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Animal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Elko, NV · On-site

$21.57 - $31.28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PUBLIC SAFETY/SHERIFF Opening Date: 07/21/2026 SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE Under general supervision, enforces animal control ordinances and laws. Responds to complaints about animals and patrol ...

Animal Control Officer This employee performs duties in the capture, admission, and care of animals as well as community outreach and the enforcement of City ordinances governing animals in the City ...

Animal Control Officer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Control Officer Print ( Apply  Animal Control Officer Salary $52,421.00 - $67,287.00 Annually Location Rochester, NY Job Type Full-Time Job Number 26DM421DRA21 Department Department of ...

Animal Control Officer

Silverdale, WA · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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 ...

Animal Control Officer Under general supervision, enforces animal control ordinances and laws. Responds to complaints about animals and patrol jurisdiction to control the number of strays, unlicensed ...

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

Bryan, TX · On-site

$19.25/hr

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 ...

Animal Control Officer II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$55K - $77K/yr

The Animal Control Officer II is distinguished from the Senior Animal Control Officer in that the latter performs the full, first-line supervisory duties such as plan, evaluate, and assign the work ...

Animal Control Officer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

Supervision is received from higher-level Animal Services personnel and the Assistant Director for Animal Control. Related duties are performed as required. *Most of the work involves dogs but also ...

Animal Control Officer

Centreville, MI · On-site

$20.55 - $26.73/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Animal Control Officer - enforces state and county laws and local animal control ordinances and oversees care of animals detained by the county. Assists the Animal Control Supervisor by managing ...

The Animal Control Officer - enforces state and county laws and local animal control ordinances and oversees care of animals detained by the county. Assists the Animal Control Supervisor by managing ...

Animal Control Officer

Centreville, MI · On-site

$20.55 - $26.73/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Animal Control Officer - enforces state and county laws and local animal control ordinances and oversees care of animals detained by the county. Assists the Animal Control Supervisor by managing ...

Showing results 41-60

Animal Control information

See salary details

$21K

$40.1K

$60.5K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,102 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

$25.49 - $34.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago


Job description

Animal Control Officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations. Patrol public areas looking for potential signs of distressed animals and work directly with citizens concerning animal control issues. Educate the public about animal control safety.

Essential Functions:

Include but are not limited to:

  • Provides prompt and courteous response to requests for animal control services.
  • Handles all types of domestic and wild animals; occasional running to apprehend loose animals evading capture.
  • Educates the public regarding the importance of humane treatment for all animals.
  • Investigates complaints of cruelty and neglect; documents all activities relating to investigations.
  • Responds to emergencies and transports injured, sick, and aggressive animals.
  • Performs euthanasia when necessary.
  • Enforces rabies control through quarantine procedures.
  • Issues citations to enforce animal control and cruelty laws.
  • Maintains a daily log and monthly statistic sheet documenting his/her activities.
  • Maintains animal control vehicle and equipment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) equivalent.
  • Valid California Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one, and an excellent driving record.
  • Must be at least eighteen years of age.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or eligible to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience involving the care of animals and dealing with the public.
  • Reside within 15 to 20 miles radius of Pomona, CA.
  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from an accredited university or college.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin) preferred.
  • Experience working in an open-access shelter.

Knowledge & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of various animal breeds, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits
  • Proper methods of safely handling and restraining a wide variety of animals
  • Symptoms of common diseases of dogs and cats
  • Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, and professional.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organizational skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • High proficiency with computers - including shelter management software.
  • Ability to work a varied schedule, including weekends and evenings, as required.
  • Excellent communication skills working with staff and the public.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel).
  • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands/Working Environment:

  • Work is performed in a setting within an animal shelter facility. Regular exposure to animal shelter conditions, including odors, airborne particles, and animal fur/dander.
  • Must be able to:
    • Routinely lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous daily activity, including, but not limited to, lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
    • Work at a computer with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion. 
    • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
  • Exposure to dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
  • Regular movement about the campus to coordinate work. 

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. Core Values:

 Pawsitive- Embracing optimism at all times with animals, ourselves, each other, and our community.  

 Innovative- Leading the change our communities need with commitment to our mission.

Collaborative- Synergy and cooperation with partners and stakeholders to improve lifesaving.

 Kindness- Meeting everyone with compassion and respect.

Supplemental Information:

Only those candidates whose applications and resumes most clearly demonstrate the job-related experience, education, and training sought by Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. shall be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Placement in the position shall be contingent upon the successful completion of a written test with a minimum score of 80%, reference check, prior employment check, Live Scan, and pre-employment medical exam, including a drug test.

Compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and experience. In addition to those factors, IVHS complies with applicable pay equity laws and considers internal equity among current employees when developing the final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a generous benefits package.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.