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Animal Control Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Boston

Animal Control Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

City of Livonia

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 ...

Calvert County

Animal Control Officer

Prince Frederick, MD · On-site

$26.54 - $28.41/hr

Animal Control Officers respond to a wide range of calls involving stray, injured, dangerous, or neglected animals, and often work in partnership with law enforcement, health departments, and the ...

Harris County, TX

Animal Control Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

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:

City of Weslaco

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Weslaco, TX · On-site

$14.28/hr

Job SummaryThe Animal Control Officer is responsible for capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty, and enforcing city ordnance. Providing expert ...

Town of Vernon

Assistant Animal Control Officer

CT · On-site

$26.20/hr

Assistant Animal Control Officer Hourly Rate: $26.20, start (range $26.20 - $28.79) General Statement of Duties: Performs patrol and enforcement duties in an animal control program; enforces Town ...

City of Richmond, VA

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

T uition Assistance Program Description The City of Richmond Animal Care and Control is seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and hardworking candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer. The ...

McHenry County

Animal Control Officer

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$23.73 - $27.41/hr

Animal Control Animal Control Officer I II III - Full Time JOB SUMMARY: Enforcing the animal control ordinance and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. Team oriented environment.

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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.
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Animal Control Officer jobs near you
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

City of Boston

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

City Of Boston rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This is a provisional appointment.

Under the general direction of the Director of Animal Control, removes any dog or other animal that is injured, maimed, or diseased.


  • Enforces all Animal Control Laws as defined in Massachusetts General Laws and all City of Boston Ordinances related to Animal Control and their provisions providing for public safety and the well-being of animals.
  • Performs quarantine inspections in places where animals are housed, sold, or used for any purpose, and inspects homes for quarantine suitability. Serves and delivers notices of quarantine.
  • Makes and prepares complaints against owners of dogs not properly licensed and collared.
  • Picks up stray and unlicensed dogs and other animals.
  • Keeps records of the number of animals removed, their owners, the number of complaints, and other information required by law.
  • Performs related work as required.

  • 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 violations of Municipal Law is preferred.
  • Good knowledge of rules and regulations, of laws to process complaints, interpret, and apply pertaining laws, ordinances, and rules.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
  • Must have and maintain a Massachusetts driver's license.

CORI CHECK REQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: AFSCME/RA-14A

Hours per week: 35

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