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Assistant Animal Control Officer Jobs in California

City of Rialto, CA

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly : $26.82 - $35 ... Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. * Assist in ...

City of Rialto

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$26.82 - $35.95/hr

Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly: $26.82 - $35 ... Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. Assist in ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

Animal Control Officer The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and committed to building positive relationships with the community. They demonstrate professionalism ...

City of Hayward

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and committed to building positive relationships with the community. They demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and patience when ...

SEAACA

Animal Control Officer

Downey, CA · On-site

$22.81 - $28.26/hr

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER $22.8182 to $28.2675 per hour, generous benefits package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (Unbenefited position during training). Minimum age requirement: 18 ...

City of Hayward, CA

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

Responses should be sufficiently detailed to assist in evaluating your qualifications for this ... 10 Animal Control Officers often work with sensitive or confidential information, including ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Educate the public on animal welfare issues and assist emergency services when required. * Maintain professional communication via radio and ensure vehicles are clean and stocked. * Participate in ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Educate the public on animal welfare issues and assist emergency services when required. * Maintain professional communication via radio and ensure vehicles are clean and stocked. * Participate in ...

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Assistant Animal Control Officer information

See California salary details

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$35

How much do assistant animal control officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant animal control officer in California is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $20.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant animal control officer?

Assistant Animal Control Officers are professionals who support the enforcement of animal-related laws and ordinances within a community. They assist in responding to calls about stray, injured, or dangerous animals, help capture and transport animals, and may aid in the investigation of animal cruelty cases. Their duties also often include educating the public about responsible pet ownership and maintaining records related to animal control activities. Working under the supervision of senior Animal Control Officers, they play a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant animal control officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Animal Control Officer, you need knowledge of animal handling, local animal regulations, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal capture equipment, incident reporting software, and sometimes certification in animal control or humane animal care is common. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and compassion are vital soft skills when interacting with the public and distressed animals. These abilities ensure safety, humane treatment, and effective enforcement of animal-related laws in the community.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant animal control officers in the field?

Assistant Animal Control Officers often encounter challenging situations such as handling frightened or aggressive animals, responding to emergency calls at odd hours, and dealing with emotionally charged interactions with pet owners or the public. The role requires quick decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Teamwork is also essential, as officers frequently collaborate with local law enforcement, veterinarians, and shelter staff to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and the community.

What is the difference between Assistant Animal Control Officer vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAssistant Animal Control OfficerAnimal Control Officer
Required CertificationsAnimal control certification, basic animal handlingAnimal control certification, advanced animal handling, possibly law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentAssisting in animal rescue, handling animals, supporting investigationsLeading investigations, enforcing animal laws, making decisions
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal animal control departments, sheltersMunicipal agencies, law enforcement partnerships

The Assistant Animal Control Officer typically supports animal rescue and handling tasks, requiring basic certifications. In contrast, the Animal Control Officer often leads enforcement and investigations, with more advanced credentials. Both roles work within municipal animal control departments but differ in responsibilities and authority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Animal Control Officer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Animal Control Officer job openings:

Assistant Animal Control Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Animal Control Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,496 per year, or $19 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Wildomar, CA

Animal Friends of the Valleys
Civic and Social Organizations • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Animal Friends of the Valleysexternal

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Who we’re looking for:
Animal Control Officer
Who we are:
Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small parts of Riverside County. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing top-quality animal welfare and animal control services for our client cities. If you are looking for a way to make a difference and not just a job, AFV is exactly what you’re looking for!
Summary of Duties:
Performs tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws within the Cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar and Menifee. Educates the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases; captures, impounds, relocates, and when necessary, disposes of animals; and maintains records. Investigates animal complaints from members of the community. Issues citations for violation of City Code(s), or applicable state law. Prepares reports as appropriate and testifies in court as directed.
Essential Functions:
  • Patrols designated service area streets, roads and parks in an AFV vehicle; searches for stray or abandoned animals; captures and confines animals using appropriate procedures.
  • Contacts dog owners by house to house canvass to locate unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs (and cats where applicable).
  • Patrols for stray, vicious, injured, dangerous, unwanted or improperly controlled animals and responds to community member complaints regarding same.
  • Responds to emergency calls, such as cruelty to animal complaints, animal bites, control of poisonous or dangerous animals, and stray animals.
  • Investigates reports or complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances; uses tactical communication style to de-escalate situations and mediation techniques to reconcile complaints.
  • Testifies in court as directed.
  • Prioritizes calls using effective time management methods.
  • Issues citations, administrative citations and court citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances as necessary.
  • Writes incident reports, gathers evidence, prepares and presents cases at administrative hearings and/or appears in court as a witness as necessary
  • In field conditions, may euthanize severely injured animals in a safe and humane manner as required.
  • May make warrant and warrantless arrests related to penal code 830.9; search and seizure, issue warning, dangerous animal statement, citations, interview victims, complainants and witnesses.
  • May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches, and in serving arrest warrants, when vicious dogs may be present.
  • Able to use tranquilizer pistol and rifle as a last alternative
  • Answers emergency calls concerning person(s) bitten by animals.
  • Impounds and quarantines potentially rabid animals in strict confinement, checks the animal at intervals during the quarantine period, and releases the animal at the end of the quarantine period.
  • Issues citations for the quarantine.
  • Picks up and transports sick and injured animals to a veterinarian.
  • Picks up dead animals and disposes of properly.
  • Performs chemical restraint procedures as necessary.
  • Cleans and maintains the animal control vehicle and cages utilized to detain the animals.
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports concerning animal control violations and transactions
  • Keeps detailed records of daily activities including times, miles, animal impounds, addresses and findings.
  • Operates, cleans and disinfect equipment and vehicle(s)
  • Oversees the maintenances of and maintains vehicle(s) and equipment in accordance with state regulations.
  • Sets up cages and provides water, food and a blanket to all impounded animals.
Other Duties:
  • Explains ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public; promotes and provides education to the public regarding the keeping and care of pets.
  • Maintains contact with citizens regarding animal control issues and problems and preserves good relationships with the general public; takes an active role in public education related to animal control issues.
  • Attends meetings and responds to related questions and complaints; provides public education regarding animal control.
  • Presents and maintains a positive and professional image of the police department; participates in community oriented policing.
  • Assists with training of new animal control staff as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned
Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education
  • Two years of experience in the care and handling of animals and/or two years of experience in some capacity of law enforcement.
  • Valid California Class “C” driver’s license
  • Possession or be able to possess a certificate for euthanasia.
  • Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. approved P.C. 832 Certificate prior to application recommended. Must obtain a certificate within 4 months of employment with AFV. Failure to obtain the required certificates will result in release employment.
In Addition to Qualifications and Certifications and/or Education:
Knowledge of:
  • Various breeds of dogs, cats, marine and other wild or domestic animals.
  • Various types of animal behavior.
  • Various provisions of penal code 830 related to animal control and penal code 832-arrest.
  • First aid and CPR procedures and practices.
Ability to:
  • Work independently, prioritize calls and respond appropriately to a variety of animal complaints.
  • Work effectively in stressful situations
  • Exercise good judgement and make sound decisions
  • Euthanize severely injured animals in emergencies.
  • Perform a variety of animal control activities such as animal handling, capturing, and confining.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; write defensible reports.
  • Write legibly
  • Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
  • Obtain information through interview and interrogation, deal fairly and courteously with the public.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to Carry and Use of Law Enforcement Equipment as it Pertains to:
  • Collapsible ASP Baton under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22295 (regularly employed and compensated by a person engaged in any lawful business, while actually employed and engaged in protecting and preserving property or life within the scope of employment).
  • Handcuffs for matter and purposes of legal and lawful detention while police arrive.
  • Pepper Spray under the protection of California Penal Code Section 22820 (person has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training in the use of tear gas).
_____________________________________________________________________
Benefits and Compensation:
- $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
- Health / Medical
- Life
- Dental
- Vision
- 403B Retirement Account (401K for Non-Profits)
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Accrued Vacation
- Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions:
  • Field environment; travel from site to site. Hot and cold temperatures; inclement weather.
Physical Conditions:
  • Essential and marginal functions may require gaining and maintaining control of large and often aggressive animals; lifting/carrying medium-heavy objects of up to 75 lbs. of weight, maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, squatting, twisting, running, stooping and walking for prolonged periods of time; operating motor vehicle and other equipment.
Work Attire:
  • Wear an AFV approved uniform and related equipment including badge, collapsible ASP baton; handcuffs and spray.
Work Assignment:
  • Subject to irregular work shifts including evening, weekend and holiday shift assignments.
Direct Reports: This is a non-supervisory role
What can we offer you?
- $18.00 to $20.00 per hour
- Training courses and continuing education
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- Uniform Allowance - boots
- 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
- Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
- Employee Assistance Program to help you through life’s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!

Apply