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Animal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Sergeant

Kent, WA

Animal Control Sergeant Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has an exciting opportunity for an Animal Control Sergeant! We are looking for someone who takes great interest in the health ...

King County

Animal Control Sergeant

Seattle, WA

$41.75 - $52.92/hr

ACOG-Animal Control-DES (RALS) Full- or Part-Time: Full Time Hours/Week: 40 hours/week Summary Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has an exciting opportunity for an Animal Control ...

City of Suffolk, VA

Animal Control Officer

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$46K - $73K/yr

Animal Control, VA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 04542 Department: POLICE-ANIMAL CONTROL Opening Date: 06/09/2026 Closing Date: 6/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Description Under general supervision ...

King County

Animal Control Sergeant

Kent, WA

Animal Control Sergeant Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has an exciting opportunity for an Animal Control Sergeant! We are looking for someone who takes great interest in the health ...

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Animal Control information

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$21K

$40.1K

$60.5K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in the United States is $40,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Where do animal control officers make the most money?

Animal control officers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and larger urban areas. States or cities with greater budgets for public safety and animal services often offer increased pay, especially for officers with specialized skills or certifications. Salary levels can also vary based on experience, education, and the size of the jurisdiction.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Animal control jobs typically do not pay $2,000 a day; they usually offer hourly wages or salaries. High daily earnings in related fields may be found in specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, animal trainers, or wildlife consultants with extensive experience and certifications, but these are less common and often require advanced skills or licensing. Most animal-related jobs pay significantly less on a daily basis.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal keeper?

Animal keepers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications in animal care or first aid. Some positions may require specialized training or education in biology, zoology, or related fields.

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.
More about Animal Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Control jobs? Cities with the most Animal Control job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Control jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Control jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Control jobs are:
Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Full Time, 72% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,102 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Galveston County Health District

Texas City, TX

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Galveston County Health District is seeking a dedicated Animal Control Officer to patrol assigned areas, respond to citizen calls, capture and confine stray or dangerous animals, and enforce ordinances to protect the community and animals. This role is hands-on and essential for public safety and animal welfare.
Why Join Us?
We offer a career with fantastic benefits, including:

  • Amazing retirement package to secure your future
  • Affordable medical insurance to keep you and your family covered
  • Generous paid time off so you can recharge
  • FREE life insurance & long-term disability for peace of mind
  • FREE parking - because the little things matter too!
What You'll Do:
  • Patrol assigned areas and respond to citizen calls regarding dogs, cats, and non-domestic animals as approved
  • Capture and confine diseased, injured, stray, or aggressive animals
  • Investigate complaints, cruelty cases, abandoned animals, and barking dog issues
  • Document incidents, bite investigations, citations, and maintain logs in Animal Services software
  • Operate and maintain animal control vehicles safely
  • Perform euthanasia of vicious, diseased, or unclaimed animals following policy and procedures
  • Follow up on quarantines, animal bites, and court cases
  • Maintain continuing education to retain Basic Animal Control Officer certification
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
What We're Looking For:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1+ year experience in government animal control, animal shelters, or animal-oriented volunteer work preferred
  • Experience handling aggressive animals and using animal control equipment (catch poles, leashes, muzzles, traps, injections) required
  • Knowledge of safe driving, county geography, ordinances, and statutes related to animal control preferred
  • Euthanasia certification preferred (must obtain within 6 months if not already certified)
  • Valid Texas driver's license
  • Strong communication, customer service, and computer skills
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends
  • Must pass background check, drug/alcohol screening, and DMV/MVR checks

Equivalent education and experience may be considered
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
No phone calls please
ADA / EEO / DFWP
Our Mission: Protecting and Promoting the One Health of Galveston County
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Galveston County Health District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

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