ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Control Officer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

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 ...

City of Vero Beach, FL

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Vero Beach, FL · On-site

$21.86 - $22.73/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior and control techniques, including euthanasia. * Knowledge of effective customer service/public relations practices and procedures. * Knowledge of occupational hazards and ...

City of Vero Beach, FL

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Vero Beach, FL · On-site

$21.86 - $22.73/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior and control techniques, including euthanasia. * Knowledge of effective customer service/public relations practices and procedures. * Knowledge of occupational hazards and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 28, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Is it hard to be an animal control officer?

Being an animal control officer can be physically demanding and requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of animal behavior and local laws. The job often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and handling potentially aggressive animals, which can be challenging but manageable with proper training and experience.

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, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,805 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Animal Control Officer (Provisional)

Palm Beach County, FL

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Please review, complete, and upload the Willingness-to-Work Acknowledgment , which outlines the conditions and requirements of the job
Performs specialized field work patrolling the County, enforcing County animal ordinances and State statutes. Responds to complaints concerning animals running at large, cruelty to animals, injured animals, and animals creating a nuisance; conducts investigations and prepares related reports. Assists co-workers with handling and catching aggressive, possibly dangerous, injured and/or rabid animals in the field or at the shelter; performs animal euthanasia.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires qualified applicants to possess one of the following:
  • Associate's Degree or minimum of 60-semester hours in Animal/Health Science,
OR
  • Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification; minimum of three (3) years of experience working with animals.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT S
The selected candidate for this position:
  • Must obtain and maintain Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association (FAPAA) Animal Control Officer and Euthanasia Technician Certifications within six (6) months of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred qualifications include:
  • Two (2) or more years of experience working with animals and/or as an Animal Control Officer (must specify on application) ,
  • Current valid FACA Animal Control Officer Certification (must specify on application),
  • Euthanasia Technician Certification (must specify on application), and
  • Chemical Capture/Immobilization Certification (must specify on application).

NOTE : It is not necessary to submit another application for this position if you applied 3/10/26 - 3/24/26.

Apply