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Entry Level Animal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$25.10 - $26.76/hr

Description ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER Examination (OPEN) CS2026-080 Application Open Date: 07/13/2026 ... to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written ...

This is the entry-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine animal control and enforcement activities. As ...

Animal Control Officer I

Oroville, CA · On-site

$3.4K - $4.6K/mo

This is the entry-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine animal control and enforcement activities. As ...

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more ...

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more ...

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA · On-site

$21.12 - $28.32/hr

This is the entry-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine animal control and enforcement activities. As ...

The salary listed in the reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through ... We're looking for a dedicated Animal Control Officer to join our team - someone who's not afraid to ...

The salary listed in the reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through ... We're looking for a dedicated Animal Control Officer to join our team - someone who's not afraid to ...

Animal Control Officer

Greeley, CO · On-site

$26.57 - $38.53/hr

... * Entry level knowledge of specialized software. * Ability to follow detailed instructions ... animal-care options. * Perform traffic control and motorist assists as needed. * Dictate police ...

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Entry Level Animal Control information

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How much do entry level animal control jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal control in the United States is $17.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Control vs Animal Shelter Technician?

AspectEntry Level Animal ControlAnimal Shelter Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma; animal care certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, fieldwork, interacting with animals and the publicIndoor and outdoor, caring for animals in shelter settings
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal animal control agencies, local governmentsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, humane societies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in animal controlLearning about animal care roles in shelters

Entry Level Animal Control officers primarily focus on enforcing animal laws, capturing stray animals, and working outdoors in the community. In contrast, Animal Shelter Technicians mainly care for animals within shelter facilities, providing daily care and health monitoring. Both roles require a passion for animals and some certifications, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Animal Control Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Control Officer, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, safety procedures, and local animal regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, incident reporting software, and sometimes animal handling certifications is beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and compassion are important soft skills for effectively interacting with the public and ensuring humane animal treatment. These skills and qualities are vital for protecting community safety, enforcing animal-related laws, and promoting animal welfare.

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

Entry-level animal control officers often encounter challenges such as handling frightened or aggressive animals, working in unpredictable environments, and managing emotionally charged situations with the public. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with animal behavior, practicing safe capture and handling techniques, and developing strong communication skills for interacting with community members. Additionally, being adaptable and receptive to on-the-job training helps in responding effectively to a wide variety of calls and emergencies.

What are entry level animal control jobs?

Entry level animal control jobs involve enforcing animal-related laws and regulations, responding to calls about stray or dangerous animals, and assisting with the care and sheltering of animals. Workers may patrol assigned areas, investigate complaints, capture animals, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. These positions often require a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and training in animal handling and safety. Entry level animal control officers work under supervision and may advance with experience and additional training.
More about Entry Level Animal Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Animal Control jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Animal Control job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Animal Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Animal Control jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Control job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,129 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

City of Cleveland

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$25.10 - $26.76/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of Cleveland (Ohio) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

412th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER Examination (OPEN) CS2026-080 Application Open Date: 07/13/2026 Application Close Date: 07/27/2026 SALARY: $25.10 - $26.76 per hour. APPLICATION INFORMATION This application is not for an immediate opening, by submitting an application you are applying to take a Civil Service Examination for the opportunity to be placed on an Eligible List for a future opening. To learn more about the Civil Service examinations and Eligible Lists please visit the Cleveland Civil Service Webpage: FAQs | City of Cleveland Ohio To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e

Resume, Certifications, Driver's License, etc...) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications at the time of submitting your application. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG EXAMINATION INFORMATION WRITTEN EXAMINATION: The exam may be computerized, or a traditional pencil and paper designed to test the objectives of the duties and minimum qualifications of the classification. Examples of Duties Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty enforcing animal control ordinances and regulations

Patrols assigned areas within the City to detect and prevent violations of animal control ordinances and regulations; responds to incidents including stray animals, animal bites, noise complaints, and animal cruelty. Chases, apprehends, impounds, and transports domestic, exotic, and wild animals that are stray, injured, and diseased. Uses snares, catch poles, and traps to capture and impound animals.

Places animals in animal service vehicle. Transports captured animals to the City's animal shelter. Investigates incidents involving animal cruelty, animal bites, and animal nuisances reported by members of the public.

Interviews complainants, victims, and witnesses in order to collect information on possible violations of animal control laws, ordinances, and regulations. Identifies, collects, and preserves evidence pertaining to investigations of animal cruelty. Identifies the owners of animals that are the subject of an investigation.

Gives verbal and written warnings as well as citations to animal owners and animal handlers who have violated ordinances and regulations related to animal control. Prepares incident reports and completes all forms pertaining to animal control activities. Assists Cleveland Safety Forces and other city departments by handling animals that are present at crime scenes.

Assists bailiffs by handling animals present during evictions. Testifies in court and at hearings on the enforcement of animal control citations and other matters relating to animal control. Performs kennel duties as required by handling, feeding, cleaning, and providing care to animals; maintains the sanitary conditions of kennels.

Handles domestic, exotic, and wild animals that are stray, injured, and diseased. Performs euthanasia procedures on injured, sick, dangerous, or unwanted animals by means of lethal injection (when certified). Operates a two-way portable radio, an animal control service vehicle, catch poles, traps, needles, syringes, computers and other various pieces of office equipment.

Provides customer service to residents and customers that enter the kennel. Performs other job-related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or GED is required.

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the animal handling/sheltering/care field is preferred but, not required. Must obtain certification as a Euthanasia Technician within one year of the date of employment. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.

Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds. Must be computer proficient and have the ability to learn RMS system and Divisional computer programs. Reminder: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the accepting applications.

You must upload these documents at the time of submitting your application or email the documents to CS@Clevelandohio.gov and include the Job Title in the email. Supplemental Information RESIDENCY CREDIT A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score. (NOTE: Not all Examinations consider residency credit in the scoring process) To substantiate a claim for residency points, Applicants must UPLOAD LEGIBLE COPIES of the following: A signed and notarized Residency Affidavit available on the City's website here: https://www.clevelandohio.gov/sites/clevelandohio/files/AffidavitOfResidency0321.pdf CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (CMSD) PREFERENCE CREDIT An applicant who is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and is participating in an open competitive entrance-level examination, as determined by the Commission, shall receive an additional five (5) points upon achieving a passing score, as established in the examination announcement

Applicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from a CMSD school at the time of application in order to qualify for this credit. VETERANS' PREFERENCE Veterans' preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing application for the examination in which credit is sought in order to qualify for veterans' credit

If the applicant has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; or ten (10) points are added to their raw score on the examination if applicant's supporting documentation indicates more than fifteen percent (15%) service connected disability. NOTE: Only DD Form 214 (long form) or an official armed service document indicating type of discharge or separation and the dates of active service will be accepted as proof of active service. Reminder: To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e

Resume, Certifications, Driver's License, etc...) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age and religion

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.


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