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Entry Level Animal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Port Huron, MI

$14.75 - $20/hr

Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of the Animal Control or designee ... This is an entry level position. Ability to assist with handling or be present during euthanasia ...

Animal Services Supervisor

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Police Entry Level Division: POL-Animal Services Opening Date: 12/16/2024 Description The Fremont ... Enforces animal control laws in the field. * Investigates animal service requests. * Issues ...

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Entry Level Animal Control information

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$9

$17

$28

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

As of Aug 22, 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 an entry level animal control?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal control officer?

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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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 Resource Officer I Temporary Hiring Pool FY27

GovernmentJobs.com

Fresno, CA โ€ข On-site

$4.3K/mo

Other

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Animal Resource Officer I

Come join the City of Fresno in Building a Better Fresno!

Want to see what it's like to work here? Explore our We Work For You video series to discover the real stories, passion, and purpose of the team behind Fresno's success.

Position Description

SALARY: $24.92 approximately per hour based on $4,321 monthly FILING DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 30, 2027 POSITION DESCRIPTION Looking for an opportunity to create a positive change in animal welfare and enforcement in your city? Look no further! The Fresno Animal Center department, centrally situated in the vibrant City of Fresno, is offering exciting opportunities in the animal care field. Join us in making a profound difference in the lives of both people and animals and our community! Animal Resource Officer I is an entry level classification in the Animal Resource Officer classification series which incumbents are under close supervision. Incumbents must demonstrate initiative, tact, and sensitivity in the humane treatment and handling of animals and must be able to communicate effectively with diverse groups within the city. Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Engaging with the community by providing information and resources to residents regarding pet care, licensing, spay and neuter programs and responsible pet ownership.
  • Explaining and enforcing laws and ordinances including issuing warnings and citations related to the treatment, control, and licensing of animals.
  • Serve as an educator, advocate and first responder in situations involving animals.
  • Promote positive human-animal relationships.
  • Operation of two-way radio, cellular devices, and other equipment to maintain activity logs and respond to calls from dispatch or request calls for assistance to effectively conduct animal control services in designated City areas.
  • Prepare reports and work with corresponding agencies.
  • May administer first aid and emergency treatment for animals
  • Responds to complaints regarding stray, vicious, injured or deceased animals and animal bites
  • Perform related work as required.

Incumbents will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and will be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices. Incumbents will be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and respond to after-hour emergencies as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent at time of appointment. Experience: One (1) year of experience in the care and handling of various domestic, agricultural, or wild animals in an animal-centric setting. Private pet ownership is not qualifying experience. OR One (1) year of work experience involving substantial public contact. Special Requirements:

  • Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver's License is required during the entire term of employment.
  • A valid Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP), issued by the Veterinary Medical Board of the State of California, may be required upon direction of the appointing authority.
  • Within one (1) year of appointment, incumbents will be required to complete Euthanasia Training consistent with California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 2039.
  • Within one (1) year of appointment, incumbents will be required to obtain and maintain a State of California Penal Code Section 832 Laws of Arrest certification.

Supplemental Information

***PLEASE NOTE*** The salary range posted in this bulletin represents the salary range for a FULL-TIME position. Compensation will be pro-rated based on the number of hours worked.

We are looking for reliable individuals with strong communication skills, a commitment to customer service, and a focus on safety. If you are dependable, people-oriented, and interested in representing your community in a temporary capacity, we would be excited to have you join our team.

Incumbents may be assigned to work any shift as directed, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Temporary employees are assigned no more than 32 hours a week. The salary listed is for full-time positions and will be prorated if hired. Temporary employees do not participate in the City's pension system and are not eligible for City-sponsored benefits. The assignment will not exceed no more than 2080 hours.

SELECTION PROCESS Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be referred to the hiring department for further consideration. No competitive examination process will be conducted for this temporary position.