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Animal Control Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Lee County, FL

Customer Service Specialist

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$19.50/hr

You will work closely with residents, Animal Control Officers, veterinary staff, and shelter operations teams to provide information, coordinate services, maintain accurate records, and support daily ...

American Humane

Relief Animal Caretaker

Palm City, FL · On-site

Follow established disease control protocols to extensively clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, stalls, and other areas of the Sanctuary. * Administer basic first aid to any animal's minor ...

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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 Sep 6, 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 is an animal control officer?

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 does an animal control officer do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal control officer?

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 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.

Is it hard to be an animal control officer?

Animal control officers often face physically demanding work, including handling aggressive animals and working outdoors in various weather conditions. The job requires good communication skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and sometimes certification or training in animal handling and safety protocols.

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 positions require a valid driver's license. Relevant skills include animal handling, communication, and sometimes certification in animal care or safety; physical fitness is also important due to the nature of the work.
More about Animal Control jobs

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:

Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Florida as of August 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.

Inmate Crew Supervisor (Animal Control)

Putnam County, FL BOCC

Palatka, FL • On-site

$38K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary : $38,434.50 - $61,347.00 Annually
Location : 140 County Landfill Road - Palatka, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-061
Department: Planning & Development
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
General Description
This is a full-time, hourly position that reports to the Animal Control Manager or designee. The position provides leadership and works with crews to ensure proper care of animals in our facility. This position is responsible work supervising and coordinating the activities of inmate work crews, engaged in work caring for dogs, cats and any other animal housed at the Animal Control shelter.
Will be required to obtain and maintain inmate supervisor certification through State of Florida Department of Corrections.
Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.
Essential Job Functions
  1. Receives animals delivered by Animal Control Officers or members of the public.
  2. Hoses out and cleans kennel runs and drains with bleach and other solvents as needed. Scrubs kennel run walls, fencing, floors, as needed.
  3. Cleans cat cages, provides litter and food, and cleans underneath trays as needed.
  4. Cleans, sweeps, disinfects, and performs related cleaning duties as needed or instructed.
  5. Washes all related feeding bowls, crates, beds, and equipment.
  6. Washes blankets, sheets, and other items, as needed.
  7. Completes paperwork.
  8. Feeds animals.
  9. Performs deep cleaning to shelter, including removal of cob webs, and other debris.
  10. Cleans walkways when needed.
  11. Cleans the shelter and offices as instructed.
  12. Performs customer service for visitors dropping off or picking up animals.
  13. Ability to respond to unusual circumstances as it relates to shelter operations.
  14. Mow, week, fertilize and police County parks, athletic fields and grounds.
  15. Assists in the development of work schedules.
  16. May be required to assist with emergency support functions (ESF) in the EOC as assigned during emergencies or other emergency duties.
  17. Works weekends and holidays as required.
(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)
Minimum Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  1. Knowledge of animal care procedures.
  2. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of Animal Services.
  3. Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
  4. Knowledge of general care and use of pertinent tools and equipment.
  5. Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and practices.
  6. Ability to perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance activities.
  7. Ability to manage multiple assignments.
  8. Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
  9. Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision or in a team situation.
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  1. Ability to possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's license is required.
  2. Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Supervisor Certification
  3. Corrections or law enforcement background preferred.
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required qualifications listed above. High school graduation and considerable work experience in the kind of work supervised; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXCERCISED
Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed in progress and upon completion by the Department Head or designee.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS
  1. Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
  2. Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
  3. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
  4. Driving
  5. Ability to work under stress with time constraints.
  6. Heavy lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds).
  7. Walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, and stooping.
ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS
  1. Works inside and outside in varying weather conditions.
  2. In or with noisy conditions.
  3. Below ground level or uneven surfaces.
  4. In or with moving vehicles and equipment.
(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability or disabilities.)
An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families today, and as they plan for their future. Below is a summary of the County Benefits for full-time employees:
CORE BENEFITS
• Medical/Health Insurance
• Employee Life Insurance (up to $50,000)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Florida Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
OPTIONAL BENEFITS
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program (ICMA, Nationwide, & Valic)
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Putnam County pays the monthly administrative fees.
• Tuition Assistance Program - Subject to budgetary constraints.
FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (for Board of County Commissioner employees only) Regular, full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement of educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Department for program details.
HOLIDAYS are as follows:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Birthday Holiday - (for Board of County Commissioner employees only)
ANNUAL (VACATION) LEAVE - All regular full-time employees assigned to a 37.50 work week will earn 90 hours to 150 hours, depending on classification and length of service. All regular full-time employees assigned to a 40 hour work week will earn 96 hours to 160 hours, depending on classification and length of service. Note: Leave accruals may differ for bargaining unit employees.
SICK LEAVE - All regular full-time employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 13 days per year. Regular part time employees will accrue sick leave on a pro-rata basis. Note: Leave accruals may differ for bargaining unit employees.
OTHER BENEFITS
Bereavement Leave
Cost Saving Incentive Program
Employee of the Quarter Program
Jury Duty Pay

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