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Animal Control Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calvert County

Animal Control Officer

Prince Frederick, MD · On-site

$26.54 - $28.41/hr

Animal Control Officers respond to a wide range of calls involving stray, injured, dangerous, or ... Writes investigative reports and enters data into database. Verifies and follows-up on cases to ...

City of Auburn, WA

Animal Control Officer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$77K - $92K/yr

Some primary duties of APD's Animal Control Officers include: * Enforcing civil codes and ... You will investigate these reports of animal cruelty and vicious animals by interviewing ...

Clay County Board of County Commissioners

$20.41 - $23.88/hr

This position is responsible for investigating animal cruelty and neglect charges and performing ... Must become certified as an Animal Control Officer within one year of employment. * Must complete ...

City of Auburn

Animal Control Officer

Auburn, WA

$77K - $92K/yr

You will investigate these reports of animal cruelty and vicious animals by interviewing ... Have graduated from the state-certified Animal Control Officer Academy(or equivalent) If not ...

Santa Fe County

Animal Control Officer

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$42K - $48K/yr

Primary Purpose Enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances ... Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques. Skill in training and instruction. Skill in the ...

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Animal Control Investigator information

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How much do animal control investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal control investigator in the United States is $22.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal control investigator do?

An Animal Control Investigator is responsible for enforcing laws and ordinances related to the care, control, and licensing of animals within a community. Their duties include investigating reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and dangerous animals, as well as capturing stray or aggressive animals. They also educate the public about responsible pet ownership and may testify in court regarding animal-related cases. The goal is to ensure public safety and promote the humane treatment of animals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal control investigator?

To thrive as an Animal Control Investigator, you need knowledge of animal behavior, relevant laws, and investigative procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and sometimes specialized training or certification in animal control. Familiarity with case management software, evidence collection tools, and radio communication systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective enforcement of animal welfare laws, community safety, and humane treatment of animals.

What are common challenges faced by animal control investigators in the field?

Animal Control Investigators often encounter challenging situations, such as dealing with aggressive animals, emotionally charged interactions with pet owners, and navigating complex legal requirements for animal welfare cases. They must be prepared to handle emergencies, collect evidence for investigations, and work closely with law enforcement, veterinarians, and local agencies. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and resilience are crucial for managing the unpredictable nature of the job while ensuring the safety of both the animals and the community.

What is the difference between Animal Control Investigator vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal Control InvestigatorAnimal Control Officer
CredentialsMay require animal control certification, law enforcement background often preferredTypically requires animal control certification or training, sometimes law enforcement or public safety background
Work EnvironmentInvestigates animal cruelty, abuse cases, and reports; may work in offices or in the fieldHandles animal rescue, containment, and public interactions; primarily fieldwork
Employer & IndustryMunicipal animal control agencies, law enforcement partnershipsAnimal shelters, municipal agencies, animal rescue organizations

Animal Control Investigators focus on investigating animal cruelty and abuse cases, often requiring law enforcement knowledge, while Animal Control Officers primarily handle animal rescue, containment, and public safety. Both roles are essential in animal welfare and often work together within municipal agencies.

What states have the most Animal Control Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Control Investigator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Investigator jobs?

For Animal Control Investigator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Control Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,503 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Winder, GA • On-site

Barrow County, GA
See more jobs at Barrow County, GAexternal

$49K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary : $49,659.41 - $79,456.29 Annually
Location : Barrow County, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 00384
Department: Animal Control
Division: Animal Control - Field Officer
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
This position is responsible for the enforcement of local and state laws concerning the care and treatment of animals. This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace.
MAJOR DUTIES
  • Assists with biting animals and rabies control.
  • Handles priority calls of situations involving investigations of animal bites and potential rabies exposures, animals that are sick or injured, aggressive animals, and assistance to other agencies.
  • Handles non-priority calls including impounding stray and abandoned animals, setting traps to capture animals, investigating cruelty/neglect complaints, property damage and noise complaints caused by animals, and dead animal disposal.
  • Provides agency assistance.
  • Remains on call for emergencies during nonbusiness hours.
  • Formulates reports for every incident responded to.
  • Conducts investigations, follow ups to citations served, cruelty/neglect complaints, animal bite issues, and property damage complaints.
  • Prepares court testimonies.
  • Performs euthanasia at the shelter.
  • Conducts public education initiatives and special events.
  • Performs shelter maintenance duties such as daily feeding, cleaning, vaccinations, medications, and taking animals to the veterinarian as needed.
  • Assists with adoptions.
  • Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
  • Knowledge of SendSS (State of Georgia Animal Bite Reporting Portal).
  • Knowledge of animal behavior, state and county law pertaining to animals, and humane euthanasia.
  • Knowledge of investigation techniques.
  • Knowledge of species and breed identification, basic animal husbandry, chemical capture technique, and safe handling of wildlife.
  • Skill in interpersonal communications.
  • Skill in basic computer operations.
  • Skill in report writing.
  • Skill in proper use of Catchpole and Bitestick.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent;
  • Two (2) years of related work experience;
  • Euthanasia Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and within two attempts; and
  • Valid State of Georgia Driver's License.

Click link for information regarding Barrow County Board of Commissioner's Employee Benefits:

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