JOB POSTING
What You'll Be Doing
The primary responsibility of the Animal Control Officer is to respond to animal related calls and complaints and perform duties in compliance with all local ordinances and State Statutes.
Key Responsibilities of an Animal Control Officer:
- All tasks related to the care, control, and licensing of animals within Wake County
- Answer/respond to calls and complaints
- Conduct investigations of abuse, cruelty, neglect animal bites, and dangerous dogs
- Educate and assist the public with animal related concerns
- Collect evidence and write detailed reports
- Set traps for dogs and cats
- Pull on call for afterhours emergency calls
- Work with other county and local law enforcement agencies
- Complete all assigned training and required certifications to ensure compliance, safety, animal welfare, and animal control standards are met
- Prepare cases for criminal and civil court and testify as needed
About Our Team
Wake County Animal Control is part of Wake County Animal Services and The Wake County Animal Center team. The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. We work to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year through adoption, our foster program, volunteer program, transfer program and other community partners. Wake County Animal Control works closely with the Wake County Animal Center staff, including the Veterinary and Animal Health Care teams. The Animal Control department strives to serve the community with professional solutions to animal related concerns. Wake County Animal Control works closely with the Wake County Animal Center staff, including the Veterinary and Animal Health Care teams. The Animal Control department strives to serve the community with professional solutions to animal related concerns.
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.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- 3 or more years in the Animal Control or equivalent field
- Knowledge and use of “CAD” system
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Bachelor’s degree
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- 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
About This Position
Location: Wake County Animal Control Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Four 10hour shifts during the Sunday through Saturday workweek, to include one weekend day
Hiring Range: $26.44 - $35.23
Market Range: 26.44 - 35.23
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 5:00 pm on 10/22/2026
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. 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. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 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.