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Animal Protection Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$105 - $125/hr

The Development Officer, Major Gifts is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a ... staff, animal protection teams, senior leadership, and volunteer leadership. Some of the ...

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Development Officer, Major Gifts

Boston, MA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

The Development Officer, Major Gifts is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a ... staff, animal protection teams, senior leadership, and volunteer leadership. Some of the ...

We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking ... Veterinary Officer & Animal Ethicist (CVO), is responsible for ensuring the welfare, safety and ...

We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking ... Veterinary Officer & Animal Ethicist (CVO), is responsible for ensuring the welfare, safety and ...

Animal Control Officer

Nashville, NC · On-site

$42K - $69K/yr

... protective, preventive, and investigative work in enforcing animal control laws and regulations ... The Animal Control Officer also investigates any calls received pertaining to animal cruelty and/or ...

Animal Control Officer

Centreville, MI · On-site

$20.55 - $26.73/hr

The Animal Control Officer - enforces state and county laws and local animal control ordinances and ... Protects animal welfare and enforces applicable laws, investigating alleged acts of cruelty to ...

Animal Control Officer

Marana, AZ · On-site

$21.68 - $31.44/hr

Protects the general health of the community by responding to citizen's grievances; responds to ... Animal Control Officer certification * Additional job-related training as required ADDITIONAL ...

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Animal Protection Officer information

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How much do animal protection officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Animal Protection Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,194 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

$105 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

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Job description

The Position:

The Development Officer, Major Gifts is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of making significant philanthropic investments in the MSPCA-Angell mission. This role requires a strong understanding of major gifts fundraising, exceptional relationship-building skills, professionalism, initiative, and a genuine commitment to advancing animal welfare.

Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, Senior Director of Individual and Institutional Giving, and the broader Development team, the Development Officer will develop and implement individualized fundraising strategies that strengthen donor engagement, inspire transformational giving, and support both annual and campaign fundraising priorities. Success in this role requires close collaboration with colleagues across the organization, including veterinary staff, animal protection teams, senior leadership, and volunteer leadership.

Some of the responsibilities include:
  • Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with the capacity to make significant philanthropic investments, including planned gifts.
  • Guide donors through all stages of the major gift cycle, from identification and cultivation through solicitation, stewardship, and long-term engagement.
    Partner with Development leadership to create and implement individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that increase donor commitment and retention
  • Advance the MSPCA-Angell's comprehensive and capital campaign priorities by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding campaign donors and prospects.
  • Develop strategies to secure leadership and major gifts in support of campaign initiatives, including naming opportunities and other strategic funding priorities.
    Conduct face-to-face meetings with donors and prospective supporters.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with development colleagues, veterinarians, animal protection staff, senior leadership, volunteer leadership, and donors.
  • Coordinate meetings between donors and organizational leadership, veterinarians, and other key stakeholders.
  • Maintain accurate donor records and a high level of data integrity within the fundraising database.
  • Partner with the Development team to identify and qualify new major gift prospects.
  • Represent the organization at special events and other donor engagement opportunities.
Who we are:

The Boston MSPCA-Angell is one of the oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations in the world. Every day, our teams work together to improve the lives of animals through veterinary medicine, animal protection, advocacy, and community outreach. Joining MSPCA-Angell means becoming part of a mission-driven organization where your work has a direct and lasting impact.

Compensation:

Salary: $105k-125k

Please note that candidates with additional experience or credentials may be eligible for compensation aligned with their qualifications.

Our Benefits:
  • health, dental, and life insurance
  • a 403(b) retirement plan
  • tuition reimbursement
  • paid holidays
  • vacation and sick time
  • employee discounts for pet health care
  • free on-site parking
Applicant Requirements:

We are seeking candidates with:

  • At least five years of successful major gift fundraising experience with a demonstrated record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant gifts.
  • Experience building and sustaining long-term relationships with leadership and major gift donors.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple donor relationships and priorities simultaneously.
  • Experience using donor databases or CRM systems to maintain accurate records and support fundraising strategy.
  • Because written communication is essential to this role, applicants are required to submit a cover letter as part of their application.
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