ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Control Jobs in Hendricks County, IN (NOW HIRING)

Alliance Animal Health

Animal Care Technician

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

Company Description Lake City Animal Health and Wellness Center is a full-service community animal hospital. Our goal is to provide high quality veterinary service in a personable and accommodating ...

Alliance Animal Health

Animal Care Technician

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

Company Description Lake City Animal Health and Wellness Center is a full-service community animal hospital. Our goal is to provide high quality veterinary service in a personable and accommodating ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Control JobsAnimal Control Jobs in Hendricks County, IN

Animal Control information

See Hendricks County, IN salary details

$20.4K

$38.9K

$58.6K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Hendricks County, IN is $38,862.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,900.00 and $45,100.00 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 Hendricks County, IN are hiring for Animal Control jobs?

Cities near Hendricks County, IN with the most Animal Control job openings:

Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Hendricks County, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,862 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

City of New Albany

New Albany, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Working under the direction of the Animal Shelter Director and Assistant Director, the Animal Control Officer is responsible for the daily animal control field work and associated records along with animal care within the shelter as needed.
"*" denotes an essential function of the job
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. *Performs all activities of Animal Control fieldwork.
  2. *Investigates citizen's complaints according to departmental policies and procedures as directed.
  3. *Responsible for the capture and impoundment of animals.
  4. *Coordinates and safeguards the procedures for animal bite quarantines, head removal and shipping for rabies testing when necessary.
  5. *Ability to communicate and coordinate between law enforcement and the shelter.
  6. *Responsible for the care, maintenance of animal control vehicle, sanitary condition of all assigned equipment.
  7. *Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
  8. *Handles animals in a humane manner as trained.
  9. *Maintains valid Driver's License.
  10. *Maintains a positive image with the public in the course of educating them on responsible pet ownership.
  11. *Stays current with national trends in animal shelter issues and travels to training as needed.
  12. *Testifies in court regarding investigations conducted.
  13. *Enforces City Ordinances and state laws as required for animal control.
  14. *Responsible for the intake and set up of animals brought into the shelter by animal control and public.
  15. *Safeguards the procedures in entering data into the computer system correctly.
  16. *Assists shelter staff as needed with cleaning and daily duties of the shelter.
  17. *Conducts investigations regarding animal control related problems.
  18. *Takes an "on call" status rotationally.
  19. *Completes required reports and keeps accurate records.
  20. *Picks up and removes dead animals as necessary.
  21. *Assists in treatment and euthanasia of shelter animals.
  22. *Performs other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
  1. Ability to understand and apply a full range of generally accepted principles and theories related to animal control.
  2. Ability to communicate effectively.
  3. Must be able to work with administrators and provide service to the public.
  4. Ability to obtain Police Commission.
  5. Ability to extensively study new areas of animal control to find methods and programs that have a significant positive impact on the success of the Animal Shelter's goals.
  6. Ability to make rapid analysis and decisions, communicating with the public and taking action. Independent analysis and plan development is expected without specific instructions from the supervisor.
  7. Maintain initiative to preserve the flow of work.
  8. Work under stress and with commitment to deadlines.
  9. Sustain interpersonal relationships which encourage openness, candor and trust, both internally and with the general public.
  10. Complete projects and/or reports in accurate and timely manner
  11. Maintain City information in a confidential manner.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  1. Ability to work as a team member.
  2. Display professional appearance, warm demeanor and positive attitude.
  3. Be a motivated self-starter.
  4. Work independently and to be accurate, efficient and organized.
  5. Manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  6. Work under pressure with time constraints in a changing environment.

WORKING ENVIORNMENT AND CONDITIONS
  1. Consistently exposed to animal related hazards when handling animals while assisting staff or the public.
  2. May be exposed to extremes in weather conditions.
  3. Frequent bending and lifting and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  4. This position involves being on 24 hour call on a rotating basis.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING
  1. Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Animal Science or related field; OR at least two years of experience at an Animal Control agency or similar organization; or related profession.
  2. Specialized knowledge of the principles and objectives of animal control and of law enforcement activities.
  3. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.
  4. A pleasant, friendly, and outgoing demeanor.
  5. Willingness to take on additional tasks as assigned.

Apply