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Animal Enforcement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aiken County Government

Enforcement Officer

Aiken, SC · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

This includes animal enforcement, litter enforcement, property nuisance, zoning enforcement, and ... The officer may work in any or all of the following areas: a. Animal Enforcement - The officer ...

Aiken County (SC)

Enforcement Officer

Aiken, SC · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

This includes animal enforcement, litter enforcement, property nuisance, zoning enforcement, and ... The officer may work in any or all of the following areas: a. Animal Enforcement - The officer ...

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Animal Enforcement Officer information

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$32K

$68.6K

$122K

How much do animal enforcement officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal enforcement officer in the United States is $68,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal enforcement officer?

Animal Enforcement Officers, also known as animal control officers, are professionals responsible for enforcing animal-related laws and regulations within their communities. They investigate complaints about stray, dangerous, or neglected animals, capture and transport animals, and educate the public about animal care and safety. Their duties often include responding to emergencies, conducting inspections, assisting in animal rescues, and sometimes working with law enforcement or humane organizations. Animal Enforcement Officers play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of both animals and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal enforcement officer?

To thrive as an Animal Enforcement Officer, you need knowledge of animal behavior, animal control laws, and investigative techniques, 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 for daily tasks. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills help build trust with the public and ensure safe interactions. These abilities are crucial for protecting animal welfare, upholding public safety, and effectively enforcing local regulations.

What are some common challenges animal enforcement officers face during their daily duties?

Animal Enforcement Officers often encounter challenges such as handling aggressive or frightened animals, navigating emotionally charged situations with pet owners, and ensuring compliance with local animal control laws. The role requires balancing public safety with animal welfare, which may involve issuing citations or working with rescue organizations. Officers also frequently collaborate with law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal shelters to resolve cases, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential.

What is the difference between Animal Enforcement Officer vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal Enforcement OfficerAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, state or local animal laws knowledgeAnimal handling certifications, state or local animal laws knowledge
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, enforcement of animal laws, investigating cruelty casesFieldwork, capturing stray animals, community outreach
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcement, animal enforcement unitsMunicipal animal control departments, shelters

Both Animal Enforcement Officers and Animal Control Officers require similar certifications and work in field environments focused on animal law enforcement and community safety. While their roles overlap, Animal Enforcement Officers primarily focus on enforcing laws and investigating cruelty, whereas Animal Control Officers often handle capturing stray animals and public outreach. The titles are used interchangeably in some regions, but understanding their specific duties can help clarify career paths and job expectations.

Do you have to be a cop to be an animal enforcement officer?

Animal Enforcement Officers do not need to be police officers, but they often require knowledge of animal laws, good communication skills, and sometimes specialized training or certifications. While some agencies prefer or require law enforcement experience, many positions focus on animal care, enforcement, and education without police credentials.

What skills are needed to be an animal enforcement officer?

Animal enforcement officers need strong knowledge of animal behavior, laws, and regulations related to animal welfare. They should have good communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to handle animals safely and compassionately. Often, relevant certifications or training in animal control and safety procedures are required.

What states have the most Animal Enforcement Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Enforcement Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Enforcement Officer jobs?

For Animal Enforcement Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Enforcement Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Enforcement Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,646 per year, or $33 per hour.

Animal Enforcement Officer

Macon, GA • On-site

Macon-Bibb County Government
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Macon-Bibb County Governmentexternal

$38K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Enforces county and state laws related to animal welfare and issues citations for violations.

  • Patrols the county to locate, apprehend, and investigate animals in violation of laws and ordinances.

  • Investigates animal cruelty and bite complaints, maintains records, and provides emergency services for injured animals.

Job description

Summary The Animal Enforcement Officer is responsible for performing enforcement work relating to ordinance and laws controlling animals in Macon-Bibb County. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Enforces all Macon-Bibb County codes and ordinances related to animal welfare. Enforces all Georgia State Laws related to animal welfare.

Works with the general public to help resolve animal welfare issues. Works with Bibb county Sheriff's deputies in regards to animal cases. Writes citations, as necessary, for violations of animal welfare laws.

Patrols the county to locate and apprehend animals in violation of Macon-Bibb County codes and ordinances. Investigate and maintain records of any calls dispatched to. Maintain written and computerized reports of any calls handled and submit to Assistant Manager for approval.

Testify in court when necessary Provide courteous, high quality service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service or making the appropriate referral. Educate the general public regarding care and treatment of animals. Investigates complaints of animal cruelty and animal bites received through the Animal Enforcement Office and E911 Center and quarantines animals as necessary.

Humanely euthanizes and disposes of sick, injured, and impounded animals as required. Investigate and properly dispose of wildlife; to include maintaining proper paperwork. Performs emergency service for injured animals after normal working hours, as required.

Maintains the maintenance and cleanliness of assigned vehicle. Education, Training and Experience The Animal Enforcement Officer must be a high school graduate or equivalent, preference given for candidates with experience in the care and handling of animals; or any equivalent combination of education and experiences which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of certification as an Animal Control Officer, within one year of hire.

Possession of certification to assist with/perform euthanasia, within six (6) months of employment. Possession of a valid Georgia Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Animal Enforcement Officer must be knowledgeable of the following principles, procedures, and concepts: Knowledge of appropriate equipment and tools relating to the operation of an animal shelter, personal computer, typewriter, calculator, and other assigned equipment.

Knowledge of the geography of Macon-Bibb County. Knowledge of the laws and ordinances relating to control of animals in Macon-Bibb County. Knowledge of personal computers and basic office programs.

Knowledge of the care and handling of dogs and other animals. Ability to handle animals running at large, particularly those that might be vicious, sick or injured. Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with members of the general public, often in trying situations.

Ability to maintain records and make reports. Skill in the use of tools and equipment incident to the operation of an animal shelter. Knowledge/experience of veterinary or medical terms, diseases, and procedures.

If you have any problems submitting your applications, please contact the NeoGov Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at 855-524-5627, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

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