ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Protection Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Protection Officer Jobs

Animal Protection Officer information

See salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do animal protection officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal protection officer in the United States is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Animal Protection Officer, you need knowledge of animal welfare laws, animal handling skills, and a background in animal science or law enforcement, often supported by relevant certifications or training. Familiarity with investigative procedures, evidence documentation tools, and animal care equipment is typically required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and empathy are essential soft skills for interacting with the public and handling sensitive situations. These skills ensure effective enforcement of animal protection laws, promote animal welfare, and facilitate positive outcomes in challenging and sometimes confrontational environments.

What are some typical challenges an animal protection officer faces in the field, and how are they addressed?

Animal Protection Officers often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as cases of neglect or abuse, which can be both physically and mentally demanding. They must balance enforcing laws with educating pet owners and the public, sometimes facing resistance or hostility. Officers typically rely on thorough training, clear communication, and collaboration with local law enforcement and animal welfare organizations to resolve these challenges effectively. Support from a dedicated team and ongoing professional development also help officers manage the emotional toll and ensure the best outcomes for animals.

Do you need a degree to be an animal protection officer?

A degree is not always required to become an animal protection officer, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or training in animal care, law enforcement, or related fields. Certifications in animal handling or law enforcement can enhance job prospects. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and organization.

What is an animal protection officer?

Animal Protection Officers are professionals responsible for enforcing laws related to the welfare and protection of animals. They investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, or abuse, and have the authority to rescue animals from dangerous situations. These officers may also educate the public about proper animal care, work with law enforcement, and assist in prosecuting offenders. Their goal is to ensure the humane treatment and safety of animals within their jurisdiction.

What is the difference between Animal Protection Officer vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Protection OfficerAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in animal handling and law enforcementHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic animal care training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, enforcement, investigations, often outdoors or in communitiesAnimal shelters, kennels, indoor facilities, direct animal care
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcement, animal controlAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, non-profits
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for enforcement and legal responsibilitiesCompared for direct animal care and shelter management

Animal Protection Officers focus on enforcing animal laws, investigating cruelty cases, and working in the field. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals in shelters, managing daily operations. While both roles involve animal welfare, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Animal Protection Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Protection Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Protection Officer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Protection Officer jobs?

The top employers for Animal Protection Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Animal Protection Officer jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Animal Protection Officer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Protection Officer jobs are:

Animal Protection Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Protection Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,194 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Animal Protection Officer

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego, CA • On-site

$26.60 - $29.61/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

San Diego Humane Society rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring Animal Protection Officers for our Humane Law Enforcement Team!
How you'll impact our mission:
At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Animal Protection Officers (APO) impact the lives of more than 40,000 animals each year by patrolling designated areas to enforce state laws and local ordinances and ensure humane treatment of animals. APOs hold primary responsibility for animal control type job duties, including rabies control, dangerous dog investigation, nuisance complaints, off leash enforcement, initiating cruelty in progress investigations, and general welfare concern response.
This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you're passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we'd love to talk to you.
What's in it for you?
At SDHS, we're proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person - staff, volunteer, and guest - can feel a sense of belonging. We support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values.
As an employee you'll enjoy:
  • Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
  • Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
  • Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
  • ...and so much more!

What you'll do:
  • Holds primary responsibility for animal control type job duties, including rabies control, dangerous dog investigation, nuisance complaints, off leash enforcement, initiating cruelty in progress investigations, kennel inspections, and general welfare concern response
  • Comprehend and enforce CA state laws and local animal control municipal codes
  • Humanely handle, capture, restrain, confine and transport domestic animals and livestock using proper humane equipment, methods and techniques
  • Educates the public regarding proper animal care
  • Issue citations; may prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants, and assist in preparing cases for filing criminal charges
  • Conduct accurate and thorough investigations including submitting written reports
  • Emergency Response Team - All officers receive training and equipment for responding to animal related emergencies related to a variety of incidents including wildfires

What we're looking for:
  • Requires a High School Degree or equivalent.
  • One (1) year of paid, full-time experience working in an animal control agency or humane society, veterinary or kennel/boarding facility, ranch or zoo handling, controlling and caring for animals required; OR Six (6) months of experience as an Animal Control Officer.
  • Must have a valid CA driver's license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes.
  • Working experience in customer services strongly preferred.
  • Bilingual skills a plus, Bilingual-Spanish preferred.

To successfully perform this job an individual must have genuine interest in animals and their well-being with strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Candidates must pass a full background check post offer. Additionally, you must be able to pass a medical exam and drug screening.
Location & Hours: Based out of our San Diego Campus, with expected travel to all SDHS campuses and across the greater San Diego County. This position works a 4/10 Alternative Work Schedule.
Pay: Starting range is between $26.00 - $29.61 per hour and is eligible for an hourly bilingual-Spanish premium.
Recruitment Incentives: Candidates with animal shelter experience or field enforcement experience may be eligible for up to a $3,000 recruiting incentive. 1 year full-time paid minimum to qualify for bonus.
  • $500 bonus for active PC832 certification.
  • Animal Shelter Experience: $250 per full year of experience up to $1,250 (5 years).
  • Humane Law Enforcement Officer or Animal Control Officer experience: $500 per full year of experience up to $2,500 (5 years).

Recruiting incentives for HLE positions are limited to a one-time payment per candidate and cannot be received for multiple roles (e.g., for APO and for HLEO).
The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time. For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location.
To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.

What San Diego Humane Society employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply