Animal Shelter

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays. Please note: We take our last adoption application 30 minutes before closing.
8875 Lorton Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Reasa Currier
Director

Department Resources

Fairfax County Animal Services - Field Services Division Recruitment

Animal Services Officer Recruitment

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a meaningful impact in our community? Join our team as an Animal Services Officer (ASO) in the newly created Field Services Division of Fairfax County Animal Services! 

About Us: 

With a population of 1.2 million people, our community is rich with companion animals, livestock, and diverse wildlife, making every day as an ASO both challenging and rewarding. Fairfax County Animal Services is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and residents in Fairfax County. With two shelter campuses, we care for 4,000–5,000 animals annually and maintain a consistent live release rate of over 90%. 

What is an Animal Services Officer?  

Animal Services Officers are responsible for enforcing the animal control laws and regulations in Fairfax County. Their duties include ensuring the care, treatment, and control of animals by issuing warnings and citations, investigating cases of animal cruelty and neglect, and managing animal bites. They also enforce rabies control and quarantine regulations, assist other County agencies, and impound stray or dangerous animals.  

In addition to these tasks, ASOs handle neighborhood complaints, rescue injured pets and wildlife, and educate the community about humane animal treatment and how to co-exist with wildlife. 

 

Scroll down to view the FAQs for more information!

A smiling family of four sits on a bench in the tree-dappled sunshine. They have just been reunited with their beloved dog. Everyone, including their dog, is overjoyed!

Animal Services Officer FAQs

Job Title Education Requirement* Experience Requirement*
Animal Services Officer (Animal Control Officer I)  High school graduation or a G.E.D. issued by a state department of education.  Graduation from high school or a G.E.D. issued by a state department of education.
Lead Animal Services Officer (Animal Control Officer II)  Associate’s degree in animal science, veterinary science, zoology, wildlife management, or law enforcement.  Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in a related field; plus, one (1) year of relevant experience.
Field Services Supervisor (Animal Control Officer III)  Associate’s degree in animal science, veterinary science, zoology, wildlife management, or law enforcement.  Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in a related field; plus, three (3) years of relevant experience, including at least one (1) year in a team lead or supervisory role. 
Field Services Manager (Animal Control Officer IV)  Bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary science, zoology, wildlife management, or law enforcement. Graduation from an accredited college or university with bachelor’s degree in a related field; plus, two (2) years of supervisory experience in a related field.

 

*For detailed equivalencies of education, training, and experience, click here.

For specifics on required certifications, physical requirements, and other special requirements please see the job advertisement, here. (Note: The link will only display Animal Services Officer job advertisements if there are current vacancies.)

The salary offer will be in the minimum to midpoint of the advertised compensation range, based on your relevant experience for the position in which you apply. All relevant factors are considered as it pertains to the position, such as: 

  • Relevant Education
  • Relevant Experience
  • Industry Recognized Certifications
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
  • Internal Alignment
  • Budgetary/Funding Consideration
Position Title (Class Specification Title) Grade Minimum Salary Midpoint Salary
Animal Services Officer (Animal Control Officer I)  S-20 $55,789.55 $74,386.00
Lead Animal Services Officer (Animal Control Officer II)  S-22 $61,257.25 $81,676.61
Field Services Supervisor (Animal Control Officer III)  S-25 $70,711.25 $94,281.20
Field Services Manager (Animal Control Officer IV)  S-26 $73,994.34 $98,658.77

 

Promotional rules apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees. 

Eligible employees certified as using a second language in their job (35% or more of their worktime) may receive a foreign language stipend in the amount of $1,300 annually where scheduled work time is more than 20 hours per week ($650 annually when scheduled work time is 20 hours or less per week).  

Fairfax County Government is committed to providing employees and their families with programs, tools, and resources to support healthy, balanced lives. In addition to competitive pay, benefits play a key role in an employee's Total Rewards compensation package. Fairfax County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a selection of medical plans that cover prescription drugs, behavioral health, vision care, as well as optional dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, pre-tax savings plans, and more. As an Animal Services Officer, you will be eligible for the following benefits:  

Benefit Option Notes
Retirement Plans

The Fairfax County Government Retirement System is a defined benefit (pension) which was established to help provide employees with a continued financial benefit at retirement. Contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis and this program can provide you with a monthly payment. The ultimate benefit is based on your final average salary and your years of service with the county. By joining Animal Services as a merit employee, you will be eligible for the Employees' Retirement System. Employees must have five years of service to be vested in this program. For additional information, please visit the Employees' Retirement System site.

In addition to the County’s Employees Retirement System, the county also offers a Deferred Compensation or 457(b) plan managed by T. Rowe Price to maximize retirement savings and future financial wellbeing with this benefit. 
Medical Insurance

Available plans to choose from:
Fairfax County Public Safety Wellness Center

As an Animal Services employee, you have access to the Public Safety Wellness Center’s range of services to promote overall wellbeing and resiliency. All services are free: 

  • Therapy 

  • Crisis Intervention 

  • Wellness Checks 

  • Psychoeducation 

  • Specialty Services: AcuDetox, Substance Use & Trauma-Informed Care 

  • Additional Resources: Peer Support Teams & Chaplain Services 
Vision Care Program with EyeMed

The Vision Care Program is bundled with medical plan enrollment. Enrollment in a county-sponsored medical plan is required. This benefit cannot be elected separately; premiums for this coverage are combined with the medical plan premium. 
Dental Plan with Delta Dental of Virginia This is stand alone and can be elected with, or without, enrollment in any other offered benefit.  
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Enrollment in the Cigna MyChoice CDHP Plan is required to participate. 
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) managed by TASC Three options available: Traditional Healthcare FSA, Limited Purpose FSA, Dependent Care FSA. New annual contribution election required each year to maintain enrollment. Annual contribution elections do not roll-over. 
Leave Programs We recognize that employees need time away from work to attend to health or personal matters and as a result, various leave programs are available to employees based on their employment status.  
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The EAP is a support program designed to assist in resolving personal issues and concerns for all employees, no matter their status, and their household members. 
LiveWell LiveWell is the county’s wellbeing program and offers a variety of programming including workshops, webinars, special events, screenings, and health fairs along with the MotivateMe Incentive Rewards program and the Employee Fitness & Wellness Center. 
Optional Life Insurance with The Standard

Eligible employees may elect Optional Life Insurance with (AD&D), with an additional benefit valued at one, two, three or four times an employee’s annual salary. 

This benefit, up to two times an employee's annual salary, is guaranteed issue if elected within the initial 30-calendar day eligibility window. 
Basic Group Term Life Insurance with The Standard Benefit provides Basic Term Life Insurance with Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) equal to one-times annual salary 
Dependent Life Insurance with The Standard

Additional coverage is available for spouses and dependent children under this program. Three levels of coverage available. 

This benefit is guaranteed issue if elected within the initial 30-calendar day eligibility window. 
Long Term Disability Insurance with The Standard The benefit for an approved, qualified disability is income replacement of 60% of your monthly salary, up to $5,000, in the event you are out of work more than 60 days due to an injury or extended illness. 

 

You can access additional information regarding benefits here. 

Animal Services Officers have opportunities for growth within the Field Services Division, with potential to advance into various supervision and non-supervision leadership roles.  

If you’re passionate about animal welfare but don’t meet the qualifications yet, consider exploring other paid and volunteer positions at the shelter to gain valuable experience and build your skills. 

Animal Services Officers are considered essential Emergency Service Personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster). Fairfax County Animal Services responds to calls for service 24/7, so you must be able to work early mornings, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays. 

In May 2024, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal submitted by the County to consolidate animal care and control services under the Department of Animal Services. As part of this restructure, the newly created Animal Services Officers now report to the Field Services Division within Fairfax County Animal Services. Click here to learn more about how this process developed.

  • Initial Application 

  • Interview  

  • Criminal Background Investigation 

  • Driving Record Check 

  • Physical Examination 

  • Psychological Examination 

Complete your application here. 

(Note: The link will only display Animal Services Officer job advertisements if there are current vacancies.)

For any questions regarding the Animal Services Officer positions, please reach out to:

FieldServicesRecruitment@fairfaxcounty.gov 

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