Animal Control is part of the Virginia Beach Police Department which follows a paramilitary command structure.  The mission of the Virginia Beach Animal Control Unit is to balance the health, safety and welfare needs of the people and animals in our city.  Through our mission, we will educate the public about responsible companion animal ownership, aggressively investigate animal cruelty cases, provide compassion and humane care for unwanted, stray, abused and abandoned animals in our city, give adoptable animals a second chance at a forever home, and humanely euthanize animals when necessary and appropriate. 

The Animal Enforcement Unit responds to animal-related calls for service seven days a week, 365 days a year. The hours of operation vary related to staffing numbers and are broken into day and evening shifts. While regular shifts are assigned semi-annually based on seniority, it is important to recognize that shift assignments are subject to change to meet coverage requirements. It may take several years to gain enough seniority to have an opportunity to move to the desired shift and/or have a traditional weekend as your days off. During busy periods, breaks may be limited, erratic or nonexistent.

In specific situations, ACOs are required to euthanize animals, to include even healthy cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, and wildlife for any number of reasons.  It is recognized that this is an unpleasant experience, and every avenue is explored to minimize these occurrences.  This responsibility is not taken lightly and can weigh heavily on an ACO's emotions; however, it is a requirement of the position and a common practice with the Animal Control field. 

The duties of an Animal Control Officer include:

•           Performing a variety of assignments in the enforcement of state domestic animal laws and municipal animal control ordinances.
•           Issuing summonses or secure warrants to persons whose animals are in violation of animal ordinances, investigating both misdemeanor and felony animal related crimes.
•           Investigating animal exposure reports.
•           Removing deceased animals from a variety of places.
•           Euthanizing severely injured animals and animals suspected of carrying rabies.
•           Preparing animals for laboratory testing; and
•           Maintaining records of all impounded animals.  

There is a career progression opportunity built into this position.  As the employee learns the specific job duties and demonstrates proficiency in mastering these tasks, he/she will be advanced to the Animal Control Officer II level (10% pay increase).  This non-competitive career progression would occur after the employee has demonstrated full competency in performing the job duties (typically after 36 months).  The next level available is Animal Control Supervisor which would require a competitive selection process when a vacancy becomes available.

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave. holidays and paid leave. 

Disqualifiers: 

The following is a list of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please consider these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

 Criminal History:  Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals).  Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

 Traffic Violations:  Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years. 

Drugs:  Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult.   Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years.  Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months. Illegal possession of marijuana or a derivative thereof within the last 12 months.