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Animal Control Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

ANIMAL CONTROL SUPERVISOR SHIFT: FT REGULAR / 40 HOURS PER WEEK SALARY: $13.48 HOURLY / $28,038.40 ANNUALLY **This is a safety sensitive position, subject to random/drug and alcohol testing. GENERAL ...

Animal Control Director/Supervisor POSITION SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor, this position contributes to the daily operations of the animal control facility ...

The Senior Animal Control Officer will assist Animal Control Supervisors with planning, directing, and reviewing the work of Animal Control Officers. This position provides services for live, sick ...

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SENIOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$32.77 - $48.43/hr

The Senior Animal Control Officer will assist Animal Control Supervisors with planning, directing, and reviewing the work of Animal Control Officers. This position provides services for live, sick ...

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Animal Control Supervisor information

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$44K

$66.2K

$99.5K

How much do animal control supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control supervisor in the United States is $66,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Animal Control Supervisors, and how are they typically addressed?

Animal Control Supervisors often face challenges such as managing high-stress situations involving aggressive animals, handling emotionally charged interactions with the public, and ensuring their team follows safety protocols. Effective supervisors address these challenges by providing regular staff training, fostering clear communication among team members, and developing strong relationships with local law enforcement and animal welfare organizations. Staying up-to-date with regulations and maintaining detailed documentation also helps supervisors navigate complex cases and support their teams successfully.

What is the highest paying job in the animal field?

In the animal field, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in private practice or specialized clinics can contribute to higher earnings for these professionals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Control Supervisor, you need expertise in animal handling, knowledge of animal welfare laws, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field, plus relevant experience. Familiarity with incident reporting systems, field communication devices, and sometimes certification in animal control or law enforcement procedures is important. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills help in managing staff, interacting with the public, and handling stressful situations. These combined skills ensure the humane treatment of animals, effective enforcement of regulations, and efficient oversight of animal control operations.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying jobs in animal care typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinary surgeons earning the highest salaries due to their advanced training and responsibilities. These roles often require veterinary degrees, licensing, and extensive experience, and they may work in private practices, research facilities, or specialized clinics.

What is the difference between Animal Control Supervisor vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal Control SupervisorAnimal Control Officer
Required credentialsHigh school diploma, relevant certifications, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma, animal handling certifications often preferred
Work environmentSupervises teams, manages animal control operationsHandles animal calls, captures stray animals, enforces local laws
Employer and industry usageMunicipal animal control departments, sheltersLocal government animal control units, shelters
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding leadership roles, career progressionJob duties, qualifications, daily responsibilities

The main difference between an Animal Control Supervisor and an Animal Control Officer lies in their responsibilities and experience. Supervisors oversee teams and manage operations, requiring leadership skills and certifications, while officers focus on animal handling and enforcement. Both roles are essential in municipal animal control services, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

How hard is it to work for animal control?

Working as an animal control supervisor can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging due to exposure to distressed animals and difficult situations. The role requires strong communication skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and on a flexible schedule.

What are Animal Control Supervisors?

Animal Control Supervisors are professionals who oversee the operations and staff of animal control departments or agencies. They are responsible for managing animal control officers, coordinating responses to animal-related incidents, ensuring enforcement of animal-related laws and regulations, and overseeing the care and handling of animals in their custody. Animal Control Supervisors also handle administrative duties, such as budgeting, training staff, and developing policies to promote public safety and animal welfare.

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. Factors like experience, certifications, and the size of the municipality can also influence salary levels, with larger jurisdictions often offering higher pay. However, salary ranges can vary widely depending on local budgets and demand for animal control services.
More about Animal Control Supervisor jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Control Supervisor jobs? Cities with the most Animal Control Supervisor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Supervisor jobs? The most popular types of Animal Control Supervisor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Control Supervisor jobs? The top employers for Animal Control Supervisor jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Control Supervisor jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Control Supervisor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Control Supervisor jobs? For Animal Control Supervisor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Animal Control Supervisor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 16% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 19% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,174 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Animal Control Officer I

Animal Control Officer I

Lakewood

Lakewood, CO

$29.40 - $32.67/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

HIRING RANGE: $29.40 - $32.67/hour

These positions are part of a career ladder (Animal Control Officer I, Animal Control Officer II). Movement within this career ladder is contingent upon meeting specific criteria and performance goals as set by the supervisor. In addition, to be considered for promotion ACO II candidates must exhibit strong leadership skills and proficiency in all aspects of animal control. An Animal Control Officer (ACO) for the Lakewood Police Department will apprehend animals, investigate violations, interact frequently with citizens, and provide assistance and information on animal-related issues. The ACO's duties include writing reports and memos regarding animals, mediation of complaints, education of citizens, issuing summonses, case preparation and testimony in court.
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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Apprehends and confines animals that are sick or injured, including domestic pets, exotic pets, livestock, horses and indigenous wildlife.
Evaluates animal injuries, provides first aid and transporting to veterinary facilities or, in the case of wildlife, performs field euthanasia.
Apprehends and impounds animals that attack or injure humans or other animals.
Apprehends and impounds dogs and livestock that are off their property and unrestrained by their owners.
Communicates details of incidents and situations to other animal control officers and supervisors.
Determines the violation (e.g., cruelty, abuse, abandonment), gathers evidence, follows up on conditions of animals and executes proper procedures for removal of animals from harmful situations.
Investigates and mediates neighborhood complaints pertaining to violations, such as animals disturbing the neighborhood. Issues warnings and summonses as appropriate.
Investigates possible municipal ordinance violations and takes appropriate enforcement action.
Issues summonses and provides case preparation and testimony in court, as required.
Assists police agents in situations when animals are an issue.
Maintains knowledge of the procedures and policies of Foothills Animal Shelter and abides by those procedures.
Performs special projects or assignments as assigned by the Animal Control Supervisor.
Provides assistance, education, presentations (both formally and informally) and information to citizens.
Humanely euthanizes sick or injured wildlife.
Writes detailed reports and establishes probable cause for the issuance of summonses and complaints.
Uses computer (over 5 hours per shift) writing reports, running history searches, dog licensing compliance and responding to official animal control notices that have been posted for the resident to contact animal control on a frequent basis.
Writes daily log, manual notices and miscellaneous forms, and bite reports on a frequent basis.
Educates citizens, City Council and other City employees regarding all animal control enforcement-related ordinances and topics.
Works with and provides assistance to peers, as well as police agents and other Police Department employees.
Quarantines any animal capable of carrying rabies, following the confirmation of a human bite for rabies monitoring.
Writes recommendations guiding the prosecutors for disposition of plea bargain cases as well as after a finding of guilt.
Must be able to interact with others in a positive, collaborative and respectful manner.
Requires dependable, reliable and prompt attendance.
Must maintain and utilize City-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when conducting activities where the employee is exposed to risks above those encountered in a traditional office setting. If injured on-the-job due to failure to utilize PPE a safety violation can be taken.
In addition to the above, an ACO II:
Demonstrates leadership and an understanding of contemporary supervisory techniques.
Possesses the ability to give direction and guidance to other employees.
Serves as a role model, resource and mentor for other Animal Control Officers.
Serves as the acting supervisor of the Animal Control Unit as necessary.
Serves as a field training officer.
Assists with interviewing and selecting new employees as appropriate.
Demonstrates a commitment to all aspects of animal control and consistent proficiency as an ACO.
Demonstrates support for the unit, division and organization through action and words.
IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS
Maintains clean and professional appearance including proper care of uniform, boots/shoes and duty belt and equipment.
Maintains vehicle and equipment in operational readiness.
Maintains a clean and sanitary vehicle to prevent spreading diseases to other animals.
Utilizes the City computer to do background investigations on complaints.
Ensures open cases receive further investigation.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Supervision Received
Receives general supervision from the Animal Control Supervisor.
Supervision Given
An ACO II may serve as the acting supervisor for the Animal Control Unit.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High school education or equivalent.
Two years of college education is desirable.
Bachelor's degree is highly desirable.
Experience
Experience dealing with the public in adverse or volatile situations and deals with those situations in a professional manner with the goal of problem resolution.
ACO II: In addition to the above, three (3) years of experience as an Animal Control Officer, which includes one year experience as an Animal Control Officer for the City of Lakewood.
Licensure/Certification/Registration
Valid driver's license and good driving record required.
ACO II: In addition to the above, an ACO II must hold state certification as an animal control officer.
Other knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to maintain professional composure in unpleasant and sometimes appalling situations and demonstrate tact in emotional situations.
Ability to perform duties with little or no supervision. Demonstrate self-initiative to complete investigations, perform license compliance follow up and proactively patrol high complaint areas.
Ability to develop strong and consistent discretionary skills.
Ability to work through a problem objectively to ensure an effective solution.
Ability to handle a large volume of calls in a single shift.
Ability to complete required paperwork.
Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to write accurate and professional reports regarding situations for each call for service received and other field-generated or initiated calls.
Must possess a positive, respectful, collaborative and customer service focus and attitude.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely under high-pressure, unusual situations and inclement weather.
Must be able to write effective reports for use in establishing cases and courtroom testimony.
Polygraph and psychological examinations, oral board interview, background investigation and reference checks, physical, respiratory exam, and hair follicle drug test are required.
Must possess an affinity for animals.
Ability to pick up domestic and small wildlife carcasses and transport for disposal and tolerate unpleasant smells including vomit, feces and skunk smells.
A willingness to pursue and attend continuing pertinent animal-related training, as approved or directed by supervisor.
Must occasionally decapitate animals for rabies testing.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force
frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs.
Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance
Sit, stand or be stationary
Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on
both even and uneven terrain
Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.
Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color
Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain
Environmental Conditions may include
Confined spaces
Extreme cold or heat
Frequent vibrations due to equipment use
Fumes or airborne particles
Moderate to extremely loud noise environment
Outdoor weather conditions
Toxic or caustic chemicals
Wet or humid conditions
Work in high, precarious places
Physical Requirements:
Must lift floor level or from below the knee; knee through chest level and above the shoulder level that may weigh in excess of 80 pounds.
May manipulate (push, pull or carry) items weighing in excess of 100 pounds with assistance.
Must be able to carry items distances of plus/minus 50 feet.
Positions may include awkward postures, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, stretching.
Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Hearing and Vision test

Pay Range

$25.15-$32.67

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.