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Animal Control Officer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Putnam County, FL BOCC

Animal Control Officer

Palatka, FL · On-site

$41K - $46K/yr

Certified Animal Control Officer, or the ability to achieve Animal Control Officer certification within six-months of appointment to position. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS * Acceptable eyesight (with or ...

Putnam County, FL BOCC

Animal Control Officer

Palatka, FL · On-site

$41K - $46K/yr

Certified Animal Control Officer, or the ability to achieve Animal Control Officer certification within six-months of appointment to position. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS * Acceptable eyesight (with or ...

New

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Officer I

Naples, FL · On-site

Animal Control Officer Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the reflects the full pay range for this ...

Collier County

Animal Control Officer I

Naples, FL · On-site

$22.18/hr

Animal Control Officer I Print ( Apply  Animal Control Officer I Salary $22.18 Hourly Location Davis Blvd, Naples, FL Job Type Full Time, Regular Job Number 08698 Department Public Services ...

Collier County

Animal Control Officer I

Naples, FL · On-site

$22.18/hr

We're looking for a dedicated Animal Control Officer to join our team - someone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty (or fur-covered) to protect animals and people. This role isn't just about ...

Collier County, FL

Animal Control Officer I

Naples, FL · On-site

$22.18/hr

We're looking for a dedicated Animal Control Officer to join our team - someone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty (or fur-covered) to protect animals and people. This role isn't just about ...

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All JobsAnimal Control Officer JobsAnimal Control Officer Jobs in Florida

Animal Control Officer information

See Florida salary details

$21.3K

$35.8K

$52.7K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in Florida is $35,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,800.00 and $40,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal control officer?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, local laws, and public safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes animal capture or tranquilizing tools is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help build trust with the public and efficiently manage stressful situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring community safety, humane animal treatment, and effective enforcement of animal-related regulations.

What are common challenges an animal control officer faces in the field?

Animal Control Officers often encounter challenging situations such as handling aggressive or frightened animals, dealing with emotionally charged interactions with pet owners, and responding to emergency calls at irregular hours. They must also navigate local laws and regulations while ensuring public safety and animal welfare. Strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What does an animal control officer do?

As an animal control officer, your job duties include dealing with dangerous wildlife and capturing stray pets and abandoned animals. You may also work on the investigation of animal abuse cases. When on duty, you may patrol a community or wait for a dispatcher to deploy you to deal with an escaped pet, potentially dangerous wildlife, or stray animal. Your responsibilities also include providing care and treatment for injured animals, both wild and domestic. You may work “on call,” meaning that you may be called to provide service at any time of day or night.

What is an animal control officer?

Animal Control Officers are public safety professionals responsible for enforcing laws related to the care and control of animals. They investigate cases of animal cruelty, rescue animals in distress, and manage issues such as stray animals or dangerous pets. These officers often educate the community about responsible pet ownership and may work for local government agencies or animal shelters. Their role helps ensure the safety of both the public and animals in their community.

What is the difference between Animal Control Officer vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Control OfficerAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, sometimes animal control certificationHigh school diploma, animal care training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor and community settingsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, government agenciesAnimal shelters, rescue organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for animal handling and enforcement rolesCompared for animal care and shelter management roles

Animal Control Officers primarily handle wildlife and stray animals in the community, enforcing local laws, while Animal Shelter Workers focus on caring for animals within shelter facilities. Both roles require animal handling skills, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How hard is it to get into animal control officer?

Becoming an animal control officer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in animal handling and local regulations. Some positions may require certification or experience in animal care, and candidates often need to pass background checks and physical assessments. The difficulty varies depending on the region and specific agency requirements.

What skills are needed to be an animal control officer?

Animal control officers need strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the public and handle animals safely. They should have knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and often require physical fitness and the ability to operate equipment such as traps and vehicles. Certification in animal handling or related training is also beneficial for the role.
More about Animal Control Officer jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Officer jobs in Florida?

For Animal Control Officer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Control Officer jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Control Officer jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Animal Control Officer jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Animal Control Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Officer jobs in FL?

For Animal Control Officer jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Control Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,805 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Putnam County Board of County Commissioners

Palatka, FL • On-site

$41K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

General Description This is a full-time, hourly position that reports to the Animal Control Supervisor. The position performs enforcement of County animal control ordinance and state laws relating to animals and to ensure the public is protected from diseased, problem and vicious stray animals, and that animals are humanely treated after being impounded. Essential Job Functions Answers complaints made by citizens within the County.

Enforces Animal Ordinance. Works closely with the Health Department, City and County agencies, and veterinarians. Apprehends, impounds, euthanizes, and disposes of diseased, unwanted, unhealthy, problem and vicious animals.

Cleans and maintains kennels. Feeds and cares for confined animals. Maintains equipment used in animal control.

Performs office work as required. Maintains records, receipt book, collects money and prepares reports of animals impounded, adopted, redeemed, relinquished, and destroyed. Performs public relations work in regard to Animal Services issues as directed.

Accesses, inputs, and retrieves information from a computer. May be required to assist with emergency support functions (ESF) in the EOC during emergencies and/or other emergency duties. (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.

Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.) Minimum Qualifications KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of State and County animal control regulations. Knowledge of animal care procedures. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of Animal Services

Ability to recognize problem areas and utilize problem solving techniques. Ability to keep records and make reports. Ability to determine work priorities, assign work, and insure proper completion of work assignments.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or equivalent. Five (5) years' experience working as an Animal Control Officer. Previous supervisory experience preferred.

(A comparable amount of training, education, or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications.) LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS Ability to possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Certified Animal Control Officer, or the ability to achieve Animal Control Officer certification within six-months of appointment to position. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid). Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing.

Driving. Ability to work under stress with time constraints. Ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time.

Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or over). Climbing, walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, jumping, running, reaching, pulling, and smelling.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Works inside in an office environment. Works outside in varying weather conditions with noise, dust, slippery and uneven surfaces, heights, and Flea infested areas. Stressful situations.

(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability or disabilities.)

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