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Animal Legal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA

$43K - $55K/yr

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads ... legal intervention, and follow up to ensure that action is taken Conduct investigations involving ...

Clay County Board of County Commissioners

$20.41 - $23.88/hr

Ability to comprehend and enforce County ordinances and to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures as they relate to animal services. * Knowledge of testing procedures of rabid animals.

City of Killeen (TX)

ANIMAL SHELTER MANAGER

Killeen, TX · On-site

$66K/yr

Oversees the training and certification of staff to ensure compliance with legal mandates and to ... Attends meetings and events that represents the animal control division Attends City Council ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

... requiring legal intervention, and follow up to ensure that action is taken • Conduct ... with animal and family services offered by PETA's Community Animal Project • Demonstrated ...

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Animal Legal information

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$21K

$55.4K

$90K

How much do animal legal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal legal in the United States is $55,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong understanding of animal law, environmental law, and litigation procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and relevant continuing legal education (CLE) certifications is valuable. Strong advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills, along with compassion for animal welfare, make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure effective representation of animal interests, successful navigation of complex legal frameworks, and positive outcomes for clients and animals alike.

What are animal legal professionals?

Animal legal professionals are lawyers or legal specialists who focus on issues related to animal law. They work on cases involving animal welfare, protection, and rights, and may deal with topics such as animal cruelty, pet custody, veterinary malpractice, and wildlife conservation. These professionals may work for animal advocacy organizations, government agencies, law firms, or as independent consultants. Their goal is to ensure that animals are treated humanely and that laws protecting animals are enforced and improved.

What is the difference between Animal Legal vs Animal Welfare Lawyer?

AspectAnimal LegalAnimal Welfare Lawyer
Required CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, legal certificationsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, legal certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, government agencies, NGOsLaw firms, NGOs, advocacy groups, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal cases, policy advocacy, litigationPolicy advocacy, legal advice, lobbying
Common Search IntentLegal cases involving animals, legal rights, litigationAnimal protection policies, advocacy efforts, legal advice

Animal Legal professionals focus on legal cases, litigation, and rights related to animals, requiring a law degree and licensing. Animal Welfare Lawyers also have legal credentials but primarily work on advocacy, policy, and advising organizations to improve animal welfare. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in their focus—legal proceedings versus advocacy and policy work.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal legal roles?

Professionals in animal legal roles often encounter challenges such as navigating the complexities of evolving animal protection laws and balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including animal welfare organizations, government agencies, and private clients. Additionally, they may face emotionally charged cases, especially those involving animal cruelty or neglect, which require sensitivity and professional resilience. Collaboration with law enforcement, veterinarians, and advocacy groups is essential, and staying updated on legislative changes is a continuous part of the job.
More about Animal Legal jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Legal jobs? Cities with the most Animal Legal job openings:
What states have the most Animal Legal jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Legal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Legal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Legal jobs are:
Animal Legal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Legal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,419 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Clay County Board of County Commissioners

Green Cove Springs, FL • On-site

$20.41 - $23.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Clay County - Small Towns. Big Passions.
Pay:
$20.41 - $23.88
Job Summary:
The primary function of the Animal Care and Control Officer is specialized enforcement and investigative work enforcing County Animal Services Ordinances. This position is responsible for investigating animal cruelty and neglect charges and performing related duties to promote compliance with Clay County ordinances regulating animal treatment. The position requires on-call availability, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Salary listed is minimum and may be adjusted based on qualifications and licenses held.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Patrols assigned areas, driving an animal-transport vehicle, to enforce laws pertaining to animals.
  • Respond to and investigate complaints of animal bites, dangerous animals, animal cruelty, and animal nuisance and determine if there is a violation; take appropriate actions to comply with ordinances.
  • Picks up and impounds stray or at-large animals; aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
  • Removes animals from inhuman conditions and drives vehicle to transport animals to shelter for treatment and care.
  • Prepares written investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations and takes sworn statements that may result in court action.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints.
  • Works closely with other humane and law-enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals.
  • Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities.
  • Performs on-call work as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Minimum of one year of experience in the area of animal control, veterinary medicine, public health or law enforcement
  • Must become certified as an Animal Control Officer within one year of employment.
  • Must complete Euthanasia Certification course within eighteen months of employment.
  • On-call availability, including nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Valid Florida Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Any combination of education and experience may be substituted, so long as it provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Supplemental Information:
Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions:
  • Knowledge of procedures and guidelines for emergency situations
  • Excellent communication and active listening skills
  • Demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking skills
  • Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques to administer first aid to animals
  • Considerable knowledge of County ordinances regulating animal control and related legal procedures
  • Ability to comprehend and enforce County ordinances and to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures as they relate to animal services
  • Knowledge of testing procedures of rabid animals
  • Considerable knowledge of the Clay County geographical area
  • Ability to follow appropriate decapitation procedures
  • Ability to deal effectively with the public, especially during emotional or stressful situations and to de-escalate situations using positive communication skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Employees may be required to perform duties, including the employee's normal work function or other emergency support functions as deemed necessary by the County, as assigned before, during, and after hazardous weather or state of local emergency.
While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.
The position regularly lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds, frequently lifts and/or moves up to 75 pounds, and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 100-200 pounds.
The person in this position frequently ascends and descends from an animal-transport vehicle and ascends descends stairs as necessary to facilitate investigations of animal wellbeing, bites, aggressive/nuisance animals, etc.
Constantly positions self to inspect and assess animals in a variety of situations in indoor and outdoor spaces.
Clay County is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, or age.
Clay County is committed to providing veterans with preference in employment opportunities in accordance with Florida State Law and Federal Regulations. As part of our dedication to supporting veterans, we ensure that qualified veterans are given preferential treatment in our hiring process, in accordance with Florida Statute 295.07.
Eligible Veterans who believe they were discriminated against may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs within 60 days of receiving notice of non-selection.

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