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Animal Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Edition (Animal Law Digest), and phase one of a new aquaculture project. The Staff Attorney will conduct legal and policy research, oversee and directly contribute to the production of the Animal ...

US Edition (Animal Law Digest), and phase one of a new aquaculture project. The Staff Attorney will conduct legal and policy research, oversee and directly contribute to the production of the Animal ...

Staff Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

We succeeded in embedding animal welfare requirements in the organic standards and protecting the ... CFS Staff Attorneys develop and prosecute precedent-setting cases in furtherance of CFS ...

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Animal Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do animal lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal lawyer do?

An animal lawyer specializes in legal issues related to animals, including animal rights, welfare, and protection laws. They may work on cases involving animal cruelty, pet custody disputes, veterinary malpractice, or laws affecting animal-related businesses. Animal lawyers advocate for stronger animal protection laws, represent individuals or organizations in court, and provide legal advice on matters involving animals. Some also work with nonprofits or government agencies to influence policy changes that benefit animals.

What is an animal lawyer?

An animal lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in cases related to animal rights, welfare, and protection. They may work on issues such as animal cruelty, custody disputes, or advocacy for wildlife, often requiring knowledge of environmental and animal law, and may work in law firms, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.

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

To thrive as an Animal Lawyer, you need a thorough understanding of animal law, legal research, litigation, and negotiation skills, usually supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and knowledge of state and federal animal protection statutes is crucial. Strong interpersonal communication, compassion, and advocacy skills help you effectively represent clients and advance animal welfare issues. These competencies allow you to provide effective legal counsel, navigate complex cases, and create meaningful impact in animal-related legal matters.

What can you do with an animal lawyer degree?

An animal lawyer degree prepares individuals to work in legal roles focused on animal rights, welfare, and protection. Graduates can pursue careers as animal law attorneys, advocates, or policy advisors, often working in law firms, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. The role typically requires knowledge of legal procedures, relevant statutes, and sometimes certification or licensing to practice law.

How do you become an animal lawyer?

To become an animal lawyer, you need to earn a bachelor's degree followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After passing the bar exam, gaining experience in animal law through internships or specialized practice areas helps build expertise in this field.
More about Animal Lawyer jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Lawyer jobs? Cities with the most Animal Lawyer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Lawyer jobs? The most popular types of Animal Lawyer jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Lawyer jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Lawyer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

$58K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

750th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $58,130.00 Annually
Location : 2500 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full Time Health Civil Service
Job Number: HEA06689
Division: Health
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
Patrols assigned area within Nashville-Davidson County in assigned vehicle; performs animal control services, including responding to calls for assistance, rescuing animals, apprehending stray animals, and investigating animal-related violations of local or state law.
This position will work 9:00pm-7:30am
This position is with the Nashville Davidson County Public Health Department.
Please direct all calls to the Public Health Human Resources Department
(615) 340-5640

Typical Duties
  • Apprehends, subdues, and impounds stray, unlicensed, vicious, feral, and sick animals; investigates allegations of animal cruelty and other complaints involving animals.
  • Investigates animal bites and coordinates handling and quarantine of animals and related efforts.
  • Enforces animal control laws and ordinances, issues citations, collects evidence, and prepares investigative reports; communicates with other law enforcement agencies (MNPD/DCSO), works with prosecuting attorneys, and testifies in court.
  • Performs routine keyboard/computer operations on standard office equipment; completes intake and care reports; maintains daily log sheets and inventories; and other record keeping as required.
  • May conduct or assist with outreach and liaison programs, addressing groups and organizations on animal control, cold/hot weather pet safety and other issues.
  • May provide training and coordinate special projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
  1. Education and Experience
    High school diploma required.
    Requires 3-5 years of relevant experience with at least 2 years of experience in animal control, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  2. Licensure
    Must be a Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician (CAET), or obtain certification within six months of hire. NOTICE: State regulations prohibit anyone with a criminal conviction of any kind from obtaining CAET. Valid class "D" driver's license, use of personal vehicle, and maintenance of valid personal vehicle insurance as required by Tennessee Law.
Must have satisfactorily completed NACA I and II, or NACHO A and B, or the equivalent, or have completed same within 24 months of hire.
  1. Vaccinations
Must receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must demonstrate knowledge of basic animal care standards, including safe animal handling procedures for domestic and wild animals.
Must demonstrate proper use, secure storage, and disposal of lethal chemicals, syringes and related equipment.
Must treat animals humanely and with compassion at all times, including those that are sick, injured, feral, or aggressive.
Working Environment/Physical Demands:
Medium to heavy work that involves walking, standing, bending, stooping, lifting, and exerting up to 50 pounds of force on a regular and reoccurring basis, including restraint of animals of varying size, age, and physical condition.

Must use protective clothing or gear.
May risk exposure to toxic and caustic chemicals, and animals/wildlife, including exposure to animal bites, scratches, and diseases such as Rabies, Ringworm, Lyme dise
Full-time, Civil Service positions -
10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
1 Sick Day per month
12 Paid Holidays per year
Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions -
20 vacation days per year
3 Personal days per year
1 Sick Day per month
12 paid holidays per year
Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.
Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information
Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.

01
I acknowlege that this position will work 9:00pm-7:30am
  • Yes
  • No

02
How many years of experience in animal control do you have ?
  • Less than a year
  • 1-2 years
  • 2-4 years
  • 4-6 years
  • More than 6 years

03
What is your highest level of education?
  • Less than High School or GED
  • High School or GED
  • Nursing Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Advanced Degree

04
I understand that all related work history/experience, education, certifications and/or licenses must be reflected on my application for this position. I further understand that an incomplete or misleading application may result in disqualification.
  • Yes

Required Question

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