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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care and Control Officer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$46K - $59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Developmental level in animal control ,requiring working knowledge of Ohio law and county-wide animal control ordinances governing the control, licensing, and humane treatment of animals, compliance ...

Animal Care and Control Officer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$46K - $59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Developmental level in animal control ,requiring working knowledge of Ohio law and county-wide animal control ordinances governing the control, licensing, and humane treatment of animals, compliance ...

Dispatcher

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$16.83/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will also connect our Animal Control Officers to the shelter and alert them of all calls. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and ...

Dispatcher

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$16.83/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will also connect our Animal Control Officers to the shelter and alert them of all calls. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and ...

Administrative Support Associate

Dayton, OH · On-site

$16.31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Serves as the primary contact for Animal Control Officers in the field, communicating mission, location and status by radio dispatch while maintaining the officer log and close contact with ...

Call Center Coordinator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$20.19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is essential in managing the flow of information between the community, shelter staff, and Animal Control Officers, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries, complaints, and ...

Call Center Coordinator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$20.19/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is essential in managing the flow of information between the community, shelter staff, and Animal Control Officers, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries, complaints, and ...

Call Center Coordinator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is essential in managing the flow of information between the community, shelter staff, and Animal Control Officers, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries, complaints, and ...

  • Retirement

We put our people first and fight cruel practices like animal testing, promote regeneration, and ... to control staffing levels and stock to meet customer needs. * Maintaining a beautiful store and ...

IMG Clinical Experience Trainee

Marysville, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... control of a physician and possesses the International Medical Graduates Clinical Experience ... The IMG Clinical Experience Trainee works closely with the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director ...

Auxiliary Patrol Officer

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

... and animal prohibitions. Auxiliary Patrol Officer shall be committed to the mission, vision and ... Traffic control * Bicycle registration * Vehicle lockouts * Fingerprinting (civilian and criminal)

Auxiliary Patrol Officer

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

... and animal prohibitions. Auxiliary Patrol Officer shall be committed to the mission, vision and ... Traffic control * Bicycle registration * Vehicle lockouts * Fingerprinting (civilian and criminal)

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Showing results 1-20

Animal Control Officer Trainee information

See Ohio salary details

$27.1K

$45.6K

$67K

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 Ohio is $45,551.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $51,300.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,551 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Animal Care and Control Officer

Montgomery County

Dayton, OH

$46K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Overview Ensures the health and safety of Montgomery County through extensive use of investigative, problem solving, prevention, and mitigation strategies to keep pets and people together. Developmental level in animal control ,requiring working knowledge of Ohio law and county-wide animal control ordinances governing the control, licensing, and humane treatment of animals, compliance investigation, case review, court preparation and hearings, understanding and interpreting animal body language, expertise regarding safe animal handling, animal restraint and animal care techniques animal behavior and animal control regulations; under general supervision, responds to citizen requests and patrols assigned area of County for the purpose of improving responsible dog ownership, assisting dog owners, and enforcing Ohio law regarding the control and licensing of dogs. Summary of Job Duties Demonstrates working knowledge and familiarity with pet retention, rehoming, behavioral training, veterinary care, and other resources to connect pets in need; requires effective use of judgement to make sound and safe decisions; patrols assigned area of the County, seizes and impounds all dogs not confined or under reasonable control of owner; aims to return pets found in the field to their owners by tracing identification tags, contacting potential leads, and canvassing the area the dog was found; conducts periodic checks for valid dog licenses, issues citations and required licenses to persons found in violation of relevant laws concerning control and registration of dogs.

Engages with Montgomery County residents, partners and stakeholders by gathering information, assessing the situation, and providing the appropriate service(s). Responds to concerns regarding strays, hostile dogs, injured or sick animals; takes required actions to impound, save, or humanely destroy animals as appropriate to circumstances involved; sets live traps to capture problem dogs, investigates dog bites, and issues nuisance, dangerous and vicious dog designations. Remains empathetic and non-judgmental in all interactions with community members and partners and uses de-escalation techniques and persuasive communication to assist pet owners with their pets.

Completes forms and prepares reports of actions taken for purposes of documentation, legal requirements, statistical records, or as dictated by policy. Appears in court when necessary to give testimony in the prosecution of cases involving animal control. Performs record searches, enters information into Shelter's computer database to issue citations, dog licenses, capture canine behavioral observations, pet reunification efforts, animal health concerns, and other processes within acceptable time frame/restrictions.

As shift assignment dictates, receives animals, performs dispatching, answers questions from public regarding legal requirements, dog control and effective methods of pet care. Cleans and provides routine care of equipment and vehicle(s) used to perform duties. Assists in animal care or other related duties.

(Performs Related Duties as Assigned and/or required) Minimum Qualifications and Requirements Equivalent to high school diploma/GED and six (6) months experience caring for or handling animals and working with the public; OR alternative equivalent evidence of the Minimum Class Requirements. Supplemental Information Driving Requirement: Must maintain a current, valid United States driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Training and Development: Must obtain Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) certification and ASP Baton certification within six (6) months of hire date.

All required certifications are provided and paid for by ARC. Must maintain certification and licensure.