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Animal Control Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Animal Control Officer is expected to know ethical standards related to documentation, time management, and maintaining honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace. Duties & Responsibilities:

Animal Control Officer

Baytown, TX · On-site

$19.78 - $24.73/hr

As an Animal Control Officer, you'll play a vital role in protecting both people and animals by promoting responsible pet ownership, enforcing animal-related laws, and responding to a variety of ...

Conducts inspections as directed by the Health Department and coordinates with police officers in animal control situations. * May be assigned any other duties as related to assist department ...

Animal Control Officer I

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$29.40 - $32.67/hr

Animal Control Officer II: In addition to the above, an ACO II assists the Animal Control Supervisor with administrative duties and the daily operation of the Animal Control Unit as necessary.

The Animal Control Officer is expected to know ethical standards related to documentation, time management, and maintaining honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace. Duties & Responsibilities:

Animal Control Officer

Livonia, MI · On-site

$61K - $69K/yr

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES The Animal Control Officer, under the direction of the Director of Public Works, Assistant Director of Public Works, and Superintendent of Public Works, is responsible for ...

Animal Control Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

$58 - $72/hr

At least one (1) year of animal control or related experience or certification as an Animal Control Officer is strongly preferred. * One (1) year of experience in the review of citizen complaints of ...

Animal Control Officer

Baytown, TX · On-site

$19.78 - $24.73/hr

As an Animal Control Officer, you'll play a vital role in protecting both people and animals by promoting responsible pet ownership, enforcing animal-related laws, and responding to a variety of ...

Animal Control Officer

Forney, TX · On-site

$42K - $51K/yr

Description Join our team as an Animal Control Officer in the City of Forney and play a vital role in protecting both residents and animals through education, enforcement, and compassionate care.

Animal Control Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

$51K - $71K/yr

At least one (1) year of animal control or related experience or certification as an Animal Control Officer is strongly preferred. * One (1) year of experience in the review of citizen complaints of ...

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Requires a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire Requires a Animal Control Officer certification within one year of hire Requires a euthanasia certification within ...

Position Details Position Information Posting Number 2026603 Position Title Animal Control Officer Position # 7474 FLSA Non-Exempt Classification Type Labor/Maintenance/Technical Department Animal ...

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Animal Control Officer information

See salary details

$28.5K

$47.9K

$70.5K

How much do animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,913 per year, or $23 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Harris County

Houston, TX • On-site

$47K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

418th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health. About Harris County Public Health: Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County

Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant. Our Values: HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being. Transparency -We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.

Integrity -Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission. Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction. Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.

Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals. Position Overview: Under general supervision, the Animal Control Officer will enforce animal laws, investigate animal incidents, maintain equipment, manage animal records, and conduct inspections. Individuals in this role will be responsible for representing the County in court and engaging in public education and community outreach related to animal welfare.

The Animal Control Officer is expected to know ethical standards related to documentation, time management, and maintaining honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace. Duties & Responsibilities: Public Interaction & Law Enforcement: Responds to citizen requests for service, as outlined in the Animal Control Officer Training Manual, and enforces local animal laws and regulations. Completes special assignments as needed i.e

assisting law enforcement officers with evictions and arrests. Animal Incident Investigations: Investigates animal bite incidents, guides both the animal owner and the victim regarding necessary procedures and ensures proper documentation of the case. Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance: Operates County vehicles and equipment, ensuring daily maintenance, cleaning, and disinfecting are completed to ensure proper function and sanitation.

Animal Record Keeping: Inputs and maintains accurate records of impounded animals, including animal details and photographs, ensuring proper linking for the County website. Dangerous Dog Facility Inspections: Conducts inspections of Dangerous Dog facilities to ensure compliance with Harris County regulations and standards for safety and animal care. Court Appearances & Professional Representation: Attends court hearings as needed, presenting required records and documentation, and maintains a professional image and demeanor at all times.

Public Education & Outreach: Teaches scheduled animal safety and bite prevention programs to the public, promoting awareness and education. Community Events & Mobile Services: Participates in community events such as vaccination clinics, health fairs, and mobile adoptions, as assigned, to promote animal welfare and services. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net Requirements Education: High School Diploma or GED Experience: At least one (1) year of paid work experience in a role providing direct customer service

At least six (6) months of basic knowledge of dog and cat care experience. Certifications/Licenses: Valid Texas Driver's License (upon hire) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of effective strategies for maintaining objectivity in difficult and high-pressure situations. Knowledge of ethical standards related to documentation, time management, and maintaining honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace.

Skill in collaborating effectively as a team player, consistently contributing to the success and improvement of the department. Ability to work independently, managing tasks efficiently with minimal supervision. Ability to complete paperwork with accuracy, clarity, and attention to detail.

Ability to complete Basic Animal Control Officer Certification. Core Competencies: Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes. Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities. Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being. Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences N/A General Information Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time position. Working 40 hours per week. This position will have a rotating schedule.

Work Environment: Able to tolerate high heat and humidity for extended periods of time outdoors while working in a variety of urban and natural environments. This position may require infrequent travel and interaction with the community at public events. Physical Demands: Will be required to lift and restrain animals or other objects up to 50 pounds.

Must be in good physical health. May have to manually set up and tear down equipment as the mobile clinic requires. Work Location: Harris County Public Health: Harris County Pets - 612 Canino Rd.

Houston, Texas. 77076. Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.


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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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