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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Position Description The Town of Marana is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to work in Community and Neighborhood Services. Candidates must have a strong commitment for the compassionate ...

Animal Control Officer

Marana, AZ · On-site

$20.65 - $29.94/hr

Position Description The Town of Marana is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to work in Community and Neighborhood Services. Candidates must have a strong commitment for the compassionate ...

Animal Control Officer Pasadena Humane is a non-profit animal welfare organization looking for passionate professionals to join our team. To lead the way toward a compassionate and caring community ...

Animal Control Officer 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 ...

Position Description The Town of Marana is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to work in Community and Neighborhood Services. Candidates must have a strong commitment for the compassionate ...

Animal Control Officer Teller County's Sheriff's Office is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to enforce animal-related laws to protect public safety and animal welfare. Duties include, but ...

Animal Control Officer

Eureka, CA · On-site

$37K - $48K/yr

DEFINITION ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER Humboldt County Sheriff's Office - Animal Shelter Are you passionate about the well-being of animals. Do you want to provide high quality animal protection services ...

Animal Control Officer Hiring range: $29.40 - $32.67/hour These positions are part of a career ladder (Animal Control Officer I, Animal Control Officer II). Movement within this career ladder is ...

Position Description The Town of Marana is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to work in Community and Neighborhood Services. Candidates must have a strong commitment for the compassionate ...

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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 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:

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Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Animal Control Officer

Job Summary: 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 position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

  1. Patrol city limits and receive and respond to animal complaints, including animals at large, stray, vicious, abandoned, nuisance or abused.
  2. Apprehend stray or at large animals for impoundment.
  3. Monitor violations of animal control city ordinances and state laws.
  4. Clean and sanitize the shelter kennels, cages, and dishes; provide maintenance and upkeep of the Animal Control Facility.
  5. Care for shelter animals.
  6. Facilitate the adoption of shelter animals.
  7. Apprehend diseased or injured animals.
  8. Determine ownership of animals at large.
  9. Handle vicious animals or displeased citizens while utilizing officer safety.
  10. Offer suggestions to animal owners to aid in compliance with laws and ordinances.
  11. Investigate incidences of animal cruelty, dog bites, and dog attacks.
  12. Compile a variety of data regarding animal control activities; prepare reports on activities.
  13. Maintain records and files of the Animal Control Facility and the animals housed there; log all incidents concerning animal control operations.
  14. Testify in court regarding animal control cases if needed.
  15. Remove dead, injured or dangerous animals from roadways and residential property.
  16. Work an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action; expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
  17. Maintain normal availability by two-way radio, pager, or telephone for consultation on major emergencies.
  18. Maintain contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations, and provide general information concerning department activities.
  19. Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.
  20. Coordinate and/or assist in the euthanization and proper disposal of animals.
  21. Issues warnings or citations as required; serve various criminal or civil notices or papers related to the enforcement of animal control ordinances.
  22. Perform related tasks as required.
Essential Functions, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Employment

An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge
  • Principles and practices of effective customer service.
  • Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • City ordinances and state laws regarding all aspects of animal control.
  • Working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques.
Skills
  • Handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance.
  • Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to effectively deal with angry or difficult citizens.
  • Operation animal capture equipment, two-way radio, pager, dart gun, first aid equipment, computer, telephone, fax machine, and copy machine.
  • Must be capable of driving a motor vehicle to travel to other locations on a frequent basis.
Abilities
  • Work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
  • Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
  • Identify various animals and their behavior patterns.
  • Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
  • Follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Learn City's geography.
  • Explain regulations to the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
Supplemental Information

Experience Required: Any equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered. Minimum Education Requirements: Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent