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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butte County

Animal Control Officer II

Chico, CA

$21.12 - $28.32/hr

Animal Control Officer II This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026. This recruitment is for Level II. The salary range for level I is $1,689.60 - $2,265.60 biweekly ( ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA

$21.12 - $28.32/hr

Animal Control Officer This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026. This recruitment is for Level II. The salary range for level I is $1,689.60 - $2,265.60 biweekly ($21 ...

Butte County

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA

$21.12 - $28.32/hr

Animal Control Officer II This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026. This recruitment is for Level II. The salary range for level I is $1,689.60 - $2,265.60 biweekly ( ...

Pasadena Humane

Animal Control Officer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$25.08 - $34.83/hr

Animal Control Officer FLSA : Non-Exempt FT/PT : Full Time SCHEDULE Animal Control Officers are typically scheduled on a 4 day work week, alternative work schedule. May include weekends, nights and ...

City of Baytown

Animal Control Officer

Baytown, TX

$19.78 - $24.73/hr

Animal Control Officer Print ( Apply  Animal Control Officer Salary $19.78 - $24.73 Hourly Location Animal Control, 705 N Robert Lanier Baytown, TX Job Type Full Time Job Number 25-00125 ...

Pasadena Humane

Animal Control Officer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$25.08 - $34.83/hr

Animal Control Officer FLSA : Non-Exempt FT/PT : Full Time SCHEDULE Animal Control Officers are typically scheduled on a 4 day work week, alternative work schedule. May include weekends, nights and ...

Butte County

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA · On-site

$3K - $4K/mo

Animal Control Officer II: This is the journey-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Animal Control Officer I level by the ...

Butte County, CA

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA · On-site

$3K - $4K/mo

Animal Control Officer II: This is the journey-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Animal Control Officer I level by the ...

Butte County, CA

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA

$21.12 - $28.32/hr

Animal Control Officer II: This is the journey-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Animal Control Officer I level by the ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Officer

Windsor, VA · On-site

Animal Control Officer The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office is currently taking applications for the position of Animal Control Officer. Application, Background Investigative Form, and ...

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Animal Control Officer Trainee information

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$28.5K

$47.9K

$70.5K

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

As of Jun 9, 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.

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 are Animal Control Officer Trainees?

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 some common challenges faced by Animal Control Officer Trainees during their initial training period?

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

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:
Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs near you

Animal Control Officer

The Town of Shrewsbury, MA

Shrewsbury, MA

$63K - $67K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Weekly Hours: 37.5 Hours/Week (and on-call as needed)
Title: Animal Control Officer
Location: Police Department
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
Hiring Range: $63,673.68-$67,329.13 annually (DOQ)
Department & Supervisor: Chief of Police
Summary:
The Town of Shrewsbury Police Department is seeking a qualified, dependable, and motivated candidate who is cool under pressure to join our team as a Full-time Animal Control Officer. This position is vital to the well-being of our community's residents and animals. The animal control officer is responsible for investigating and resolving hundreds of animal complaints every year to ensure safety and compliance with animal control laws.
About Us:
The Town of Shrewsbury, located just 40 miles west of Boston and adjacent to Worcester, is a thriving suburban community of roughly 40,000 residents (and over 3,000 licensed dogs). Our Police Department is committed to community engagement and collaborative public safety efforts to reduce crime and enhance quality of life. We operate out of a newly constructed state-of-the-art Police Station and Dispatch Center, designed for 21st-century public safety needs.
What You'll Do:

  • Patrol town roads to ensure the safety of wild and domestic animals, returning animals to owners if known, and impounding stray or unlicensed animals.
  • Respond to and investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, barking nuisances, and incidents of dangerous animals.
  • Collaborate with the Board of Health to monitor zoonotic diseases.
  • Perform annual barn inspections and maintain a census of domestic animal populations.
  • Assist Police, Fire, and Rescue services with removing animals during emergencies.
  • Issue citations for violations of animal control law.
  • Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, animal control law, and animal safety.
What You'll bring:
  • A high school diploma and one to three (1-3) years of experience in animal control, law enforcement, or a related field.
  • A valid Massachusetts Driver's license.
  • Certification from the Animal Control Officers of Massachusetts (ACOAM) or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
  • Ability to stay calm during stressful situations and make quick, sound decisions under pressure
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with people with heightened emotions and to resolve conflict
  • Self-disciplined, reliable, and committed to community service
  • A strong background of working with animals, including knowledge of local, state, and federal animal control and safety regulations

Benefits:
The Town of Shrewsbury offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, a pension through the Shrewsbury Contributory Retirement System, an extensive employee assistance program (EAP), and the opportunity for professional development, and competitive paid time off, including access to the town's family and medical leave inclusive sick leave plan.
Join a team that plays a crucial role in protecting and serving the Shrewsbury community every single day. Help make a difference by applying today!
How to Apply:
For more information, please review the full job description. When applying for this position, a cover letter and resume may be sent via email to Kristina Ordung, Assistant Town Manager for Human Capital, at jobs@shrewsburyma.gov, indicating the position you are applying for in the subject line. The position is open until filled, with initial review of applicants May 8, 2026.

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