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Animal Protection Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Respond to animal welfare calls and conduct welfare checks. * Assist MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Officers in the field as needed. * Collaborate across all areas of the Animal Protection Division to ...

Respond to animal welfare calls and conduct welfare checks. * Assist MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Officers in the field as needed. * Collaborate across all areas of the Animal Protection Division to ...

Respond to animal welfare calls and conduct welfare checks. * Assist MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Officers in the field as needed. * Collaborate across all areas of the Animal Protection Division to ...

Animal Control Officers work to protect the health and safety of the community while ensuring the humane handling and care of animals in accordance with state law, local ordinances, and accepted ...

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX · On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Animal Control Officers work to protect the health and safety of the community while ensuring the humane handling and care of animals in accordance with state law, local ordinances, and accepted ...

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX · On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Animal Control Officers work to protect the health and safety of the community while ensuring the humane handling and care of animals in accordance with state law, local ordinances, and accepted ...

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Animal Protection Officer information

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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:

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 SERVICES OFFICER - PART-TIME

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

$18.93 - $26.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Calcasieu Parish Police Jury rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary This is the first of five levels in the Animal Services Officers series. Incumbents respond to complaints regarding animals and perform a variety of animal protection duties. Responsibilities may include evaluating whether a violation of the law has occurred; issuing citations, warnings and notices; confiscating animals; euthanizing animals; impounding stray, vicious or dangerous animals; setting live traps; and preparing related reports.

Examples of Duties (The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Other duties may be assigned.) Patrols assigned area for emergency and non-emergency animal situations; investigates complaints; responds to work orders; removes dead animals from roadways

Issues citations and license violation warnings to pet owners regarding leash laws, containment, pet ownership and neglect, animal cruelty, and/or other related animal welfare issues. Apprehends and impounds pet and stray animals in violation of animal control ordinances; confiscates animals from negligent or abusive pet owners. Euthanized animals, which includes: injecting animals with applicable serums and transporting and disposing carcasses of deceased animals.

Educates the public on animal control ordinances, policies, and procedures, including proper control and care of pets. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position does not require supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.), one year of specialized or technical training and one year experience working with animals; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS Euthanasia Certification; Crematory Operation Certification; Valid Driver's License as per State law or requirement. Law Enforcement Commission LACA Chemical Immobilization QUALIFICATIONS To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential 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 the essential functions. KNOWLEDGE Animal handling techniques and applications; Animal traps, catch poles, and chemical immobilization techniques; Capturing and restraining domestic animals and livestock; Animal care and nutrition requirements; Investigation methods and procedures; Animal identification techniques; Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes; Customer service principles; Recordkeeping principles; Computers and related software applications.

SKILLS Handling animals in a safe manner; Capturing, restraining, and handling animals and livestock; Responding to emergency situations; Euthanizing animals; Conducting investigations; Providing customer service; Preparing and maintaining records; Using computers and related software applications; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, blood and other bodily fluids, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme heat and cold; animal bites; repugnant odors and sights inherent within a shelter environment, and possible exposure to diseases associated with animals, to include blood-borne pathogens. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; risk of electrical shock; explosive materials; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

UNIFORM An employee in this position will be supplied with a uniform, provided by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The employee is responsible for abiding by the Police Jury's Uniform Agreement. NOTE The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.


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