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Animal Control Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Vero Beach, FL · On-site

$21.86 - $22.73/hr

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS Under general supervision, enforces City animal control ordinances, traps stray or nuisance animals and wildlife, issues warnings and citations; and performs related duties as ...

Animal Control Chief

Crestview, FL · On-site

$76K - $127K/yr

Works closely with the County Health Department in rabies control and investigation of animal bites; directs the investigation of dangerous dog and animal cruelty cases; appears and testifies in ...

The primary function of the Animal Care and Control Officer is specialized enforcement and investigative work enforcing County Animal Services Ordinances. This position is responsible for ...

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Vero Beach, FL · On-site

$21.86 - $22.73/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior and control techniques, including euthanasia. * Knowledge of effective customer service/public relations practices and procedures. * Knowledge of occupational hazards and ...

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Vero Beach, FL · On-site

$21.86 - $22.73/hr

Knowledge of animal behavior and control techniques, including euthanasia. * Knowledge of effective customer service/public relations practices and procedures. * Knowledge of occupational hazards and ...

Requires a Florida Animal Control Association approved Animal Control Officer Certification as required by Florida law (F.S 828.27). Requires a Florida approved Euthanasia Technician certification ...

Requires a Florida Animal Control Association approved Animal Control Officer Certification as required by Florida law (F.S. 828.27). Requires a Florida approved Euthanasia Technician certification ...

Animal Control Officer II

Crestview, FL · On-site

$23.94 - $38.56/hr

Requires a Florida approved Euthanasia Technician certification and a Florida Animal Control Association approved Animal Control Officer Certification as required by Florida law (F.S 828.27)

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Animal Control information

See Florida salary details

$15.7K

$30K

$45.2K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Florida is $29,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,400.00 and $34,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Animal control officers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades like commercial diving or certain construction management positions can reach or exceed that income level without formal college degrees. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, or experience and may involve irregular hours or physical work.

What do I need to work for animal control?

To work in animal control, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles require a valid driver's license. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and knowledge of animal behavior are important, and certifications in animal handling or safety may be preferred or required by some agencies.

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 knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and relevant local regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes law enforcement databases is important. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills help when interacting with the public and de-escalating tense situations. These competencies ensure public safety, humane treatment of animals, and effective enforcement of animal-related laws.

What are some common challenges faced by animal control officers in the field?

Animal control officers often encounter unpredictable situations, such as handling aggressive or frightened animals and addressing emotionally charged interactions with pet owners. They must also navigate varying local laws and regulations, ensuring proper documentation and evidence collection for potential legal cases. Additionally, officers may be required to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, to respond to emergencies or public safety concerns. Building strong communication skills and resilience is essential to manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Animal Control vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal ControlAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsAnimal Control Officer Certification, sometimes requiredBasic animal handling and shelter management training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor, community-basedIndoor shelter facilities, community interaction
Employer & IndustryMunicipal agencies, animal control departmentsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations
Job FocusEnforcing animal laws, capturing stray animalsCaring for animals, adoption services

Animal Control officers primarily enforce laws and capture stray or dangerous animals in the community, often working outdoors. Animal Shelter Workers focus on caring for animals within shelter facilities, preparing them for adoption. While both roles involve animal handling, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is the highest paying job to work with animals?

The highest paying jobs in animal-related fields include veterinarian specialists, such as veterinary surgeons or anesthesiologists, who often earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and may involve working in private practices, research, or specialized animal hospitals.

What Are Animal Control Jobs?

Animal control jobs focus on ensuring public safety and protecting animals. In this role, you may patrol your community, investigate reports of hurt or dangerous animals, and rescue pets from mistreatment. Your responsibilities also include supporting the safety of personnel, writing reports, and issuing citations as necessary. In some positions, your duties may involve supporting public awareness efforts. For example, if people need to abandon a pet because they are no longer able to take care of it, animal control officers can help them find a shelter or an adopting family. Animal control officers work with a variety of animals, some of which are dangerous, so the ability to handle a wide range of creatures is essential.

What are animal control officers and what do they do?

Animal control officers are professionals responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the care and control of animals in a community. Their duties include responding to reports of stray or dangerous animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty or neglect, capturing and relocating wildlife, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. They also work closely with local shelters and may assist in the adoption process for stray or abandoned animals. Animal control officers play a vital role in protecting both animals and the public from harm.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal welfare officer?

Animal welfare officers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education in animal science, biology, or related fields. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, good communication, and the ability to handle animals safely; certifications in animal first aid or handling may also be beneficial.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Animal Control jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Animal Control job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,968 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Animal Control Officer - Animal Control

Doña Ana County

Sarasota, FL • On-site

$16 - $24.26/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Doña Ana County rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 691 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Animal Control Enforcement Position

Perform animal control enforcement duties, enforce animal control ordinances, and, with Sheriff's Department coordination - state statutes, capture/restrain a variety of stray, vicious, injured, wild, and stray or unwanted domesticated dogs and/or cats using humane methods to minimize injury to animals while maintaining safety.

Essential Duties
  1. Patrols assigned areas to locate animals in violation of animal regulations, laws, and ordinances.
  • Safely capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions using nets, catch poles, leases, muzzles, and traps as necessary.
  • Scan captured animals for a microchip using the issued microchip scanner and contact animal owners to attempt to return the animal prior to impound.
  • Place captured animals in animal control vehicles and transport animals to the impound facility.
  • Impound animals and complete required paperwork to ensure accurate accountability of all animals impounded.
  • Clean and sanitize animal control cages after each impound to clean bodily fluid, blood, and to eliminate the spread of zoonotic diseases.
  • Verify the validity of animals and permit licenses in accordance with regulations and issue warnings or citations for non-compliance.
  • Investigate complaints concerning treatment of animals; discuss compliance plan with owner and/or refer to law enforcement in accordance with department procedures for state statute violations.
  • Initiate follow-up visits and inspections to ensure compliance.
  • Submit reports of enforcement activities and case reports before the end of the shift.
  • Responds to calls for service for assigned shifts and must be able to be on an after-hours on-call rotation.
  • Responsible for safe capture of snakes that pose threat to public safety using issued tongs.
  • Responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding animal violations.
    • Initiates case file preparation in coordination with Case Worker
    • Prepares written reports and takes pictures as documentation.
    • Testifies in court proceedings.
  • Provides options for mediation between neighbors in resolving animal related disputes and issues.
  • Educate the public at school presentations and other County events on animal regulations and licensing requirements.
  • Handle difficult situations using professionalism and tact.
  • Perform special projects and activities.
  • Qualifications

    A. Education. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

    B. Experience. A minimum of six (6) months of full-time work experience in any of the following: professional care and handling of animals; law enforcement; enforcing environmental health laws, law enforcement; jailer; or relevant military experience. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred to effectively communicate with citizens when responding to calls in the community.

    C. Education/Experience substitution. N/A

    D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver's license. Must maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County Policy. Current National Animal Control Association (NACA or related) Certification is preferred.

    E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver's license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background check and driver's license record check.

    Knowledge of: Basic care and custody, treatment, and diseases of various animals; safe and efficient techniques for capturing and controlling animals; county geography. Administrative and clerical procedures and systems, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database and other software programs. Report preparation, records management, office procedures, and terminology.

    Skill to: Handle domestic animals; interpret and apply County ordinances and state statutes relating to animal control enforcement; work independently while recognizing issues that should be referred to the supervisor; and identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Use defensive tactics to minimize injury when capturing animals in the County and its boundaries.

    Ability to: Use computers; operate two-way radio systems utilizing 10 code; identify different breeds and species of animals; communicate information and ideas effectively in written and oral form so that others will understand; testify accurately and effectively in court. Actively look for ways to resolve situations; and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.

    Compensation Range $16.00 - $24.26

    Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person's race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

    Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.


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