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Animal Control Officer Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Barrow County, GA

Animal Control Officer

Winder, GA · On-site

$49K - $79K/yr

Animal Control - Field Officer Opening Date: 07/07/2026 This position is responsible for the enforcement of local and state laws concerning the care and treatment of animals. This job is a safety ...

AUGUSTA , Ga.

Animal Control Officer I

Augusta, GA · On-site

Animal Control Officer The purpose of this classification is to enforce animal control codes and ordinances, protect human life and property, and to assist with care of animals housed in the Richmond ...

Hall County

Animal Control Officer

Gainesville, GA · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

... Animal Control ordinances of the State, County and local municipalities. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Provide assistance as needed in the field to other officers/agencies. Investigates ...

Cobb County, GA

Animal Services Officer I

Marietta, GA · On-site

$17.86/hr

Operations Animal Control Opening Date: 06/29/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Grade Code: 101 ... The Animal Services Officer makes a difference in our community by performing the following (for a ...

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Animal Control Officer information

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$24.1K

$40.5K

$59.5K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in Georgia is $40,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,500.00 and $45,600.00 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.

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 Georgia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Control Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,457 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Liberty County Sheriff's Office

Hinesville, GA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Animal Control Officer

Serve your community as a full-time Animal Control Officer with Liberty County Animal Services. In this role, you'll help protect residents and animals by enforcing local and state animal care laws, responding to sick, injured, or aggressive animals, and supporting daily operations within the division. The Liberty County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants who are committed to community safety and animal welfare.

Major Duties
  1. Answers telephone calls and records complaints related to animal welfare.
  2. Retrieves animals that are sick, injured, vicious, or non-restrained.
  3. Provides care to animals in distress.
  4. Investigates complaints of neglected animals and/or cruelty to animals in accordance with code of ordinances and Georgia State laws. Issues citations as necessary.
  5. Reports animal mistreatment to Deputy Director or Law Enforcement.
  6. Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports them to the Liberty County Animal Control Shelter and/or receiving areas for care and treatment.
  7. Observes and surveys areas of alleged violators and conducts interviews with witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
  8. Performs routine maintenance on daily basis on the county vehicles as well as cleaning, washing, and fueling.
  9. Performs euthanasia duties to include preparing the animal carcass for disposal.
  10. Keeps records and prepares reports.
  11. Performs public speaking duties at events and local schools to explain animal control duties and activities.
  12. Testifies against violators in the court of law.
  13. On call duties after hours.
  14. Assists law enforcement with animal related cases.
  15. Checks living conditions of animals involved in court cases.
  16. Networks with different agencies to rescue animals.
  17. Assists Kennel Technicians on cleanliness duties.
  18. Performs related duties.
Knowledge Required by the Position
  1. Knowledge of relevant animal care and treatment, as well as county and state laws and ordinances.
  2. Knowledge of animal rescue procedures.
  3. Knowledge of animal shelter medical practices.
  4. Knowledge of pet breed identification, traits, and behavior.
  5. Knowledge of euthanasia and carcass disposal.
  6. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
  7. Knowledge of evidence collection and documentation procedures.
  8. Knowledge of county and city geographic areas.
  9. Skill in interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.
  10. Skill in oral and written communication.
  11. Skill in animal handling.
  12. Skill in maintaining records and reports.
  13. Skill in interpreting and applying applicable regulations.
  14. Skill in conducting investigations.
  15. Skill in operating tranquilizer rifles and animal catch equipment.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
  • The work is typically performed while typically standing or walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and utilizes sense of smell.
  • The work is typically performed in an office, a noisy place, or outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and contagious or infectious diseases. Work requires use of protective devices such as masks, googles, and gloves.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • More than two (2) years of related experience required.
  • Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain Animal Control Officer 1 (ACO 1) certification within one (1) year.
Work Schedule and Benefits

Normal work hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Will also work a rotating on-call shift for after-hours calls.

Liberty County government offers a generous benefits package to full-time permanent employees which includes:

  • 401(a) retirement plan with employer match
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Low-cost health dental and vision insurance
  • Free term life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Health & wellness program

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application process should notify the Human Resources Office at (912) 391-1247 or hr@libertycountyga.gov.

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