What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer position at Wake County?
What You'll Be Doing
Join Our Team as an Animal Control Officer!
Wake County Animal Control is currently accepting applications for our Animal Control Officer.
Primary Duties
About
About Our Team
The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County Government. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. We work in partnership with fosters, volunteers and local rescues, to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year. Animal Control’s primary mission is to protect the public health by enforcing State Rabies Laws. Animal Control is also involved in investigating animal cruelty, running loose and nuisance animals as well as animal bites and dangerous dogs. We are responsible for the unincorporated areas of Wake County, Apex, Morrisville, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, Wake Forest and Rolesville.
Required
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
Location: Wake County Animal Control Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: 4, 10 hour days with one weekend day
Hiring Range: 25.79 - 30.08
Market Range: 25.79 - 34.37
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 4/24/2026
What Makes Wake Great Equal Opportunity Statement Background Check Statement Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
Join Our Team as an Animal Control Officer!
Wake County Animal Control is currently accepting applications for our Animal Control Officer.
Primary Duties
- Perform public safety work in the enforcement of animal control ordinances
- Answer compliant calls and patrol areas of the County to humanely capture and impound animals
- Issue warnings or citations to violators of animal control laws
- Verify ownership and health records on impound animals
- Perform euthanasia of unwanted, injured or sick animals as required
About
About Our Team
The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County Government. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. We work in partnership with fosters, volunteers and local rescues, to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year. Animal Control’s primary mission is to protect the public health by enforcing State Rabies Laws. Animal Control is also involved in investigating animal cruelty, running loose and nuisance animals as well as animal bites and dangerous dogs. We are responsible for the unincorporated areas of Wake County, Apex, Morrisville, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, Wake Forest and Rolesville.
Required
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- High school diploma or GED
- One year of experience in animal control or veterinary-related work
- Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
- Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) - must pass test/exam within 6 months of employment
- Certified Rabies Vaccinator (CRV) - must pass test/exam within 6 months of employment
- Additional licensing requirements may be needed dependent on position
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
- 3 or more years in the Animal Control or equivalent field
- Experience with or knowledge and use of "CAD" systems
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Bachelor’s degree
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
- Knowledge of proper animal handling techniques
- Knowledge of state laws as they pertain to animal control violations
- Ability to investigate complaints
- Ability to capture and control animals
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Location: Wake County Animal Control Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: 4, 10 hour days with one weekend day
Hiring Range: 25.79 - 30.08
Market Range: 25.79 - 34.37
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 4/24/2026
What Makes Wake Great Equal Opportunity Statement Background Check Statement Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.