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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Animal Control Officer

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Control Officer Who we are: Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small ...

City of Rialto, CA

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

Animal Control Officer To perform routine duties in support of the City's animal control services and operations; to provide assistance in enforcing City, County and State laws governing the care and ...

City of Rialto, CA

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly : $26.82 - $35.95 *Listed amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for each position. Essential ...

City of Rialto

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA

$26.82 - $35.95/hr

Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly: $26.82 - $35.95 *Listed amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for each position. Essential Duties ...

City of Fontana

Animal Services Officer I

Fontana, CA

$4.6K - $5.6K/mo

The Animal Services Officer (ASO) is another "face of the Fontana Police Department." This is a ... Handle, capture and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency ...

City of Fontana

Animal Services Officer I

Fontana, CA · On-site

The Animal Services Officer (ASO) is another "face of the Fontana Police Department." This is a ... Handle, capture and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency ...

City of Fontana, CA

Animal Services Officer I

Fontana, CA · On-site

$4.6K - $5.6K/mo

The Animal Services Officer (ASO) is another "face of the Fontana Police Department." This is a ... Handle, capture and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency ...

City of Ontario

Animal Services Officer

Ontario, CA

$66K - $82K/yr

Drives a radio/computer-dispatched animal control vehicle to respond to reports of animal law ... Officer Standards and Training (POST) Course, Penal Code 832 Laws of Arrest, within six (6) months ...

City of Ontario, CA

Animal Services Officer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$66K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ARCIE The Position Animal Services Officer Annual Salary Range: $66,950-82,400 Placement within ... Drives a radio/computer-dispatched animal control vehicle to respond to reports of animal law ...

City of Fontana

Police Officer Trainee

Fontana, CA · On-site

The Police Officer classification requires the possession of a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate and ... animal complaints, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, and related incidents ...

City of Fontana

Police Officer Trainee

Fontana, CA

$7.4K/mo

The Police Officer classification requires the possession of a P.O.S.T Basic Certificate and ... animal complaints, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, and related incidents ...

City of Fontana, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Fontana, CA · On-site

$7.4K/mo

The Police Officer classification requires the possession of a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate and ... animal complaints, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, and related incidents ...

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All JobsAnimal Control Officer JobsAnimal Control Officer Trainee JobsAnimal Control Officer Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Animal Control Officer Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$50K

$73.6K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer trainee in Riverside, CA is $49,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $56,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings:

Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,986 per year, or $24 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Who we’re looking for:
Animal Control Officer
Who we are:
Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small parts of Riverside County. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing top-quality animal welfare and animal control services for our client cities. If you are looking for a way to make a difference and not just a job, AFV is exactly what you’re looking for!
Summary of Duties:
Performs tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws within the Cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar and Menifee. Educates the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases; captures, impounds, relocates, and when necessary, disposes of animals; and maintains records. Investigates animal complaints from members of the community. Issues citations for violation of City Code(s), or applicable state law. Prepares reports as appropriate and testifies in court as directed.
Essential Functions:
  • Patrols designated service area streets, roads and parks in an AFV vehicle; searches for stray or abandoned animals; captures and confines animals using appropriate procedures.
  • Contacts dog owners by house to house canvass to locate unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs (and cats where applicable).
  • Patrols for stray, vicious, injured, dangerous, unwanted or improperly controlled animals and responds to community member complaints regarding same.
  • Responds to emergency calls, such as cruelty to animal complaints, animal bites, control of poisonous or dangerous animals, and stray animals.
  • Investigates reports or complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances; uses tactical communication style to de-escalate situations and mediation techniques to reconcile complaints.
  • Testifies in court as directed.
  • Prioritizes calls using effective time management methods.
  • Issues citations, administrative citations and court citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances as necessary.
  • Writes incident reports, gathers evidence, prepares and presents cases at administrative hearings and/or appears in court as a witness as necessary
  • In field conditions, may euthanize severely injured animals in a safe and humane manner as required.
  • May make warrant and warrantless arrests related to penal code 830.9; search and seizure, issue warning, dangerous animal statement, citations, interview victims, complainants and witnesses.
  • May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches, and in serving arrest warrants, when vicious dogs may be present.
  • Able to use tranquilizer pistol and rifle as a last alternative
  • Answers emergency calls concerning person(s) bitten by animals.
  • Impounds and quarantines potentially rabid animals in strict confinement, checks the animal at intervals during the quarantine period, and releases the animal at the end of the quarantine period.
  • Issues citations for the quarantine.
  • Picks up and transports sick and injured animals to a veterinarian.
  • Picks up dead animals and disposes of properly.
  • Performs chemical restraint procedures as necessary.
  • Cleans and maintains the animal control vehicle and cages utilized to detain the animals.
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports concerning animal control violations and transactions
  • Keeps detailed records of daily activities including times, miles, animal impounds, addresses and findings.
  • Operates, cleans and disinfect equipment and vehicle(s)
  • Oversees the maintenances of and maintains vehicle(s) and equipment in accordance with state regulations.
  • Sets up cages and provides water, food and a blanket to all impounded animals.
Other Duties:
  • Explains ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public; promotes and provides education to the public regarding the keeping and care of pets.
  • Maintains contact with citizens regarding animal control issues and problems and preserves good relationships with the general public; takes an active role in public education related to animal control issues.
  • Attends meetings and responds to related questions and complaints; provides public education regarding animal control.
  • Presents and maintains a positive and professional image of the police department; participates in community oriented policing.
  • Assists with training of new animal control staff as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned
Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education
  • Two years of experience in the care and handling of animals and/or two years of experience in some capacity of law enforcement.
  • Valid California Class “C” driver’s license
  • Possession or be able to possess a certificate for euthanasia.
  • Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. approved P.C. 832 Certificate prior to application recommended. Must obtain a certificate within 4 months of employment with AFV. Failure to obtain the required certificates will result in release employment.
In Addition to Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education:
Knowledge of:
  • Various breeds of dogs, cats, marine and other wild or domestic animals.
  • Various types of animal behavior.
  • Various provisions of penal code 830 related to animal control and penal code 832-arrest.
  • First aid and CPR procedures and practices.
Ability to:
  • Work independently, prioritize calls and respond appropriately to a variety of animal complaints.
  • Work effectively in stressful situations
  • Exercise good judgement and make sound decisions
  • Euthanize severely injured animals in emergencies.
  • Perform a variety of animal control activities such as animal handling, capturing, and confining.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; write defensible reports.
  • Write legibly
  • Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
  • Obtain information through interview and interrogation, deal fairly and courteously with the public.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to Carry and Use of Law Enforcement Equipment as it Pertains to:
  • Collapsible ASP Baton under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22295 (regularly employed and compensated by a person engaged in any lawful business, while actually employed and engaged in protecting and preserving property or life within the scope of employment).
  • Handcuffs for matter and purposes of legal and lawful detention while police arrive.
  • Pepper Spray under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22820 (person has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training in the use of tear gas).
_____________________________________________________________________
Benefits and Compensation:
- $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
- Health / Medical
- Life
- Dental
- Vision
- 403B Retirement Account (401K for Non-Profits)
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Accrued Vacation
- Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions:
  • Field environment; travel from site to site. Hot and cold temperatures; inclement weather.
Physical Conditions:
  • Essential and marginal functions may require gaining and maintaining control of large and often aggressive animals; lifting/carrying medium-heavy objects of up to 75 lbs. of weight, maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, squatting, twisting, running, stooping and walking for prolonged periods of time; operating motor vehicle and other equipment.
Work Attire:
  • Wear an AFV approved uniform and related equipment including badge, collapsible ASP baton; handcuffs and spray.
Work Assignment:
  • Subject to irregular work shifts including evening, weekend and holiday shift assignments.
Direct Reports: This is a non-supervisory role
What can we offer you?
- $18.00 to $20.00 per hour
- Training courses and continuing education
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Uniform Allowance - boots
- 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
- Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
- Employee Assistance Program to help you through life’s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!

Apply