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Animal Control Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer II: This is the journey-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Animal Control Officer I level by the ...

The Animal Control Officer performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of City and State animal control ordinances and laws. Essential Job Functions An employee in this ...

Animal Control Officer Employer: Gila River Indian Community Salary: $17.15 - $21.50 Hourly Location: Sacaton, AZ Job Type: Full-Time Regular Department: Tribal Health Department Closing Date:

Animal Control Officer The Animal Control Officer performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of City and State animal control ordinances and laws. Essential Job Functions An ...

Position Description The Town of Marana is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to work in Community and Neighborhood Services. Candidates must have a strong commitment for the compassionate ...

Animal Control Officer Teller County's Sheriff's Office is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to enforce animal-related laws to protect public safety and animal welfare. Duties include, but ...

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Animal Control Officer information

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$28.5K

$47.9K

$70.5K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer in the United States is $47,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Control Officer, and why are they important?

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 is the highest paying job in the animal industry?

In the animal industry, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons or zoo directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they typically offer higher compensation compared to roles like animal control officers.

What are some common challenges Animal Control Officers face 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 Do Animal Control Officers 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 do I need to work for animal control?

To work as an animal control officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. Some agencies require certification or training in animal handling, first aid, or related areas, and a background check is often conducted. Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also important.

What are Animal Control Officers?

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Animal Control Officers typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are usually much lower, often based on hourly wages or annual salaries. High-paying jobs that can reach $2000 a day generally include specialized roles such as surgeons, corporate executives, or certain investment professionals, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience.

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.

Where do animal control officers make the most money?

Animal control officers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and larger urban areas, such as major metropolitan cities. States or cities with more comprehensive animal services budgets and higher demand for enforcement typically offer increased compensation. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the size of the jurisdiction.
What cities are hiring for Animal Control Officer jobs? Cities with the most Animal Control Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs? The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Control Officer jobs? The top employers for Animal Control Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Control Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Control Officer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Officer jobs? For Animal Control Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,913 per year, or $23 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Animal Control Officer

The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office is currently taking applications for the position of Animal Control Officer. Application, Background Investigative Form, and Authorization for Release of Information Form may be picked up Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm at the Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office, 17110 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight, VA 23397, or can be downloaded from www.isleofwightsheriffsoffice.com under the "Employment" tab. Position is open until filled at the Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must be of good character, possess a High School Diploma and a valid Virginia driver's license. Candidates must have no felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude. Requires a valid driver's license, state animal control, and euthanization certifications. Selected individuals will be required to undergo an oral interview and a comprehensive background investigation.

This position is benefits eligible.