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Animal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Opening Date: 05/19/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Summary The Animal Control Officer works independently under the general supervision and direction of a Police Lieutenant and under the ...

Animal Control Officer Under general supervision, performs public safety work in the enforcement of local ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals for the Animal Services & Control ...

Patrols city streets and investigates calls from citizens concerning animal control issues such as potential animal abuse, stray/nuisance animals, wild/dangerous animals, and injured animals; reads ...

Animal Control Officer DEPARTMENT: Animal Care Center REPORTS TO: Animal Control Director/Supervisor POSITION SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor, this position ...

Animal Control Officer Under general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor, this position contributes to the daily operations of the animal control facility, works daily with the public ...

Enforces animal control laws and ordinances within the City; explains ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals; issues verbal and written warnings of violations of Animal Control ...

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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 Jul 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Animal control officers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree; however, high-paying roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades like commercial diving or certain construction management positions can reach or exceed that income level without formal college degrees. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, or experience and may involve irregular hours or physical work.

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 roles require a valid driver's license. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and knowledge of animal behavior are important, and certifications in animal handling or safety may be preferred or required by some agencies.

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 is the highest paying job to work with animals?

The highest paying jobs in animal-related fields include veterinarian specialists, such as veterinary surgeons or anesthesiologists, who often earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and may involve working in private practices, research, or specialized animal hospitals.

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 qualifications do I need to be an animal welfare officer?

Animal welfare officers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education in animal science, biology, or related fields. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, good communication, and the ability to handle animals safely; certifications in animal first aid or handling may also be beneficial.
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:

Animal Control Officer

City of Red Oak, TX

Red Oak, TX • On-site

$24.70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Salary: $24.70 Hourly
Location : Red Oak
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400063
Department: Animal Control
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Summary
The Animal Control Officer works independently under the general supervision and direction of a Police Lieutenant and under the command of the Police Chief. This person performs various technical & skilled tasks involved in the care and control of animals to ensure compliance of the City's Animal Control Ordinances, State laws and safety of citizens.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Represents the City of Red Oak in a professional, appropriate manner at all times.
  • Enforces all City Animal Control Ordinances and applicable State Laws regarding animals. Acts as the Local Rabies Control Authority (LCRA) for the City.
  • Patrols City to locate & resolve issues regarding:
    • Stray, sick and/or dead animals, wildlife & livestock.
    • Violations of City animal related ordinances.
    • Evidence of animal cruelty.
  • Responds to citizen calls & complaints for service regarding animals at-large:
  • Captures, traps, quarantines, euthanizes and/or disposes of animals as required and allowed by Texas Statutes & City ordinances/policies, including:
    • Sick, injured and vicious animals.
    • Vicious or have bitten humans and/or injured other animals.
    • Picks up and disposes of dead animals.
  • Investigates complaints of animal nuisances, stray animals & livestock, issues citations and warnings as necessary.
  • Investigates complaints of animal cruelty and/or abuse, neglect, abandonment, blood sports & animal bite reports;
    • Interviews witnesses.
    • Notifies owners & involved parties of violations & required corrective actions.
    • Conducts follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
  • Issues citations as needed & contacts individuals to discuss options for resolving compliance issues.
  • Manages and maintains the City's Animal Control Shelter & vehicle:
    • Cleans & maintains safe & sanitary conditions in the shelter, including cages & kennels.
    • Provides fresh food & water for animals.
    • Cleans euthanasia tables & equipment.
    • Cleans filters, sweeps, mops, dusts shelter & offices.
    • Cleans & maintains Animal Control vehicle.
    • Tracks, orders & receives supplies & medications.
  • Informs & educates the public & business owners on animal licensing regulations, disposal of animals, rabies, & pet adoption programs.
  • Maintains accurate records and activity logs. Maintains files & documents of citizen contacts, enforcement actions and final resolutions.
  • Prepares monthly operational reports and completes various records and/or forms. Submits monthly reports and other information to Supervisor, City Management, City Council and others as requested.
  • Acts as back up to the City's Code Enforcement Officer as needed.
  • Protects classified, confidential, and sensitive information.
  • Supports the relationship between the City and the public through courteous and cooperative interactions.Provides superior customer service to all internal & external customers.
  • Performs all job duties, tasks and activities, according to work instructions, defined procedures and policies, following all safety rules.
  • Identifies & reports problems that interfere with completion of job duties and initiates or recommends solutions as appropriate.
  • Keeps work areas clean and orderly.
  • Exemplifies a cooperative attitude to work effectively with others.
  • Performs related duties as assigned or required by supervisor.
Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • High School diploma or GED required, college degree preferred.
  • One year of experience operating an animal shelter and enforcing animal control ordinances.
  • Experience handling animals & performing euthanasia process.
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES
  • Valid Texas Class C Driver's License with clear driving record
  • Texas Animal Control Certification required
  • Texas Euthanasia Certification
  • NIMS Training
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge of municipal operations, services and activities specific to animal control.
  • Excellent knowledge of the current state & local laws regarding animals, including euthanasia.
  • Knowledge of basic capture & restraint procedures.
  • Knowledge of the care & handling of animals.
  • Good writing skills with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
  • Intermediate math skills including fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurements.
  • Computer proficiency with intermediate knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to plan, organize and execute multiple tasks by assessing and prioritizing work projects.
  • Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries.
  • Ability to make sound decisions and effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner.
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to abide by all rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of the job safely.
The City of Red Oak recognizes that we can not serve our customers without a dedicated workforce. We are proud to offer our employees a competitive benefits package, including:
  • Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick, and holiday leave
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance with several City-paid plans available
  • City-supplemented premiums for dependent health and dental insurance
  • City contributions for a health savings account
  • City-paid life and accident insurance
  • City-paid long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Deferred compensation plan options
  • Group AFLAC coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Patient Advocacy Assistance
  • Longevity Pay
  • Free access to the Live Oak Fitness Center
  • Free membership to the Red Oak Library
  • The City of Red Oak also participates in the (TMRS). The employees' TMRS contribution is 7% of their gross salary, deposited on a pre-tax basis into their individual accounts. The City matches the employees' deposits at a rate of 2:1 or 14%.
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