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Animal Inspector Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

INSPECTOR I

Walnut Ridge, AR · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

Experience and knowledge of handling animals and animal husbandry practices * Experience with ... Inspector I Class Code: IIN01P Pay Grade: SGS04 Salary Range: $43,088 - $63,770 Job Summary The ...

INSPECTOR I

Huntsville, AR · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

Experience and knowledge of handling animals and animal husbandry practices * Experience with ... Inspector I Class Code: IIN01P Pay Grade: SGS04 Salary Range: $43,088 - $63,770 Job Summary The ...

INSPECTOR I

Searcy, AR · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

Experience and knowledge of handling animals and animal husbandry practices * Experience with ... Inspector I Class Code: IIN01P Pay Grade: SGS04 Salary Range: $43,088 - $63,770 Job Summary The ...

VETERINARY SPECIALIST

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$118K - $175K/yr

Oversee animal movement regulations, animal testing programs, and facility inspections to ensure compliance with state policies.Review and update quarantine measures, vaccination programs, and import ...

Safety/General Equipment Inspection; * Animal Control; * Miscellaneous Trouble Calls/Fire Alarm Responses; and * Performs other duties as assigned. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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Animal Inspector information

See Arkansas salary details

$20.3K

$45.4K

$81.9K

How much do animal inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal inspector in Arkansas is $45,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,800.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal inspector do?

Animal Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, and humane treatment of animals in various settings such as farms, animal shelters, and zoos. They inspect facilities to check that animals are being properly cared for and that all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed. Their duties may include examining animals for signs of illness or mistreatment, investigating complaints of abuse, and enforcing animal welfare laws. Animal Inspectors often work closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations to protect animals and promote public health.

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

To thrive as an Animal Inspector, you need a background in animal science or a related field, knowledge of animal health regulations, and often state certification or licensure. Familiarity with inspection tools, animal health databases, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and the protection of animal welfare and public health.

What are some common challenges faced by animal inspectors when conducting field inspections?

Animal Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative owners, animals in distress, and navigating various environments that may be hazardous or unsanitary. Balancing regulatory enforcement with educational outreach requires strong communication and diplomacy skills. Additionally, inspectors must stay updated on animal welfare laws and manage detailed documentation, making attention to detail and adaptability essential for success in this role.

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

AspectAnimal InspectorAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsOften requires state or local certification, knowledge of animal health and regulationsTypically requires certification, training in animal handling and local laws
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, inspection sites, animal facilitiesFieldwork, animal shelters, community outreach
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, health departmentsMunicipalities, animal shelters, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer

Animal Inspectors and Animal Control Officers both work in government settings related to animal welfare. While Animal Inspectors focus on health inspections, compliance, and regulations, Animal Control Officers handle live animal control, rescue, and community education. Both roles require certification and involve working with animals, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

How to become an animal inspector?

To become an animal inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of animal care and welfare. Many positions require relevant experience or education in veterinary science, biology, or animal science, and some jurisdictions may require certification or licensing. Strong observational skills and familiarity with animal handling and health regulations are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Inspector jobs in Arkansas?

For Animal Inspector jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Animal Inspector job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,429 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

City of North Little Rock, AR

North Little Rock, AR • On-site

$19.03 - $28.12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Salary: $19.03 - $28.12 Hourly
Location : Human Resources Department, North Little Rock
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26071
Department: Animal Shelter
Opening Date: 05/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
General Responsibilities Summary
Assists with enforcement of Animal Control ordinances and the NLR codes relating to animals within the City limits as well as operations of the Animal Shelter by performing the following duties.
Essential Functions
The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Other duties may be assigned. Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position.
Enforces Animal Control Ordinances and the NLR Codes: Investigation: Conducts preliminary or complete investigations; locates and questions witnesses and potential witnesses; interrogates suspects in the field; takes statements or depositions; serves search warrants and searches premises or property; marks physical evidence for later identification; sends evidence to lab for analysis; takes custody of animals involved in pending abuse cases; issues misdemeanor citations for people violating the City animal control ordinances or state statutes; testifies in court as necessary. Inspection: Inspects kennel pens and premises of NLR residents prior to issuance of approval for Breeder's and/or Litter licenses; coordinates and conducts joint inspections (i.e., chicken coop and animal establishment permits) with other City departments when complainant involves overlapping areas of authority.
Keeps Records and Prepares Documents: Maintains accurate written documentation describing all enforcement investigative activities pertaining to bite reports, incident reports and daily activity reports; creates documentation to track the disposition of each animal impounded to Animal Control; completes forms for adoption, reclaim or surrender of animals; keeps records of citations and charges against violators; prepares charges for court docket and case files for prosecutors; keeps precise records of drugs that are open to inspection from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Public Relations: Gives presentations at area schools about City ordinances, the care and responsibilities of owning animals; provides information to general public about animal care and laws and regulations governing the ownership and care of animals; assists with advertising adoptive animals through the mediums of radio, TV, and local newspapers; participates in national Adopt-A-Thon drives.
Animal Control: Apprehends and impounds animals running at large; investigates reports of bites from domesticated animals and wildlife; follows State regulations in impounding animals that have bitten humans and ensures animals are properly quarantined to observe for signs of the rabies virus; determines status of aggressive dogs and issues appropriate court citations for vicious dog citations; apprehends wildlife; picks up and disposes of the bodies of dead animals; chemically immobilizes dangerous or potentially dangerous animals.
Shelter Operations: Assists in the care and feeding of animals confined at the shelter, including bathing and medicating; chemically disinfects cages indoors and outdoors; washes, disinfects, and dries water and feeding dishes, towels, bedding, etc.; chemically immobilizes and euthanizes animals; shovels ashes from the incinerator; feeds and relocates animals in the shelter as needed; supervises volunteers and community services workers.
Maintains Equipment: Cleans and inspects assigned City vehicle on regular basis; reports any malfunction and provides routine maintenance; keeps uniform and accessories in good condition. Keeps track of all assigned equipment and reports losses immediately; services and fires issued tranquilizer weapons as necessary to maintain good condition.
Minimum Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Valid Arkansas Class D driver's license and safe driving record.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be 21 years old before the date of hire.
  • One year directly related experience working with animals.
  • Must be able to become certified in chemical immobilization, become a certified Euthanasia Technician, and pass certification requirement to carry a bite stick (A.S.P. baton).
  • Must be able to successfully complete NACA (National Animal Control Assoc.) Level I and II and become nationally certified.
  • Must be able to respond to any location within the City of North Little Rock within one hour when on-call.

Application Requirements
The complexity, guidelines, supervisory controls, and supervision responsibilities described below are representative of this position.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines; and assists employee with unusual situations that do not have clear precedents. The employee plans and carries out the successive steps and handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted practices in the occupation. Completed work is usually evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. The methods used in arriving at the end results are not usually reviewed in detail.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
The employee provides task supervision for volunteers, community service workers, and JTPA workers.
COMPLEXITY: The work includes various duties involving different and unrelated processes and methods; the decision regarding what needs to be done depends upon the analysis of the subject, phase, or issues involved in each assignment, and the chosen course of action may have to be selected from many alternatives; the work involves conditions and elements that much be identified and analyzed to discern interrelationships.
GUIDELINES:A number of specific guidelines are available; judgement is used in locating and selecting the most appropriate guidelines; minor deviations can be made in specific cases; significant deviations are referred to the supervisor.
The benefits below are for authorized full-time, non-uniformed employees. (Uniformed employees are sworn Police and Fire Department personnel.)
Holidays - Twelve (12) paid holidays per year.
Insurance - 100% premium payment for employee health insurance, 75% paid health insurance coverage for dependents; paid life insurance.
Worker's Compensation - Coverage is provided for each employee for medical bills and work time lost due to on-the-job injuries.
Longevity Pay - After completing a full year of employment with the City of North Little Rock, an employee is granted longevity pay at the rate of $5.25 per month times the number of years employed.
Vacation - Accrual begins with date of hire with eligibility to use accrued vacation leave after six months of service. Vacation may be accumulated to a maximum of 30 days. Vacation is calculated:
Years of Service Annual Vacation Days
1-3 10
3-10 15
10-20 18
Over 20 22
Sick Leave - All full-time, regular, non-uniformed employees earn twenty (20) sick leave days annually with unlimited accumulation.
Discretionary Leave - Employees with two or more years of continuous service on January 1 of each year are granted 16-48 hours discretionary leave during that year, depending on length of service.
Retirement Plan - Mandatory and contributory, begins immediately.
01
Do you have a High school diploma or equivalent and one year directly related experience working with animals; or the equivalent combination of education and experience?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you at least 21 years old?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you going to be able to respond to any location within the City of North Little Rock within one hour when on-call?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have an Arkansas class D driver's license OR the ability to obtain one at time of hire, and good driving record?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you able to successfully complete NACA (National Animal Control Assoc.) Level I and II and become nationally certified?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Are you able become certified in chemical immobilization, become a certified Euthanasia Technician, and pass certification requirement to carry a bite stick (A.S.P. baton)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question