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Animal Control Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Perform daily, weekly, and monthly QA/QC to ensure excellent performance. Provide daily, weekly a ... Employees' appointed to the position of the Animal Facility Specialist I must meet the following ...

... A/QC to ensure excellent performance. · Provide daily, weekly a formal monthly quality assurance for all areas of responsibility and report any non- compliance to the appropriate manager for ...

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Animal Control information

See Washington salary details

$23.8K

$45.4K

$68.5K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Washington is $45,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Control jobs in Washington? For Animal Control jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Animal Control jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Animal Control job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,420 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Animal Control Officer I/II

Animal Control Officer I/II

GovernmentJobs.com

Upper Marlboro, MD

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Animal Control Officer

Come join our team! Prince George's County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

The Prince George's County Department of The Environment is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill an Animal Control Officer, (Animal Control Officer I/II) grade A15-A17 position, in the Animal Services Division.

This is an entry-level to full performance role in the animal management field, whereby the incumbent ensures compliance of federal, state and local animal control codes, ordinances, and standards. The incumbent performs a variety of animal control services, which includes processing complaints, handling animals, maintenance of equipment and other related administrative duties. Work is performed and evaluated in accordance with departmental standards, rules, and regulations under the supervision of a higher-level Animal Control Officer.

The Department of the Environment works for a healthy, beautiful and sustainable County through programs that provide clean water, flood control, recycling and waste management, litter prevention, sustainable animal management and pet adoption in partnership with residents and other stakeholders. Some of our core services include providing clean water services (Stormwater Management Division); flooding prevention for buildings and structures (Sustainability Division and Stormwater Management Division); collecting, processing and diverting waste from the County-operated landfill, commercial facilities and householders (Resource Recovery Division); providing sustainability services to reduce greenhouse gas and emission (Sustainability Division); and facilitating pet adoptions, managing an animal holding facility, issuing pet licenses, investigating cruelty complaints and conducting humane outreach and education events (Animal Services Division).

Respond, investigate, and resolve animal-related complaints, including allegations of animal abuse/neglect.

Rescue and retrieve animals that are restrained, confined, alive, dead, sick, injured, domesticated, wild, owned, stray, abused, neglected, or running at large.

Attend hearings and testifies in response to animal complaints.

Issue notices and citations related to Animal Control Ordinance violations.

Handle animals in a safe and humane manner to protect the animal, self, and other citizens.

Render appropriate aid to injured animals, and determines if veterinary services are needed.

Prepare and submit reports, case files, and inspection paperwork according to department and divisional guidelines.

Perform equipment preventive maintenance.

Ensure assigned animal control vehicle is properly outfitted for duty.

Performs other tasks and duties as assigned, which may not be specifically listed in the position description, however, are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

High School diploma or GED.

One (1) year experience in inspection and code enforcement work to ensure compliance with animal control codes, ordinances and standards.

A valid Maryland State driver's license is required upon appointment in order to perform job related duties and responsibilities.

Experience working with animals.

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Eligibility to Work: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, in accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace