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Dog Control Officer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer Employer: Town of Davie Salary: $57,003.00 Annually Location: Davie, FL Job ... Conducts dangerous dog investigations including monitoring the dog's location and the owner ...

Security Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

$18/hr

Control access for tenants, visitors or vendors as required * Monitor security guard cameras and ... Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, and other pets/animals * High School diploma or general ...

Security Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

$20/hr

Control access for tenants, visitors or vendors as required * Monitor security guard cameras and ... Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, and other pets/animals * High School diploma or general ...

Security Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

$18/hr

Control access for tenants, visitors or vendors as required * Monitor security guard cameras and ... Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, and other pets/animals * High School diploma or general ...

Coordinates activities of animal control with Police Officers, Town Code Enforcement Officers ... Conducts dangerous dog investigations including monitoring the dog's location and the owner ...

Coordinates activities of animal control with Police Officers, Town Code Enforcement Officers ... Conducts dangerous dog investigations including monitoring the dog's location and the owner ...

Security Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

$20/hr

Control access for tenants, visitors or vendors as required * Monitor security guard cameras and ... Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, and other pets/animals * High School diploma or general ...

Military Security Officer

Naples, FL

$15.75 - $20/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... control posts and control entry to secure areas; perform vehicle, personnel, and baggage ...

Military Security Officer

Casselberry, FL

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... control posts and control entry to secure areas; perform vehicle, personnel, and baggage ...

Military Security Officer

Lawtey, FL

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... working dogs, harbor security, corrections, investigations, or protective services. Key ... control posts and control entry to secure areas; perform vehicle, personnel, and baggage ...

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Dog Control Officer information

What is a dog control officer?

Dog Control Officers are professionals responsible for enforcing animal control laws, particularly those related to dogs, within a specific community or jurisdiction. Their duties typically include responding to reports of stray or dangerous dogs, investigating complaints about dog behavior, capturing and impounding loose animals, and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. They may also assist in investigating cases of animal cruelty or neglect. Dog Control Officers work closely with local law enforcement, animal shelters, and the public to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and residents.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a dog control officer?

To thrive as a Dog Control Officer, you need knowledge of animal behavior, handling techniques, and relevant local laws, often supported by a high school diploma and animal control certification. Familiarity with animal capture and restraint equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes specialized training in animal first aid are typical requirements. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and customer service skills help in interacting effectively with the public and resolving disputes. These skills ensure the safety of both people and animals while maintaining community standards and public trust.

What challenges do dog control officers face and how are they addressed?

Dog Control Officers often encounter challenges such as dealing with aggressive or frightened animals, handling emotionally charged situations with pet owners, and working outdoors in various weather conditions. Effective communication, ongoing training in animal handling, and strong conflict-resolution skills help officers manage these situations safely. Officers also frequently collaborate with local law enforcement, animal shelters, and community members to ensure the welfare of both animals and the public.

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

AspectDog Control OfficerAnimal Control Officer
CertificationsAnimal handling, local animal control certificationsAnimal handling, local animal control certifications
Work EnvironmentField work, community areas, animal sheltersField work, community areas, animal shelters
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, animal control agenciesMunicipalities, animal control agencies

Both roles involve animal handling and community safety, but Dog Control Officers primarily focus on managing stray or dangerous dogs, enforcing leash laws, and dog-related regulations. Animal Control Officers have a broader scope, handling various animals, including wildlife and exotic pets. The roles often overlap, but Dog Control Officers specialize in dog-related issues within local jurisdictions.

Do you have to be a cop to be a dog control officer?

Dog control officers are typically not required to be police officers, but they often need to have relevant training, such as animal control certification or experience in animal handling. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, and some areas may require law enforcement background or special licensing for enforcement duties.

Is it hard to be a dog control officer?

Being a dog control officer can be physically demanding and requires good communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of local animal laws. The job often involves outdoor work, handling difficult or aggressive animals, and working irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
Infographic showing various Dog Control Officer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Animal Control Officer 1

Pinellas County Government

Largo, FL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Pinellas County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Animal Control Officer 1

Location: 12450 Ulmerton Rd Largo, FL 33774


Schedule: Four rotating 10-hours shifts per week. There is also an on-call rotation.

Are you passionate about the welfare of Pinellas County citizens and animals? The Animal Control Officer position may be for you!

The Enforcement Division of Pinellas County Animal Services strives to enhance the quality of life in our community through citizen education and by compassionate enforcement of current ordinances/laws relating to the treatment of animals.We are seeking an Animal Control officer to perform shelter-based, field-based, and telecommunications work processing calls and dispatching Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS) resources. This includes enforcing animal control regulations, animal licensing, and leash laws ensuring the public health and safety of citizens as outlined in Pinellas County Code Chapter-14; enforces animal control codes, issues warnings, citations, and summons; apprehends stray animals.

What would you do?

  • Enforce the Pinellas County Animal Services Ordinance and the Rabies Control Prevention of Florida Administrative Code 64-D-3.
  • Responds to citizen's requests for assistance with animal related problems, including but not limited to animal bites, barking dogs, license enforcement, leash laws, rabies vaccinations, foul odor, animal neglect and cruelty complaints, in addition to rescuing animals in distress.
  • Officers respond to both routine and emergency calls. Cleaning and maintaining animal quarters in a sanitary and humane manner.
  • Observing animals and reporting suspected illness and injury to veterinary staff.
  • Feeding and providing water for the animals.
  • Preparing specimens for laboratory analysis.
  • Sufficient strength and stamina to lift large animals, feed bags, trash cans and walk and be on feet for long periods of time.
  • Performs related work as assigned or required.

What do you need to have?

  • 3 years of experience with animals or regulatory compliance and enforcement, law enforcement, military, or a related field.
  • Associate's degree in law enforcement, or related degree, and at least 1 year of experience as descried above.
  • Bachelor's or higher-level degree as described above.
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License.
  • Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
  • Heavy Public contact, dispatch and data input duties as needed.
  • Must receive ACO I Certification within six (6) months from hire date.
  • The completion of the pre-exposure series of rabies vaccinations is required.
  • Shift work required is required. Overnight standby rotation also requires employees to remain within Pinellas County while working those shifts. Standard shifts consist of four, 10-hour rotating shifts per week.
  • Ability to work at the Animal Services facility located at 12450 Ulmerton Rd., Largo FL 33774.

Highly Desirable Skills

  • Previous animal handling experience.
  • Familiarity with multi-line telephone and 2-way radios
  • Familiarity with Word and Excel.
  • Ability to utilize Windows-based software.
  • Ability to focus on the task at hand and not become complacent to the routine when dealing with animals.

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

  • Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of theFlorida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
  • We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks.Check out these and more!

Want to learn more?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and abilities at the below link.

Animal Control Officer 1


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