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Animal Control Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

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Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

Animal Control Officer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$33.74 - $41.01/hr

Animal Control Officer Print ( Apply  Animal Control Officer Salary $33.74 - $41.01 Hourly Location Animal Control, 212 - 17th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN Job Type Full-time Job Number 2026 ...

Full-Time Animal Control Officer Position Summary Floyd County is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to enforce state and local animal control laws, protect public health and ...

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

New

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

Animal Control Officer The Animal Control Officer performs a variety of field and shelter duties related to the enforcement of animal control laws, protection of public safety, and promotion of ...

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX · On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Animal Control Officers work to protect the health and safety of the community while ensuring the humane handling and care of animals in accordance with state law, local ordinances, and accepted ...

Summary/Objective The Animal Control Officer performs a variety of field and shelter duties related to the enforcement of animal control laws, protection of public safety, and promotion of ...

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER PAY GRADE: 108 - $ 30,998.00 minimum salary SECTION I- SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and Animal Shelter Supervisor or designee, the Animal ...

Animal Control Officer

Salina, KS · On-site

$43K - $46K/yr

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER City of Salina, Kansas Parks & Recreation / Animal Services The Animal Control Officer role offers meaningful, hands-on work for individuals seeking a long-term municipal ...

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER PAY GRADE: 108 - $ 30,998.00 minimum salary SECTION I- SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and Animal Shelter Supervisor or designee, the Animal ...

A Humane Officer (also referred to as an Animal Control Officer) is under the general supervision of the Shelter Manager who operates the City's animal shelter and is responsible for the enforcement ...

The Animal Control Officer performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of City and State animal control ordinances and laws. Essential Job Functions An employee in this ...

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Animal Control Officer information

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$28.5K

$47.9K

$70.5K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in the United States is $47,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to work for animal control?

Working as an animal control officer can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging due to exposure to distressed animals, unpredictable situations, and sometimes hazardous environments. The job requires good communication skills, physical fitness, and often involves working irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Control Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, local laws, and public safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes animal capture or tranquilizing tools is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help build trust with the public and efficiently manage stressful situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring community safety, humane animal treatment, and effective enforcement of animal-related regulations.

What is the highest paying job in the animal industry?

In the animal industry, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons or zoo directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they typically offer higher compensation compared to entry-level animal control or shelter jobs.

What are some common challenges Animal Control Officers face in the field?

Animal Control Officers often encounter challenging situations such as handling aggressive or frightened animals, dealing with emotionally charged interactions with pet owners, and responding to emergency calls at irregular hours. They must also navigate local laws and regulations while ensuring public safety and animal welfare. Strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What Do Animal Control Officers Do?

As an animal control officer, your job duties include dealing with dangerous wildlife and capturing stray pets and abandoned animals. You may also work on the investigation of animal abuse cases. When on duty, you may patrol a community or wait for a dispatcher to deploy you to deal with an escaped pet, potentially dangerous wildlife, or stray animal. Your responsibilities also include providing care and treatment for injured animals, both wild and domestic. You may work “on call,” meaning that you may be called to provide service at any time of day or night.

What do I need to work for animal control?

To work as an animal control officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. Some positions require certification in animal handling or related training, and physical fitness is important due to the nature of the work. Prior experience with animals or law enforcement can be beneficial.

What are Animal Control Officers?

Animal Control Officers are public safety professionals responsible for enforcing laws related to the care and control of animals. They investigate cases of animal cruelty, rescue animals in distress, and manage issues such as stray animals or dangerous pets. These officers often educate the community about responsible pet ownership and may work for local government agencies or animal shelters. Their role helps ensure the safety of both the public and animals in their community.

What is the difference between Animal Control Officer vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Control OfficerAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, sometimes animal control certificationHigh school diploma, animal care training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor and community settingsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, government agenciesAnimal shelters, rescue organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for animal handling and enforcement rolesCompared for animal care and shelter management roles

Animal Control Officers primarily handle wildlife and stray animals in the community, enforcing local laws, while Animal Shelter Workers focus on caring for animals within shelter facilities. Both roles require animal handling skills, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Animal Control Officers typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or advanced certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles such as commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which rely on skills, licenses, or performance rather than formal education. These positions may require on-the-job training, licensing, or significant experience to achieve such earnings.
What cities are hiring for Animal Control Officer jobs? Cities with the most Animal Control Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs? The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Control Officer jobs? The top employers for Animal Control Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Control Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Control Officer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Officer jobs? For Animal Control Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,913 per year, or $23 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

GovernmentJobs.com

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Animal Control Officer

The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing State Laws, and City Ordinances for the City of Minneapolis safeguarding life, health, property and livability for residents and stakeholders. This position protects the public health and safety of the residents of Minneapolis by ensuring that all animal laws are appropriately applied in a safe, equitable and uniformed manner.

Animal Control Officers help keep people and animals safe in Minneapolis. They work out of Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC), a full-service animal shelter that helps thousands of pets find new homes each year. Animal control officers conduct investigations, respond to calls for service and enforce applicable laws.

Animal Control Officers are dispatched calls through the 311 and 911 call centers. Examples of calls for service are: animal bites, aggressive animal complaints, at large dogs, animal welfare checks, sick and/or injured wildlife, cruelty and neglect cases, animal permit inspections, assist with executing search warrants with Minneapolis Police Department, provide courtroom testimony and more. Officers participate in community engagement by attending public events and visiting schools to educate Minneapolis residents about their work, the City's animal ordinances and how to be safe around animals.

Animal Control Officers receive full departmental training, as well as continuing education and professional development in areas including investigations, animal cruelty, and field training. Animal Control Officers spend 90% of their time in the field, working independently out in the community. The provided City vehicles are fully equipped with necessary technology. The work MACC does is strongly supported by the community and elected officials, and Animal Control Officers have robust cross-departmental interaction and cooperation. All Animal Control Officers support the core values of MACC, including personal and professional excellence, accountability to the community, integrity to foster community trust, and respect for human and animal life and safety.

Work Location: This position currently works on-site only.

This position requires flexibility to work various shifts, including workdays, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call.