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Animal Control Officer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Graettinger, IA · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Spencer, IA · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Clearfield, IA · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Graettinger, IA · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Eagle Grove, IA · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Spencer, IA · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Clearfield, IA · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Eagle Grove, IA · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Eagle Grove, IA · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Graettinger, IA · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Eagle Grove, IA · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

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All JobsAnimal Control Officer JobsAnimal Control Officer Jobs in Iowa

Animal Control Officer information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$45K

$66.2K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in Iowa is $45,003.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $50,700.00 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Control Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,003 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Animal Control Officer (on-call)

Pottawattamie County

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$19.61/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Job description

ANNOUNCEMENT & PURPOSE OF POSITION Pottawattamie County Public Health is urgently hiring for someone interested in a casual Animal Control Officer role providing occasional daytime coverage (8:00-4:30) and/or support on county holidays. An individual in this position performs manual work enforcing animal control laws, following up on complaints, educating the public on animal regulations, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Animal Control Officer.

Reliable attendance when assigned to on-call status is required of this position. When on-call, must be able to respond at a moment's notice anywhere within Pottawattamie County. Must have some experience either working with or caring for animals.

If this experience doesn't fit in with previous positions, please explain in a cover letter or expand on the experience held as part of the Supplemental Questions during the application process. Important on-call scheduling/pay information: on-call status pay = $2.00/hr. hours worked = $19.61/hr

An individual in this position will be paid a minimum of $500 for a 2 week on-call shift. If a call comes in and no action is required besides a report, two (2) hours at $19.61/hr. will be paid

If dispatched to a scene, a minimum of four (4) hours at $19.61/hr. will be paid. This position will remain posted until filled

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Responds to animal complaint calls from the public during on-call period. Enforces local and state animal laws and ordinances; investigates and responds to animal complaints and injuries; examines animal health; transports and impounds animals. Assists the general public with inquires; directs inquires to appropriate resource as needed.

Documents reports on complaints and licensing, submitting by the following business day. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY General knowledge of the safe handling of unlicensed, stray, and uncontrollable animals General knowledge of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the department General knowledge of the anatomy and diseases of animal General knowledge and skill in the use of tools and equipment in the line of work Skill in the operation of standard office and computer equipment Skill in excellent customer service Skill in data collection Ability to repair and maintain assigned tools, equipment, and vehicles Ability to patrol County roads, streets, highways, neighborhoods, businesses, and surrounding areas Ability to report and document violations Ability to safely capture stray and wild animals Ability to maintain reports, records, and documents Ability to handle confidential information according to established procedures Ability to follow oral and written instructions Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement, supervisors, and the general public. ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES High school diploma or GED and minimal experience working with unlicensed, stray, and uncontrollable animals, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Obtain Bloodborne Pathogen Certification and Respirator Fit Test within 1 month of hire. Valid driver's license.

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