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Animal Control Officer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$48K - $56K/yr

No Description Animal Control Officer Duties This is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position ...

POLICE OFFICER-Limited Part Time up to 44 weeks per year Performs a variety of routine, and complex ... escorts, animal control, medical and fire assistance, motorist assists, and other services.

To provide campus policing services to the campus community, as needed. (including, but not limited to: safety programming, bank details, Clery reporting, funeral escorts, animal control, medical and ...

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Animal Control Officer information

See Indiana salary details

$27.1K

$45.6K

$67.1K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in Indiana is $45,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $51,400.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Officer jobs in Indiana? For Animal Control Officer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Control Officer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Control Officer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Animal Control Officer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Animal Control Officer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Officer jobs in IN? For Animal Control Officer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,592 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

City of Bloomington (Indiana)

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Animal Control Officer

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Primary Ensures the proper investigation of animal related complaints from residents with jurisdiction as dictated by state, county, and/or city ordinances. Assists residents with meeting requirements of ordinance through education, connecting with resources, issuing violation or warning citations to individuals as situation and/or ordinances dictate. Responds to citizen complaints regarding stray or wild animals. Captures animals, returns animals to home, transports to shelter, returns to wild, or transfers to rehabilitation organizations. Maintains accurate records of all animal control related activities, such as warning and violations tickets, impoundment records, and animal related complaints and inquiries. Testifies in court as needed. Assists the general public with reclamation of impounded animals, and answers questions related to state and local laws. Administers euthanasia to animals as necessary and ensures proper disposal of remains. Performs inspections and investigates complaints of local pet stores, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and chicken flocks to ensure compliance with local ordinances. Evaluates emergencies and provides first aid, pain management, or euthanasia when appropriate. Assists law enforcement agencies when animals are present during arrests, warrant searches, deaths, etc.

Secondary Occasionally makes presentations on animal care and safety to various community groups. Performs related duties as assigned.

High school diploma; or possession of equivalent (GED); or combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Ability to capture and properly handle a variety of animals of different temperaments, in various conditions of health, and in a variety of environments. Ability to respond to animal related emergencies on a 24-hour basis, as scheduled. Ability to operate a motor vehicle legally.

Performs duties both indoors and out of doors in varied weather conditions and is exposed to hazards associated with the handling of frightened, vicious, and/or diseased animals. Incumbent is subject to threat of exposure to rabies, animal feces, and bodily fluids, animal diseases that can be contagious to humans, external and internal parasites, and to toxic substances, such as disinfectants and corrosive cleaners. Incumbent is subject to exposure to animals that may be aggressive or in poor health condition. Exposure to all types of weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.) as incumbent is required to respond to citizen complaints regardless of weather conditions. Regular exposure to emotional individuals in stressful situations Performs duties that include the lifting and carrying of large dog, potentially up to 100 lb, and other animals in the performance of animal capture, care, and handling. Physical effort is frequently exerted for sustained periods of time.

Maintains frequent contact with department superiors and co-workers, pet owners, and members of the general public for the purpose of receiving and reporting daily activities, explanation of City ordinances, and giving presentations on proper animal care and safety.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, La Egualdad De Oportunidades De Empleo Es La Ley. The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Bloomington validates authorization to work using E-Verify, which provides the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's I-9 form to confirm work authorization.