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Animal Legal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LTD Global

Animal Protection Investigator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

This role plays a critical part in ensuring the humane treatment of animals and supporting legal action when necessary. Responsibilities: * Receive, evaluate, and respond to complaints of animal ...

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA

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 ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... 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 ...

City of Navasota

Animal Control Officer

Navasota, TX · On-site

Animal Control Officer STEP #1: You must complete and submit the Navasota Police Department ... LEGAL NOTIFICATION Any applicant receiving a bona fide job offer for this position will be required ...

City of Stockton, CA

ANIMAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR

Stockton, CA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

... legal interpretation and changes in local and state laws applicable to animal services. * Monitors ... developments related to animal services, evaluates their impact on City operations and implements ...

City of Navasota, TX

Animal Control Officer

Navasota, TX

$38K - $49K/yr

Essential Duties Maintains animal holding facility, grounds, vehicle, and equipment in accordance ... LEGAL NOTIFICATION Any applicant receiving a bona fide job offer for this position will be required ...

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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 Jun 13, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,419 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Animal Services Officer

Animal Services Officer

City of Kansas City Missouri

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$22.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

City Of Kansas City (Missouri) rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule
Neighborhoods Department Animal Services Division
Location: 7077 Elmwood Ave
Salary Starting at: $22.61 per hour
Schedule: Saturday-Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.10:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026
Responsibilities
What youll do
  • Responds to complaints of unleashed, unlicensed, vicious, diseased, injured, neglected, abused, or stray dogs and other animals to protect public safety and animal welfare.
  • Investigates reported issues and takes appropriate action to resolve issues found, ensuring compliance with City ordinances.
  • Documents investigative findings in detail and processes cases accurately to support enforcement and legal outcomes.
  • Picks up and impounds animals running at large, which are ill, injured, reported to be rabid, or have bitten persons, reducing risk to the community.
  • Educates animal owners in the field on requirements of the City of Kansas City Code of Ordinances and responsible pet ownership to prevent repeat violations.
  • Issues citations and/or warrants for owners violating animal control ordinances when necessary and appears in court as a city prosecution witness.
  • Works with the City of Kansas City Prosecutor to develop cases for prosecution, supporting fair and consistent enforcement.
  • Utilizes and maintains assigned animal control equipment and vehicles to ensure safe and effective field operations.
  • Assists law enforcement and emergency services as necessary during incidents involving animals or public safety concerns.
What success looks like
  • Complaints are responded to promptly, thoroughly, and professionally.
  • Investigations are well-documented and stand up to legal and court review.
  • Animal-related risks to the public are reduced through effective enforcement and education.
  • Positive working relationships are maintained with residents, prosecutors, and emergency responders.
  • Equipment and vehicles are kept in safe, ready-to-use condition.
What you get
  • Hands-on, independent fieldwork with clear authority and responsibility
  • Opportunities to build investigative, legal, and community engagement skills
  • Training on ordinances, enforcement procedures, and animal handling
  • Structured work with long-term career security in municipal service
Why this role matters
This role directly protects people, animals, and neighborhoods. Every response, investigation, and education effort helps create a safer and more humane community across Kansas City.
Qualifications
REQUIRES
  • High school graduation or equivalency
  • Possession of a valid State-issued driver's license in accordance with the City of KCMO
  • Possession or be eligible to obtain the required Security Type B License from the Kansas City Police Department
  • Eligible to obtain certification as an Animal Control Officer on through MACA, NACA, or an equivalent approved by the Animal Services Division Manager with the first 6 months of appointment
  • Eligible to pass a physical examination and background check as prescribed by the City
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height or 100 pounds with assistance, work in hazardous and extreme weather conditions, and handle animals with unknown aggressive temperaments
Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidayswith accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Lifes Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expensesinvest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the Citys Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.

Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org.

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during wartime and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code 4211).

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