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Animal Control Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

The Allen County

Maintenance Worker I

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$24.71/hr

Provides traffic control and flagging at road construction sites. * Works as part of a road crew ... Takes charge of snow removal, machine repairs, brush cutting, tree removal, dead animal removal ...

Holder Construction

MEP - Superintendent

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

Ensure strict adherence to QA/QC programs and support the Energy Control and Safety Program to maintain a zero-accident culture. * Manage punch lists, troubleshoot technical issues, and drive timely ...

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All JobsAnimal Control JobsAnimal Control Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN

Animal Control information

See Fort Wayne, IN salary details

$19.2K

$36.7K

$55.3K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Fort Wayne, IN is $36,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,100.00 and $42,500.00 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 cities near Fort Wayne, IN are hiring for Animal Control jobs?

Cities near Fort Wayne, IN with the most Animal Control job openings:

Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Fort Wayne, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,687 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

City of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$29.43/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

City Of Fort Wayne rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

177th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Are you ready to protect animals and keep the Fort Wayne community safe?
What You'll Do:
  • Respond to public and animal safety calls, investigate incidents, and enforce City and State regulations
  • Handle, evaluate, and provide care for animals, including vaccinations, treatment, and humane euthanasia when necessary
  • Maintain accurate records, process intakes/redemptions, and coordinate with partnering agencies and law enforcement
  • Conduct inspections, educate the public, and perform public speaking engagements as needed
  • Perform on-call duties and operate City vehicles safely

Must-Have Qualifications:
  • Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Animal Science, or equivalent experience; 1-5 years in animal control or law enforcement
  • Ability to safely handle animals, read behavior, and enforce ordinances
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and computer/database skills

Why Join Us:
  • Competitive pay
  • City pension plan
  • Opportunity to protect animals and serve the community

Protect lives, ensure safety, and make a difference every day!
Equal Opportunity Employer
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of applicable drug screening, physical examination, and background checks.

What City Of Fort Wayne employees say

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