the newly created Field Services Division of Fairfax County Animal Services as an Animal Services Officer. This entry-level position offers the opportunity to enforce animal control laws, protect public safety, and advance within a growing division. The department cares for 4,000–5,000 animals annually with a live release rate over 90%.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and respond to animal-related complaints including dangerous animals, cruelty, neglect, and rabies exposure.
• Safely rescue and transport domestic animals and wildlife; perform humane euthanasia when necessary.
• Educate the public on ordinances, spay/neuter initiatives, rabies control, and responsible pet ownership.
• Gather evidence, prepare reports, issue summonses, and provide court testimony related to animal offenses.
• Collaborate with Fairfax County agencies such as police, fire and rescue, health department, and code compliance.
• Provide direct care and enrichment for shelter animals.
• Work flexible shifts, schedules, or facilities as operational needs require.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.

Certifications (required within stated timeframes)

• Animal Control Officer (ACO) Basic Training approved by the Virginia State Veterinarian’s Office (within 12 months; recertify every 36 months).
• Virginia Humane Euthanasia Competency Certification (within 6 months; recertify every 36 months).
• Virginia Chemical Capture Competency Certification (within 6 months).
• Fear Free Shelter Certification (within 3 months).
• Long rifle firearms proficiency (within 6 months; recertify every 24 months).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification (within 6 months; recertify every 24 months).
• CPR certification (within 6 months; recertify every 24 months).
• First Aid certification (within 6 months; recertify every 24 months).
• Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) access (within 6 months; recertify every 24 months).

Necessary Special Requirements

• Pass criminal background, driving record, psychological examination, and pre-employment medical evaluation.
• Obtain current pre-exposure rabies vaccination or receive within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to report to work during emergencies and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in animal welfare, sheltering, and public service.
• Two years of experience in animal handling/care or public-facing roles such as community outreach or criminal justice.

Physical Requirements

• Work effectively in emotionally charged and highly stressful situations.
• Work outdoors and indoors under variable weather and exposure to infectious diseases, noxious fumes, allergens, wetness, and moisture.
• No allergies to animals or common animal supplies that would impede working in an animal environment.
• Create materials and operate equipment to complete tasks.
• Drive county or personal vehicle throughout Fairfax County and other jurisdictions.
• Engage with residents, businesses, and others in person, by email, and by phone; deliver presentations and testify in person or virtually.
• Safely capture/impound, lift, carry, handle, move, and restrain animals of various species, sizes, and temperaments, including fractious or dangerous animals over 100 pounds.
• Negotiate varied terrain, bend, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, crawl, climb stairs, walk, sit, run; comfortable performing these activities for extended periods.
• Hear, speak, touch, feel, smell, see with close vision, depth perception, color vision, and adjust focus.
• Frequently exposed to loud noises above 95 decibels such as barking dogs.
• Firmly grasp, handle, feel, and have wrist extension and rotation on a frequent basis.
• Maneuver safely in kennels, dog play yards, cat rooms, small animal rooms, off-site events, and on resident/business property.
• Manage criticism and hostility from the public with tact and good judgment.