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Animal Control Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

City of Auburn

Animal Control Officer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$77K - $92K/yr

Position Details The City of Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking a dedicated Animal Control Officer who is passionate about animal welfare, public safety, and community service. This is a ...

City of Auburn, WA

Animal Control Officer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$77K - $92K/yr

NNCO Position Details The City of Auburn Police Department (APD) is seeking a dedicated Animal Control Officer who is passionate about animal welfare, public safety, and community service. This is a ...

Woodland Park Zoo

Animal Keeper (Various)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$38.25/hr

Animal Keeper SALARY & FLSA: The starting rate for this role is $33.49 per hour. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the ...

Unavailable

Animal Technician II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$23.33 - $33.21/hr

The Animal Technician II performs routine animal husbandry tasks, and maintenance of animal facilities and equipment. This is considered a position for individuals who are transitioning from other ...

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All JobsAnimal Control JobsAnimal Control Jobs in Renton, WA

Animal Control information

See Renton, WA salary details

$23.6K

$45.1K

$68.1K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Renton, WA is $45,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $52,300.00 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 Renton, WA are hiring for Animal Control jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Animal Control job openings:

Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,108 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

KITSAP Humane Society

Silverdale, WA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description

Who You Are

A firm believer in humane care and kind treatment of animals. Knowledgeable of, or a willingness to learn animal welfare issues, state and local ordinances, quarantines, adoptions, other animal related issues. Not a stranger when it comes to customer service and conflict resolution. Finally, a well-rounded animal lover.


Who We Are
Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) provides positive life-changing solutions to people and animals in need. We do so by accepting, sheltering, and rehabilitating companion animals in need; providing protection, prevention, adoption, and education services; implementing positive lifesaving and life-affirming programs; and collaborating and partnering with our region and supporters to build a model humane community. 


The Opportunity

KHS seeks a fulltime Animal Control Officer to join our dynamic Animal Control department. As an Animal Control Officer, you will serve in the public's view and, representing Kitsap Animal Control and KHS. Animal Control Officers are deputized and sworn in to serve/enforce and protect animals and people across the 6 jurisdictions that Kitsap Animal Control serves. Officers perform their duties professionally, use good communication skills, tact, and diplomacy, and show respect for citizens, the law, and animals in their care.  


Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Investigate complaints of local municipal code or state law violations and follow-up as needed by documenting the complaint, issuing warnings, and/or making enforcements such as citations.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed and accurate reports of requests for service, complaints, information gathered and case resolutions. Utilize CENCOM (911) and KHS database for tracking and organizing cases and requests for service.
  • Mediate issues involving citizens, animals and or helping citizens resolve complaints and issues on their own whenever possible by utilizing good communication, conflict resolution skills and education. 
  • Effectively communicate and use deescalating techniques when dealing with confrontational individuals.
  • Respond to stray domestic animals and livestock that may be sick, injured, aggressive, loose, confined, or in traffic. Ensure that the animal is returned to its owner or transported to the shelter where they will receive medical attention as appropriate.
  • Remove deceased animals in a professional and compassionate manner.
  • Assist other agencies such as CPS, Coroner, Code Enforcement, and other law enforcement agencies where an animal issue may be present.
  • Educate and answer inquiries from the public regarding animal welfare issues and animal related concerns in a matter reflective of Kitsap Animal Control and Kitsap Humane Society. 
  • Provide compassion and support services such as pet food, flea meds, and other options as needed and addressed by      director of Animal Control. 
  • Provide judgement free pet surrender intake options as a supportive approach. 

Requirements

The Ideal Team Member
Has one or more years of relevant experience in the animal welfare field and/or prior animal control experience 

Must reside within Kitsap County.

Can handle animals in a humane manner under a variety of conditions and are experienced in animal handling and behavior assessment techniques. 

Is interested in working directly with our diverse community, providing quality customer service by responding to complaints, inquiries, and problems using effective listening and clear communication. 

Is skilled in engaging and building relationships with colleagues, staff and community members.

Is customer-focused, culturally aware, and maintains composure under difficult and stressful situations. 

Possesses a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Is a high school graduate (or equivalent) and at least 21 years of age.

Our successful candidate must be able to work mandatory overtime, after hours, weekends, and holidays including on-call availability which can occur frequently.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Ability to lift/push/pull 50 or more pounds frequently. 

What makes this job so awesome? 

  • Full-time, 40 hours/week on a regular rotational schedule, either 5x8 or a 4x10, may include weekends and mandatory on-call work. 
  • Base Wage $20.00 (plus union negotiated additional compensation includes overtime, after hours calls, on-call, clothing stipend, etc.)
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
  • Vacation Leave, sick leave, and paid holidays (11 per year including a floating holiday).
  • Grow your family with one free animal adoption per year.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

At Kitsap Humane Society employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Kitsap Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.


We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of our mission. Having a diverse workforce is this organizations greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

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