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Entry Level Animal Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Rialto, CA

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

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 routine tasks and duties assigned to ...

Butte County, CA

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 ...

Butte County

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA · On-site

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 ...

City of Rialto, CA

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 ...

City of Rialto

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$26.82 - $35.95/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 ...

Butte County

Animal Control Officer II

Oroville, CA

$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 ...

City of Selma

Police Officer (Entry Level)

Selma, CA

$74K - $95K/yr

This is the entry level class in the Police series. Position allocated to the class of Police ... of animal control and related duties. D. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job ...

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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 Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal control in California is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.71 and $19.54 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs in California? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California? For Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Animal Control jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Animal Control job openings:
Entry Level Animal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Control job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,357 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Animal Control Officer I/II

City of Rialto, CA

Rialto, CA • On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Animal Control Officer

To perform routine duties in support of the City's animal control services and operations; to provide assistance in enforcing City, County and State laws governing the care and keeping of animals in the City; to patrol assigned areas; to capture, impound, care for and euthanize animals as appropriate; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

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 routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Since this is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Patrol City streets and roads using a City owned vehicle; search for stray dogs and domestic animals.
  2. Pick up and dispose of deceased animals in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  3. Investigate reports or complaints of nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals within the city and take appropriate action; investigate reports of animal cruelty or neglect; investigate animal bites; arrange for animal identification and quarantine as needed.
  4. Perform general office duties; receive and direct telephone calls; provide information and explain procedures; send notices; file rabies certificates and other documents.
  5. Prepare and maintain a variety of files, records and reports; ensure all records comply with established guidelines.
  6. Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets.
  7. Assist in enforcing City animal control laws; explain ordinance relating to keeping and caring for animals; issue citations for violations of the animal control ordinance.
  8. Coordinate the services and operations of the City's rabies vaccination clinics; maintain related records.
  9. Impound, quarantine and euthanize animals as appropriate; provide assistance in determining whether injured animals should be treated or euthanized; contact a veterinarian to treat injured animals as appropriate.
  10. Assist in preparing laboratory specimens; submit to appropriate public agencies.
  11. Operate variety of tools, equipment and devices including humane traps, mobile radios and related animal control tools and equipment.
Minimum Qualifications

Animal Control Officer I: Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of experience in the care and handling of animals. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Animal Control Officer II: Experience and Training Guidelines: Minimum requirements as a condition of hire: Experience: Two years of responsible experience in animal control enforcement. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

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