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Animal Control Officer Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Elko County, NV

Animal Control Officer

Elko, NV · On-site

$21.57 - $31.28/hr

Appear in court and testify as may be required in regard to the performance of the duties of Animal Control Officer. Physical Demands and Working Environment An employee in this position must meet ...

Elko County

Animal Control Officer

Elko, NV

$21.57 - $31.28/hr

Appear in court and testify as may be required in regard to the performance of the duties of Animal Control Officer. Physical Demands and Working Environment An employee in this position must meet ...

Douglas County, NV

Animal Services Officer

Minden, NV · On-site

$25.63 - $35.88/hr

By performing such duties as responding to calls for animal control, educating the public on ... Animal Services Officer must obtain Nevada State Veterinary Board Euthanasia Technician ...

Douglas County (NV)

Animal Services Officer

Minden, NV

$25.63 - $35.88/hr

... Services Officer with Douglas County Animal Care and Services plays a crucial part in the ... By performing such duties as responding to calls for animal control, educating the public on ...

Eureka County

Deputy Sheriff I, II or III

Eureka, NV · On-site

$28.02/hr

Animal control functions and enforcement. Deputy II: Under general supervision, provides law ... Officer or informally as a fellow employee orient new personnel to their work environment.

Desort

Small Animal Veterinarian - Elko, NV

Elko, NV · On-site

Small Animal Veterinarian - Elko, NV A well-established mixed animal practice is seeking a Veterinarian to join its growing team. This role offers the opportunity to practice both general and ...

Village Pet Care LLC

Animal Care Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

$16/hr

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

Urban Hound

Animal Care Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

$13/hr

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

Desort

Veterinarian - Small Animal - Elko, NV

Elko, NV · On-site

Associate Veterinarian - Small Animal - Elko, NV A well-established mixed animal practice is seeking a Veterinarian to join its growing team. This role offers the opportunity to practice both general ...

Pet Play House Reno

Animal Care Technician

Reno, NV · On-site

$14.50/hr

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

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All JobsAnimal Control Officer JobsAnimal Control Officer Jobs in Nevada

Animal Control Officer information

See Nevada salary details

$29K

$48.8K

$71.8K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in Nevada is $48,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $55,000.00 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.
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The top searched job categories for Animal Control Officer jobs in Nevada are:

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

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

Animal Control Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,790 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Elko, NV • On-site

Elko County, NV
See more jobs at Elko County, NVexternal

$21.57 - $31.28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary: $21.57 - $31.28 Hourly
Location : Elko
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600137
Department: PUBLIC SAFETY/SHERIFF
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Job Description
SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSEUnder general supervision, enforces animal control ordinances and laws. Responds to complaints about animals and patrol jurisdiction to control the number of strays, unlicensed, mistreated, or dangerous animals. Impounds animals as necessary. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSDuties may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Enforces state statutes and local ordinances regulating the control, conduct, and keeping of various animals; issues citations for violations of ordinances and laws. Patrols jurisdiction in a public vehicle to control the number of unlicensed, stray, and/or feral animals.
  • Investigates complaints from the public, local law enforcement officers, and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, or diseased animals. Assists other agencies regarding impounded vehicles containing animals, and also evictions or law enforcement actions where animals may be involved.
  • Conducts initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and investigates bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
  • Collect charges and fees related to the issuance of licenses for the pounding and keeping of any animal.
  • Explains local laws, ordinances, and codes relating to the control and care of animals and to the filing of complainants. Testifies in court regarding citations, disposition of complaints, etc.
  • Operates humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal control tools and equipment, ensuring equipment is properly maintained.
  • Destroy any animal lawfully impounded which is determined to be by reason of injury or disease or other cause unfit for further use or which is determined to be dangerous or inimical to human life or public safety.
  • Seizes, impounds, and safely keeps domestic animals that are unlicensed or found running at large or being harbored in violation of applicable laws and ordinances; transports injured animals to the animal shelter or other care facilities; removes dead animals from public and private properties.
  • Destroy in a humane manner or otherwise dispose of, at the owner's expense, any animal whose owner requests destruction or disposal.
  • Enforce the provisions of Title 7, Chapter 2, of the Elko County Code, as necessary.
  • Comply with Elko County Policies and Department Procedures.
  • Accurately complete work assignments in a timely manner.
  • Advise supervisor of project/work status.
  • Communicates tactfully, both orally and in writing, with co-workers and the general public.
  • Listens carefully and responds appropriately.

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1-year experience in the care and handling of animals or 9 months of formal training as a veterinary technician/assistant; 6 months experience working with extensive public contact
  • Must maintain a valid Nevada drivers license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application: Knowledge
  • Concepts, principles, and practices of animal control.
  • Materials, equipment, and tools used in the care and shelter of animals.
  • Relevant laws, ordinances, codes, and policies related to animal control, treatment, licensing, and disposal.
  • Basic methods of subduing animals and protecting onlookers.
  • Basic care and handling of various types of animals.
  • Safety precautions and hazards arising out of the handling of sick and/or aggressive animals.
  • Basic first aid.
Skills
  • Demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills especially in dealing with the public.
  • Managing time effectively.
Abilities
  • Assess situations and take action expeditiously.
  • Keep accurate records of all animals impounded.
  • Communicate and interact courteously and effectively with the general public, other law enforcement personnel, and animal care providers.
  • Assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding the handling and capturing of animals.
  • Operate County vehicles, radios, and other animal control tools and equipment.
  • Read maps and follow directions.
  • Handle and account for money.
  • Maintain all reports received involving animals, including all reports of animal bites and the time of the report, person making the report, and the disposition of each such case.
  • Prepare and serve written citations of persons accused of violating the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the animal control ordinance of the County.
  • Appear in court and testify as may be required in regard to the performance of the duties of Animal Control Officer.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:
  • Strength and stamina to drive and walk for long distances; stamina and flexibility to bend, squat, twist, reach, walk, and run on irregular surfaces; strength and stamina to regularly chase, control, lift, and carry live and dead animals; strength, stamina, and dexterity to climb to heights; ability to carry or move cages, food, and equipment; ability to work in confined spaces.
  • Hearing to perceive spoken communications in noisy environments; coordination and dexterity to perform several tasks simultaneously when handling animals.
  • Manual dexterity, motor skills, and cognitive ability to write reports and complete forms either by hand or via computer; periodic moving or lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasional moving of objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
  • Frequently exposed to disagreeable weather conditions such as extremes of cold, heat, dampness, wind, dust, and fumes. Noise levels may be high due to confined animals.
  • The position is exposed to dead, injured, and diseased animals and animal waste products. Euthanasia or the destruction of animals may be considered extremely disagreeable.

Elko County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and EmployerIn compliance with applicable laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.
Elko County offers a complete benefits package for all regular, full-time employees including a minimal fee for health care, dental and vision, flex spending accounts, and life insurance,100% County paid PERS retirement (Public Employee Retirement System), and deferred compensation plans. We offer 13 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, Family Medical Leave, Military Leave, Educational Assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program, in addition to no state income tax.

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