1

Humane Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LVT

Wailuku, HI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

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 ...

Staff Veterinarian, CVH

Portland, OR · On-site

$130 - $139.88/hr

With campuses in Portland and Salem, Oregon Humane relies on donor support for adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more about our work.

Veterinary Assistant

Wailuku, HI · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

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 ...

Veterinary Surgery Manager

Wailuku, HI · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

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 ...

Facilities Technician

Wailuku, HI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Humane Law Enforcement information

See salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do humane law enforcement jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for humane law enforcement in the United States is $26.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a humane law enforcement officer?

Humane Law Enforcement officers are professionals responsible for enforcing laws related to the treatment and welfare of animals. They investigate complaints of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal animal protection laws. These officers often work for animal control agencies, humane societies, or government entities, and may also be involved in rescuing animals, conducting inspections, and educating the public about animal welfare. Their work is crucial in protecting animals and holding violators accountable.

What are the most common challenges faced by humane law enforcement officers in the field?

Humane Law Enforcement officers often face the challenge of balancing animal welfare with legal procedures, which can involve handling emotionally charged situations with pet owners or witnesses. They frequently work in unpredictable environments, including private homes, farms, or public spaces, where animals may be in distress or aggressive. Another challenge is ensuring proper documentation and evidence collection for potential prosecutions, which requires keen attention to detail and thorough knowledge of animal cruelty laws. Additionally, officers must regularly collaborate with local law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal shelters to ensure the best outcomes for both animals and the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a humane law enforcement officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer, you need knowledge of animal welfare laws, investigation procedures, and law enforcement protocols, typically supported by relevant certifications or criminal justice education. Familiarity with case management software, evidence collection tools, and sometimes animal handling equipment is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, compassion, conflict resolution, and the ability to remain calm under stress help officers effectively navigate sensitive situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring animal protection, upholding legal standards, and fostering positive community relationships.
More about Humane Law Enforcement jobs

What cities are hiring for Humane Law Enforcement jobs?

Cities with the most Humane Law Enforcement job openings:

What states have the most Humane Law Enforcement jobs?

States with the most job openings for Humane Law Enforcement jobs include:

Infographic showing various Humane Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,698 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Lieutenant, Humane Law Enforcement

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego, CA • On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


San Diego Humane Society rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Full-Time Lieutenant for our Humane Law Enforcement team!

 

How you’ll impact our mission:

At San Diego Humane Society, we’re united by our mission to Inspire Compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for direct oversight and operation management of the San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Officers and Sergeants. You’ll support our mission by effectively coordinating with other departments who provide essential support services such as Campus Operations, Community Engagement, Veterinary Care, Volunteer Engagement, Facilities, and Philanthropy.

This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you’re passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we’d love to talk to you.

What’s in it for you?

At SDHS, we’re proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person – staff, volunteer, and guest – can feel a sense of belonging. We support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values.

As an employee you’ll enjoy:

  • Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
  • Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
  • Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
  • …and so much more!

What you’ll do:

  • Participate in investigation of reported cruelty cases, witness interviews, suspect interrogations, preparation and execution of search and seizure warrants, managing evidence and chain of custody protocols, educational outreach programs and report writing.
  • Lead by example by demonstrating and advocating for San Diego Humane Society core values and work consistently to encourage and develop direct reports to do the same. Bring unity and cohesiveness to teams, ad hoc work groups, task forces, and other interdepartmental collaborations.
  • Work with direct reports to plan, direct, organize, implement and evaluate processes, services, activities and procedures on an ongoing basis.
  • Manage employee issues for all areas of responsibility, including motivating and developing teams, evaluating performance and providing feedback, implementing and enforcing policies, and carrying out disciplinary actions.
  • Enthusiastically assist the public and other staff in all SDHS programs and special events. Motivate and assist in leading a high-performance team; attract, recruit, develop and retain team members.
  • Lead a continuous quality improvement process, focusing on systems/process improvement. Utilize data to identify strengths and opportunities. Promote regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on department operations. Ensure alignment within the department.
  • Work closely with other operations leadership at all campuses regarding the necessary care requirements for animals held for cruelty cases.  
  • Work with the Fleet and Resource Managers to ensure that vehicles assigned to HLE are well maintained, properly equipped and remain current for legally transporting animals.
     

What we’re looking for:

  • Must have a bachelor’s degree in in Administration of Justice, Animal Science, Zoology or related field.
  • Must have a minimum of four (4) years of full time progressively responsible related experience in animal control or animal services within an animal welfare organization, including investigations experience, with one (1) year of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of related experience and education. Multi-location management experience preferred. 
  • Must successfully complete Peace Officer Standards and Training, 832 and CA state-approved humane academy and satisfy the requirements of Section 1029, 1030, and 1031 of the Government Code within one year of employment.
  • Must be willing to be vaccinated against tetanus, Hepatitis C, rabies or other diseases as deemed appropriate by the SDHS for the health and safety of the employee and others.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes.

Candidates must pass a full background check, medical exam and drug screening post offer.

Location: Based at our San Diego Campus, with expected travel to all campuses and across San Diego County.


Pay: Starting range is between $85,068 – $106,335 per year.

The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time. For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location.

To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.


What San Diego Humane Society employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom