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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Candidates who do not possess a NACA I certification or have less than one year of experience must begin as an Animal Control Officer Trainee* For full-time employees: The City of Rochester offers a ...

New

Animal Control Officer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Candidates who do not possess a NACA I certification or have less than one year of experience must begin as an Animal Control Officer Trainee* For full-time employees: The City of Rochester offers a ...

Animal Control Officer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Candidates who do not possess a NACA I certification or have less than one year of experience must begin as an Animal Control Officer Trainee* For full-time employees: The City of Rochester offers a ...

New

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

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Animal Control Officer Trainee information

See salary details

$28.5K

$47.9K

$70.5K

How much do animal control officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer trainee 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 get into animal control officer trainee?

Getting into an animal control officer trainee position typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and sometimes a background check. Relevant skills include good communication, physical fitness, and knowledge of animal handling; some agencies may also require or prefer certification in animal control or related fields. Competition can vary based on location and available openings, but meeting basic requirements is usually straightforward for qualified candidates.

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

AspectAnimal Control Officer TraineeAnimal Control Officer
Required CertificationsBasic animal handling and safety training, sometimes state-specific certificationsSame as trainee, plus experience and additional certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused, fieldwork with animals and public interactionsIndependent fieldwork, enforcement, and animal rescue activities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in animal control departments, shelters, or municipal agenciesFull-time role with more responsibilities, often after completing trainee period

Animal Control Officer Trainee is an entry-level position designed to provide training and experience, while Animal Control Officer is a fully qualified role with greater responsibilities. Trainees typically work under supervision, gaining skills needed for the officer position. Both roles are essential in animal control services, with the trainee position serving as a stepping stone to becoming an officer.

What is an animal control officer trainee?

Animal Control Officer Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn how to enforce animal-related laws and regulations, respond to animal emergencies, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. They work under the supervision of experienced officers to gain hands-on experience with animal handling, investigation, and safety procedures. Their training prepares them for a full Animal Control Officer role, where they will protect both the community and animals from harm or neglect.

What are common challenges faced by animal control officer trainees during training?

Animal Control Officer Trainees often encounter challenges such as becoming comfortable handling a wide variety of animals, some of which may be aggressive or frightened. Trainees must quickly learn local animal control laws, safe capture techniques, and proper use of equipment. Additionally, adapting to emotionally charged situations, like dealing with distressed pet owners or cases of animal cruelty, can be demanding. However, trainees are typically supported by experienced officers and receive on-the-job training to help them build confidence and competence in the field.

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

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer Trainee, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, safety procedures, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, incident reporting systems, and sometimes completion of relevant training or certification programs is beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help in interacting with the public and handling stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety, humane animal treatment, and effective enforcement of animal regulations.

What cities are hiring for Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs?

The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,913 per year, or $23 per hour.

Animal Control Officer Trainee / Animal Control Officer

City of Rochester, New York

Rochester, NY • On-site

$49K - $52K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Animal Control Officer Trainee / Animal Control Officer

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofrochester/jobs/newprint/5425686)

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Animal Control Officer Trainee / Animal Control Officer

Salary

$49,141.00 - $52,421.00 Annually

Location

Rochester, NY

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26DM410DRA18

Department

Department of Recreation & Human Services

Bureau

Commissioner' Office

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

  • Description

  • Benefits

General Description

This employee performs duties in the capture, admission, and care of animals as well as community outreach and the enforcement of City ordinances governing animals in the City of Rochester. Supervision is received from higher-level Animal Services personnel and the Assistant Director for Animal Control. Related duties are performed as required. Most of the work involves dogs but also includes other domestic animals and wildlife

Under the NY HELPS Program, the Civil Service Exam for this title has been waived. For additional information regarding the NY HELPS Program, please visit: https://www.cs.ny.gov/help/faq.cfm

Typical Work Activities

  • Responds to calls for service involving stray, injured, or threatening animals (mostly canines but includes other domestic animals and wildlife);

  • Captures and transports animals to the animal shelter for care and treatment;

  • Safely operates a vehicle to transport animals, pick up and deliver supplies, and conduct community outreach;

  • Assists the public with animal-related concerns;

  • Issues citations and warnings to animal owners in violation of City ordinances;

  • Investigates constituent complaints of animal-related incidents and activity;

  • Refers suspected animal cruelty or neglect situations to appropriate personnel;

  • Shares information with pet owners to support the appropriate care and maintenance of their pets;

  • Writes routine reports and completes written and electronic forms, working within the records management database;

  • Administers vaccines and treatments upon intake;

  • Assists with euthanasia of animals, as needed;

  • Patrols city neighborhoods to enforce City animal ordinances and perform proactive outreach and pet owner assistance;

  • Collaborates with sworn City personnel when requested;

  • Assists in the development of new Animal Control Officers;

  • Maintains interior and exterior of the facility for the safety of employees and the public as requested by supervisory personnel;

  • Attends training deemed necessary by management;

  • Testifies in court, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Animal Control Officer Trainee:

High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS six (6) months of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver’s license at the time of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification within one (1) year of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within one (1) year of appointment;

  • All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

Animal Control Officer:

High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS one (1) year of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver’s license at the time of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification at the time of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association II (NACA II) certification within two (2) years of appointment;

  • Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within six (6) months of appointment;

  • All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

  • Candidates who do not possess a NACA I certification or have less than one year of experience must begin as an Animal Control Officer Trainee*

For full-time employees:

The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:

The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.

Employer

City of Rochester (NY)

Address

30 Church Street Room 103A Rochester, New York, 14614

Phone

585-428-7115

Website

http://www.cityofrochester.gov

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