1

Certified Animal Control Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Marana, AZ · On-site

$21.68 - $31.44/hr

Animal Control Officer certification * Additional job-related training as required ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: * Valid Arizona Driver License * Must pass a pre-employment physical and a 50-pound lift ...

Animal Control Officer certification Additional job-related training as required ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Arizona Driver License Must pass a pre-employment physical and a 50-pound lift test ...

Animal Control Officer

Nashville, NC · On-site

$42K - $69K/yr

Must obtain Rabies Vaccinator certification and Euthanasia Technician certification within six months from date of hire. 3. Equivalent Training and Experience: NACA Animal Control Officer I & II ...

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

A Humane Officer (also referred to as an Animal Control Officer) is under the general supervision ... Basic level certification in animal control by the state's Department of Health (may be obtained ...

Animal Control Officer GENERAL SUMMARY The Animal Control Officer enforces ordinances and laws ... CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES: Valid Class C driver's license with acceptable record Basic Animal ...

A Humane Officer (also referred to as an Animal Control Officer) is under the general supervision ... Minimum Qualifications: • Basic level certification in animal control by the state's Department ...

A Humane Officer (also referred to as an Animal Control Officer) is under the general supervision ... Minimum Qualifications: • Basic level certification in animal control by the state's Department ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Certified Animal Control Officer information

See salary details

$28.5K

$47.9K

$70.5K

How much do certified animal control officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified animal control officer in the United States is $47,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified animal control officer?

A Certified Animal Control Officer is a professional who is trained and authorized to enforce animal-related laws and regulations in a specific jurisdiction. They are responsible for investigating animal cruelty complaints, capturing and caring for stray or dangerous animals, and ensuring public safety by managing animal-related issues. Certification typically involves completing specialized training courses and passing examinations to demonstrate knowledge of animal care, laws, and humane handling practices. These officers may also educate the public about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Their work is essential in promoting community safety and animal well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified animal control officer?

To thrive as a Certified Animal Control Officer, you need knowledge of animal behavior, public health regulations, and law enforcement procedures, usually backed by relevant certification or training. Familiarity with animal capture equipment, incident reporting software, and state/local animal control laws is often required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and empathy toward both animals and the public are standout soft skills. These abilities are essential for ensuring community safety, effective animal welfare, and positive public interactions in challenging situations.

What are some common challenges faced by certified animal control officers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Certified Animal Control Officers often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as dealing with distressed animals or concerned members of the public. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication skills and learning de-escalation techniques to handle tense interactions compassionately and professionally. Additionally, officers must be ready for physically demanding work and exposure to varying weather conditions, so maintaining good physical fitness and situational awareness is important. Teamwork is also essential, as officers frequently collaborate with local law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal shelters to ensure animal welfare and public safety.

What is the difference between Certified Animal Control Officer vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectCertified Animal Control OfficerAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsRequires certification, training in animal control laws and safetyMay not require formal certification, focus on shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving animal capture, enforcement, and public interactionIndoor shelter work, caring for animals, administrative tasks
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, animal control agenciesAnimal shelters, rescue organizations

The Certified Animal Control Officer and Animal Shelter Worker roles share some overlap in caring for animals, but the officer typically handles enforcement, field operations, and has certification requirements. Shelter workers focus more on animal care within shelter facilities without necessarily requiring certification. Both roles are vital in animal welfare but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What cities are hiring for Certified Animal Control Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Certified Animal Control Officer job openings:

What states have the most Certified Animal Control Officer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Certified Animal Control Officer jobs?

For Certified Animal Control Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Certified Animal Control Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,913 per year, or $23 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Newport, KY • On-site

Campbell County Fiscal Court
Public Administration • 51 - 200 employees

$22.94/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides direct care of animals housed in the shelter, including feeding, exercising, and cleaning.

  • Assists with animal control operations such as capturing stray and dangerous animals, and investigating animal cruelty cases.

  • Enforces animal laws and ordinances, and assists the public with pet adoption and licensing procedures.


Job description

Position Title: Animal Control Officer

Department: Campbell County Animal Services

Reports To: Animal Services Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly

Employment Status: Full-Time - 80 hours

Pay Grade: 3

SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision the Animal Control Officer provides direct care of animals housed in the shelter, educates the public on animal laws and licensing, animal control operations and general animal care. Enforces State laws and County or City ordinances when necessary. This is a semi-skilled position responsible for assisting with the day to day operation of Animal Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: includes, but are not limited to:

•Feeds, exercises, and cleans animals housed in the County Shelter;

•Maintains shelter equipment and grounds in a systematic way;

•Assists in maintaining records of animals impounded or euthanized as to type, breed, sex, date of disposition and location of pick up;

•Assists the public with choosing a pet for adoption and completes necessary adoption procedures;

•Administers medications and treatments to animals as necessary;

•Euthanizes animals as required;

•Sells County Dog licenses and handles cash;

•Assists in answering inquiries, processing incoming animals, and solving problems as necessary;

•Provides educational tours of the Animal Shelter as requested;

•Assists with opening and closing of shelter including totaling and balancing receipts;

•Retrieve stray animals in the unincorporated parts of the County;

•Captures and impounds dangerous animals

•Investigates cases of animal cruelty

•Enforces licensing laws and other State, County and City ordinances pertaining to Animal Control and

•Assume duties/responsibilities of coworkers as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):

•Ability to establish effective working relationships with fellow employees, county officials and the general public;

•Knowledge of occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties;

•Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions;

•Ability to learn the use of catch poles, humane cages and crates, and like equipment for the safe capture of animals;

•Ability to learn and interpret animal control ordinances;

•Basic computer skills with the ability to access programs on PC to perform word processing and spreadsheet applications with basic proficiency; and

•Ability to operate basic office machines such as fax, cash register, copy machine and related equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or the equivalency, plus one year direct experience in the care and keeping of animals and animal control practices; or equivalent combinations of training and experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

•Possession of a valid driver’s license;•Must be bonded;•Must be able to work weekends and holidays;•Must be able to be sworn in as an Animal Control Officer (ACO);•Willingness to complete training to become a certified Animal Control Officer and• Must be at least 21 years old and willing to complete the required 16 hours of training to become a certified Euthanasia Specialist.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

•Must be able to lift eighty (80) pounds or more to a height of four (4) feet or more;

•Must be able to work extended periods of time using regular or powered hand tools such as brooms, hoses, mops etc.;

•Must be able to work in confined spaces;

•Must be able to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time;

•Eye sight must be correctable to 20/20 vision; and

•Hearing must be within normal acceptable range of 20-25 with or without hearing aid.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without a reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job and is not an exhaustive, all-inclusive statement of job duties, requirements, or responsibilities.

** This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with a pay rate of $22.94 per hour. This is a 2nd shift position, with the hours of 2pm to 10pm.**