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Humane Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Koitecc Solutions

$125 - $150/hr

Reports to President & CEO. Supervises Director of Shelter Operations, Director of Community Initiatives, Medical Director, Chief Humane Investigator, and Senior Manager of Facilities & IT. Position ...

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Humane Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do humane investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a humane investigator?

A Humane Investigator is responsible for enforcing animal cruelty laws and ensuring the welfare of animals. They investigate reports of neglect or abuse, work with law enforcement, and may conduct rescues or issue citations. Humane Investigators often educate pet owners on proper care and may testify in court cases. Their goal is to protect animals from mistreatment and promote humane treatment standards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a humane investigator?

A Humane Investigator typically spends their days responding to reports of animal cruelty or neglect, conducting on-site investigations, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses or suspects. They often collaborate with law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal control personnel to ensure thorough case documentation and appropriate action. The role may involve preparing detailed reports, following up on ongoing cases, testifying in court, and raising public awareness about animal welfare. This dynamic and field-oriented job requires adaptability and compassion when dealing with both animals and people.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a humane investigator?

To thrive as a Humane Investigator, you need a solid understanding of animal welfare laws, investigative techniques, and preferably experience in law enforcement or animal services. Familiarity with case management software, digital photography, and certifications such as Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator (CACI) are often valuable. Outstanding soft skills include strong communication, emotional resilience, attention to detail, and the ability to work sensitively with the public under stressful circumstances. These abilities are crucial for effectively investigating cases, protecting animal welfare, and navigating the legal and emotional complexities of the role.

How do you become a humane investigator?

To become a humane investigator, candidates typically need a background in animal care, law enforcement, or related fields, along with knowledge of animal welfare laws. Many states require specific training or certification, and investigators often work for government agencies or animal protection organizations, sometimes needing a valid driver's license and the ability to handle stressful situations.
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What states have the most Humane Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Humane Investigator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Humane Investigator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Humane Investigator jobs are:

Humane Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Humane Agent

Cleveland Animal Protective League

Cleveland, OH

$23.59/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conducts investigations related to animal cruelty and neglect, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

  • Handles and provides proper care to animals, assessing their behavior, health, and safety during investigations.

  • Responds to reports and calls about animals requiring assistance, conducting on-site investigations within 24 hours.

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
­­­­­­­
____________________________________________________________________________________
Job Title: Humane Agent
Department: Humane Investigations
Classification: Full time, hourly, non-exempt
Salary: $23.59 Hourly
Job Relationship: Reports to Chief Humane Investigator. May oversee assigned volunteers.
Position Summary: Serves as a humane agent and law enforcement representative for the APL in the prevention of cruelty and neglect to animals. Conducts investigations and assists in providing animal welfare education/awareness to the general public. Provides quality and ethical animal and people care in accordance with the APL’s mission, goal and management philosophy.
Revised: August 2021
____________________________________________________________________________________
Essential Job Functions
Conducts effective humane investigations
  • Educates the pet owning public on the responsibility, care, and humane treatment of animals in accordance with state, city, county, and federal laws. Effectively identifies need for education vs. animal seizure.
  • Conducts investigations in accordance with the requirements of the law and legal proceedings.
  • Follows up on notices that have been served to ensure compliance or issue summons for cases in violation of the state animal cruelty laws.
  • Maintains evidence and court documents for cases requiring prosecution.
  • Interfaces with animal control representatives and law enforcement personnel from the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and neighboring communities.
  • Maintains confidential information regarding investigations and other APL operations.
  • Stays abreast of trends in the field; pursues educational opportunities.
  • Supports the APL’s desire to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture that fuels the compassion that connects us to one another.
Safely handles and provides proper care to animals
  • Assesses proper handling of cases based on knowledge of animal breeds, husbandry needs, and care standards. Observes, appropriately identifies and responds to animal’s behavior and characteristics in order to take proper actions for the safety of the animal, self, and all others directly involved. Assures safe and proper handling of animals is maintained at all times.
  • Recognizes the presence of disease and/or injury and utilizes proper disease control measures in resolving cases and handling animals safely and humanely.
  • Communicates pertinent information to staff and monitors progress of impounded animals according to APL’s policies and procedures.
Responds to reports and calls about animals requiring assistance in a timely manner
  • Responds to reports and phone calls and conducts “on-site” investigations within 24 hours to determine the validity of the report and appropriate disposition.
  • Accurately prioritizes cases by level of urgency.
  • Utilizes appropriate tactics to resolve cases including potentially violent situations. Maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
  • Fulfills requirements of a humane agent under Ohio law as a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect by notifying social services/child welfare agencies of potential concerns.
Accurately documents and reports all call response and humane investigations case activity in a timely manner
  • Produces and maintains timely, clear, complete, accurate written investigation logs and reports.
  • Accurately and completely enters case information into the case database in a timely manner.
  • Accurately utilizes forms and notices to assure successful prosecution if necessary.
  • Appropriately uses audio, video, and still camera equipment in the collection of evidence.
  • Collects, maintains, secures and documents evidence for cases in accordance with departmental policy and procedure and the law.
  • Assists Chief Humane Investigator with daily, weekly, monthly and annual reports.
Performs administrative functions to support humane investigations work
  • Answers phones, returns phone calls and records accurate information.
  • Responds to email requests and reports promptly.
  • Maintains library of educational materials and utilizes resources available in the department, including Cole Directory, Assessor’s Check, Map information, etc.
  • Assists in maintaining supplies required for the department.
  • Maintains orderly files.
Performs client service and public education
  • With supervisory approval, may give presentations, serve as a representative for the department at various APL events, and take individuals on educational, investigative ride-alongs.
  • Promptly notifies Chief Investigator and CEO of high profile situations amp;/or potential media case. Refers all media request to CEO.
  • Actively solicits financial support from clients and promotes APL programs, events, and services.
  • Actively supports and works cooperatively and collaboratively with other staff, department managers, and volunteers. Proactively provides relevant information on animals and cases.
  • Models “Compassion” core value behavior: Treats animals amp; people with respect, empathy, and kindness. Listens and responds to the needs of people who surrender animals to us, use our programs and services, support us, work and volunteer for us, and to other animal welfare organizations that turn to us for help.
  • Performs all responsibilities with utmost honesty, integrity and professionalism.
Ensures humane investigations vehicles, equipment, and supplies are maintained and ready to provide safe, productive, high quality animal care and handling
  • Works in cooperation with the Facilities Coordinator to monitor and maintain H.I. vehicles.
  • Operates APL vehicles in accordance with the law. Utilizes APL vehicles strictly for the performance of job duties.
  • Maintains equipment, tools and appliances in good working order and reports any malfunction, loss or breakage immediately.
Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to:
  • Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces.
  • Takes immediate action to correct/report safety hazards; follows safety guidelines at all times.
  • Attends staff and community meetings as assigned.
  • Performs euthanasia of APL animals as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid Ohio Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
  • No felony or drug related criminal record.
  • Internal candidates must be in good standing
  • Two years of humane investigations experience strongly preferred. Minimally, three years of animal welfare, law enforcement, or other experience in a related field.
  • Certified euthanasia technician or ability to become certified within six months of hire
  • Post Hire: complete the 20-hour state-mandated training with curriculum as set by OPOTA, and passed the humane agent exam, and meet all eligibility requirements to be appointed by APL as a humane agent.
  • Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire
Knowledge and Skills
  • Working knowledge of judicial system and ability to interpret local, state, federal laws.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience dealing with crisis situations, using effective communications and problem solving techniques and ability to diffuse high-stress and emotionally charged situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to control dangerous animals.
  • Ability to work in a fast-pace environment with a variety of people.
  • Ability to work with a computer in a Windows environment.
  • Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively.
  • Committed to maintaining the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster compassion and end animal suffering.
Working Conditions
Work is performed outside in all types of weather and in an animal shelter that operates seven days per week with exposure to animals, including some that may be unhealthy, contagious, or dangerous, exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, and cleaning agents. Subject to animal bites and scratches. Subject to exposure to potentially violent/dangerous situations. Must be able to detect and recognize animal behavior that is potentially dangerous. Frequently moves about the shelter, various outside areas, and various dwellings in order to interact with animals and the public. Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment in a shared office environment (i.e. calculator, copier, and printer). Frequently bends, lifts, stoops, walks. Frequently positions self to handle animals of all sizes in a variety of areas and positions (high spaces, low spaces, small spaces, etc.). Frequently positions self to drive vehicle and perform vehicle cleaning functions. Constantly communicates with the public, staff members and volunteers and must be able to exchange accurate information. Frequently lifts or moves animals weighing up to 75 pounds with reasonable accommodations. Occasionally moves or lifts animals more than 75 pounds with reasonable accommodations. Must be able to modify work schedule to meet APL operational needs. May be required to be “on call” and work non-standard hours as necessary. May be required to work overtime as necessary.
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
Our Core Values
Compassion - We are compassion in action. We believe every animal and person has value and worth and should be treated with respect, empathy, and kindness to support the human-animal bond.
Advocacy - We are a voice for animals, dedicated to lifesaving solutions that advance their quality of life, and promote their place in society.
Leadership – We act with integrity, creativity, duty to community, and have the courage to change. These are the driving forces that make us a leading animal welfare organization.
Innovation – We are devoted to pioneering new approaches to the evolving challenges animals face by developing ethical, humane solutions and working in partnership with the public and animal welfare community.
Community – We continually strive to be a diverse and inclusive team and believe we must all work together to best fulfill our vision.
To learn more about the Cleveland APL please visit our website: https://clevelandapl.org/

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