Animal Services Officer

Fairfax County Animal Services is seeking an Animal Services Officer (ASO) for its newly created Field Services Division. This entry-level position provides an opportunity to support animal welfare and public safety in a community of approximately 1.2 million residents with companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. The department operates two shelter campuses, cares for approximately 4,000–5,000 animals annually, and maintains a live release rate of more than 90%. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and advancement as the Field Services Division expands.

Animal Services Officers enforce animal control laws and regulations in Fairfax County and respond to a variety of animal-related situations. Responsibilities include investigating complaints involving dangerous animals, animal cruelty and neglect, and rabies control; capturing stray animals; safely rescuing and transporting domestic animals and wildlife; responding to animal bites and exposure incidents; and performing humane euthanasia when necessary. ASOs communicate with residents, employees, officials, and other stakeholders to explain ordinances, violations, corrective actions, responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter programs, and rabies control requirements.

The position involves gathering evidence, preparing detailed reports, issuing summonses, and providing testimony in court regarding animal-related offenses. ASOs collaborate with Fairfax County agencies and other organizations, including police, fire and rescue, health, and code compliance departments. The role also includes community education and outreach to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, as well as providing direct care and enrichment for shelter animals.

Flexibility is a condition of employment. Employees may be assigned to any shift, schedule, facility, or location based on operational needs and may be required to work alternative schedules, holidays, or emergency conditions. Positions in this classification are considered Emergency Service Personnel and must be able to report to work during emergencies and on holidays.

Minimum qualifications include graduation from high school or possession of a GED issued by a state department of education. A valid driver’s license is required. Employees must obtain required certifications within specified timeframes, including Virginia Animal Control Officer Basic Training within 12 months; Virginia Humane Euthanasia and Chemical Capture Competency Certifications within six months; Fear Free Shelter Certification within three months; long rifle firearms proficiency within six months; and AED, CPR, First Aid, and Virginia Crime Information Network certifications within six months. Required certifications must be maintained through periodic recertification.

Employees must complete a criminal background check, driving record check, psychological examination, and pre-employment medical evaluation to the satisfaction of the employer. A current pre-exposure rabies vaccination is required or must be obtained within three months of hire.

Preferred qualifications include a general interest in animal welfare, animal sheltering, and public service, along with two years of experience in animal handling or animal care, preferably in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, or public-facing work such as community outreach or criminal justice.

The position requires the ability to work effectively in emotionally charged and stressful situations and to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases, viruses, chemicals, noxious fumes, allergens, wetness, moisture, and loud animal noises. ASOs must be able to safely capture, impound, lift, carry, restrain, handle, and transport animals of various species, sizes, conditions, and temperaments, including dangerous animals weighing more than 100 pounds. The role requires frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, crawling, climbing, running, reaching, grasping, and other physically demanding activities across varied terrain and facilities. Employees must be able to communicate effectively with residents, businesses, visitors, staff, and volunteers, deliver presentations, testify in person or virtually, and manage criticism or hostility from the public with tact, professionalism, and sound judgment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided on a case-by-case basis.