Full Time Cook County Animal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Anne Arundel County, MD
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 08644
Department: Animal Services
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 7/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
As of July 2, 2026, the pay range will be $20.67 - $33.57
Anne Arundel County Animal Services is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring safe human-animal interactions.
Animal Services is responsible for enforcing local and state laws, responding to animal-related complaints, conducting investigations regarding animal cruelty, investigating public safety concerns pertaining to animals and providing temporary housing for animals for a variety of reasons. As the central location in Anne Arundel County for stray domestic animals, it annually reunites hundreds of lost pets with their owners. More than 2,000 pets of many species are either adopted from the shelter or leave with one of its rescue partners every year.
This posting will be used to fill a full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive represented Kennel Technician (s) (Animal Care Attendant I) within the Animal Services Department with Anne Arundel County Government.
This is the entry level class in the Animal Care Attendant series. Work is performed under general supervision in the respite, care, custody, and disposition of animals, and the operation and maintenance of animal shelter facilities. This is a 24/7 facility providing humane and proper handling of shelter animals.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions in the class series. Employees in this class are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level. Work performed is of a physically demanding nature for routine animal care and related duties at the county's animal shelter. Incumbents in this class receive on-the-job instruction in the care, retention, and maintenance of animals at the County's Animal Control Shelter. This work involves assisting with the intake of animals from the public; daily animal care; maintenance of animal holding areas and shelter equipment; maintenance of daily logs for animals including sick, injured and medicated; and assisting with euthanasia. Work is performed using basic knowledge of rules and regulations regarding blood borne pathogens with some independence under the supervision of a superior who assigns work and makes frequent inspections to ensure proper performance of work. The more difficult and complex duties and responsibilities are assigned to the next higher class of Animal Care Attendant II.
Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)
Assists with intake duties for animals brought to the shelter; assists in the adoption and redemption of animals.
Cleans, disinfects, and maintains sanitary conditions of kennels, cages, corrals, and grounds; and conducts routine maintenance and monitors repairs of facilities and equipment.
May assist in preparing, restraining, medicating, vaccinating, and performing euthanasia of animals.
Provides information to the general public regarding the adoption process, laws and animal care.
Assists with the maintenance of rabies information from rabies clinics and with the administration of vaccinations and deworming.
Assists with the completion of Animal Data Sheets (ADS).
Transports animals, delivers and picks up animal traps.
Testifies in court as required regarding criminal cases or other animal law cases.
Provides back up in the absence of the Animal Care Attendant II.
Assists in receipt of money from the public as related to the Animal Control Agency.
Knowledge of customer service techniques.
Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of hazards and safety practices involved in dealing with animals.
Knowledge of laws and ordinances governing animal protection and control.
Knowledge of animal breeds, coloration, and behaviors of animal and animal euthanasia techniques.
Skill in equipment handling for animal care protection.
Ability to safely and humanely handle and care for animals of all sizes and temperaments.
Ability to follow appropriate procedures to assist with vaccinations and deworming.
Ability to utilize leashes, control sticks, animal traps and other animal handling equipment.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient education to understand and follow oral and written instructions, six (6) or more months of experience in the knowledge of various breeds, coloration and treatment of animals; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.
NOTE:
Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings as scheduled.
This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.
Longevity pay is available based on years of service.
NOTE:
Due to the nature of this position, a rabies vaccination is required. Candidates who are already vaccinated must provide documentation of vaccination or titer. Those without documentation or who have never received a rabies vaccine will be provided with information on how to receive the vaccination or titer test upon onboarding We will review requests for religious or medical exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
Supplemental Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with the following:
1.) Minimum one (1) year working professionally with animals; Kennel, Shelter or Animal Control experience preferred.
2.) Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as scheduled.
3.) Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
4.) Ability to be comfortable working w/ cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, wildlife.
5.) Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, standing, bending.
6.) Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures.

• Medical/Health Insurance Plans
  • BlueChoice Advantage EPO
  • BlueChoice Advantage PPO
• Dental Insurance
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
  • CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)
• Vision Insurance
  • EyeMed
• Employee Life Insurance
  • Term insurance of $10,000 for employees at no cost.
  • Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance
• Pension Plan
  • Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
• Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
• Direct Deposit
• Credit Union
• Holidays
  • Twelve days provided per calendar year, thirteen in general election year
• Annual Leave
  • Less than 5 years - 13 days
  • 5 years to less than 10 years - 15 days
  • 10 years to less than 20 years - 20 days
  • 20 years or more- 26 days
  • Some positions will receive additional paid annual leave in lieu of holidays and personal leave.
• Disability Leave
  • Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
• Personal Leave Day, five per calendar year
• Leave Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Care Reimbursement
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
  • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
  • United Legal Benefits

01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.Your response and lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have sufficient education to understand and follow oral and written instructions?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have six (6) or more months of experience in the knowledge of various breeds, coloration and treatment of animals?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain how you possess this experience to include position title, length of time in position and MAJOR duties.
05
Do you possess a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license from the State or an equivalent license from another State?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have a minimum one (1) year working professionally with animals; Kennel, Shelter or Animal Control experience?

• Yes
• No

07
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain how you possess this experience to include position title, length of time in position and MAJOR duties.
08
This position requires the ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as scheduled. Are you able to work that type of schedule?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have the ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted?

• Yes
• No

10
Do you have the ability to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, standing, bending.

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have the ability to be comfortable working w/ cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, wildlife?

• Yes
• No

12
Due to the nature of shelter work, you may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures? Do you have the ability to work in these possible conditions?

• Yes
• No

13
Did a county employee refer you? If yes, indicate their name, department and badge/id number. If you weren't referred by an Employee indicate N/A.
Required Question