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Humane Investigator Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Lihue, HI · On-site

$34 - $36/hr

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) seeks a Animal Control Officer to assist with dispatch, rescue, and ... Subject to background investigation Candidates must have: * Valid Hawaii Driver's license, or valid ...

Animal Control Officer

Lihue, HI · On-site

$34 - $36/hr

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) seeks a Animal Control Officer to assist with dispatch, rescue, and ... Subject to background investigation Candidates must have: * Valid Hawaii Driver's license, or valid ...

Humane Investigator information

See Hawaii salary details

$33.2K

$78.3K

$136.1K

How much do humane investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane investigator in Hawaii is $78,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $102,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Humane Investigator position, and why are they important?

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.

What is the highest paying investigator job?

The highest paying investigator roles are often senior positions such as private investigators, corporate security investigators, or specialized federal agents like FBI or DEA investigators, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, and the complexity of investigations conducted.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying roles in animal welfare are often senior management positions such as executive directors or chief operating officers at large animal organizations, which can earn six-figure salaries. Specialized roles like veterinary surgeons with advanced certifications and experience also tend to have higher compensation within the field.

What is a Humane Investigator job?

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.

How do I become an animal cruelty investigator?

To become an animal cruelty investigator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with animals, and knowledge of animal welfare laws. Many agencies prefer applicants to have training in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields, and some require certification or specialized training in animal cruelty investigation. Strong observation, communication skills, and the ability to handle difficult situations are also important.

How much do humane police officers make?

Humane police officers, also known as animal control officers or humane investigators, typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency size. They often require knowledge of animal laws, investigation skills, and may work irregular hours or in outdoor environments.

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 job categories do people searching Humane Investigator jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Humane Investigator jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Humane Investigator job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,259 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Humane Enforcement Officer - Moloka'i

Maui Humane Society

Kaunakakai, HI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Maui Humane Society is an open-air animal shelter for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, and other animals. We provide veterinary and routine care and help surrendered animals find a new home. We also provide humane law enforcement services, education and outreach, programs to retain pets in their families, and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. Our team is resilient, compassionate to animals, creative problem-solvers, and dedicated to do what it takes to get the job done.

We're excited to welcome you as our next Humane Enforcement Officer (HEO). In this role you will be responding to requests for stray dog animal control and investigations into animal care in accordance with local and state laws. You will also provide daily care to dogs in our holding kennels. This includes providing meds, food, water, bedding, toys and treats. It also includes heavy duty cleaning - think poop...a LOT of poop.

  • Minimum age: 21
  • Active valid drivers license and ability to be covered on MHS insurance
  • Humane Enforcement is 24/7/365; you will have to work weekends and holidays and nights
  • Physical ability to crouch, stand, squat, lift 50 lbs, and be in almost constant motion for 8 hours; physically capturing and restraining animals of various sizes, weights and species, walking and running various distances, climbing a variety of objects, crawling or dragging one's self into or under tight spaces, wading and swimming in various water conditions

What you'll be doing (with a team and training):

  • Responding to calls for service
  • Investigating complaints
  • Providing community education and enforcement services relating to animal care and control

To be successful in this role you'll need to have (minimum qualifications):

  • Strong customer service communication skills - externally and internally
  • High comfort in interacting with all types of animals & ability to observe and document animal behavior
  • Ability to assess factual information and present effectively in volatile situations
  • Ability to use the radio, telephone and computer systems and communicate clearly
  • Ability to efficiently use different computer programs

We'd love it if you already had (desired qualifications):

  • Fear Free Certification
  • Law enforcement experience
  • Animal humane enforcement experience
  • Professional dog handling experience
  • Experience with animals with medical or behavioral needs
  • Experience with shelter software (PetPoint preferred)

What you can expect from us:

  • Regular supportive feedback
  • Career growth
  • Training in animal welfare
  • A comprehensive compensation package including:
    • Medical & dental benefits at no cost to you
    • Other benefits at low cost
    • FSA
    • 401K with match
    • Student loan forgiveness eligibility
    • Performance pay raises