About the Role
Floyd County is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to enforce state
and local animal control laws, protect public health and safety, investigate animal-related
complaints, and promote responsible pet ownership. The Animal Control Officer performs field
work involving the capture, handling, transport, and care of domestic animals and responds to
emergency situations involving animals.
The successful candidate must be able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and
interact effectively with the public under challenging circumstances.
Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Enforce applicable Virginia animal control laws and County ordinances.
Investigate complaints involving animal cruelty, neglect, nuisance animals, dangerous dogs, and animals running at large.
Capture and transport stray, injured, sick, or dangerous animals.
Prepare incident reports, case files, and court documentation.
Testify in court as required.
Respond to animal bites and assist with rabies control procedures.
Maintain animal control vehicles, equipment, and records.
Coordinate with law enforcement, veterinarians, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and public health officials.
Participate in public education and outreach programs.
Perform after-hours and emergency response duties as assigned and willing to be on an on-call schedule.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Virginia driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain Virginia Animal Control Officer certification within one year of
employment as required by Virginia law.
• Ability to safely handle domestic animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Basic computer skills and report-writing ability.
Physical Requirements
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying.
• Ability to lift and move animals and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to safely handle aggressive, frightened, or injured animals.
Special Requirements
Animal Control Officers in Virginia are required to complete a State Veterinarian-approved basic
animal control training course and ongoing continuing education. Animal Control Officers have
authority to enforce animal control laws and issue summonses as provided by Virginia law.