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Humane Law Enforcement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

San Diego Humane Society

Humane Officer, Sergeant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$32.21 - $39.46/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

San Diego Humane Society is hiring full-time Sergeants for our Humane Law Enforcement team! We are ... Humane Officer Sergeants impact the lives of more than 40,000 animals each year by leading Officers ...

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Humane Law Enforcement Officer information

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$32K

$68.6K

$122K

How much do humane law enforcement officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane law enforcement officer in the United States is $68,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a humane law enforcement officer?

Humane Law Enforcement Officers are specialized law enforcement professionals who investigate and enforce laws related to the welfare and protection of animals. They respond to reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse, and may work with local animal shelters, police departments, or humane societies. These officers often have training in both law enforcement procedures and animal care, enabling them to handle cases involving companion animals, livestock, and sometimes wildlife. Their duties can include conducting investigations, issuing citations, rescuing animals in distress, and providing education to the public about animal welfare laws.

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

To thrive as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer, you need a background in criminal justice or animal science, knowledge of animal welfare laws, and relevant law enforcement training or certification. Familiarity with case management software, evidence collection tools, and radio communication systems is typically required. Strong observation, communication, conflict resolution, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building trust with the public and handling sensitive situations. These skills and qualities ensure humane treatment of animals, effective law enforcement, and positive community relations.

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

Humane Law Enforcement Officers often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as rescuing abused or neglected animals and dealing with distressed animal owners. They must balance empathy with adherence to the law, making difficult decisions under pressure. Additionally, the work can involve unpredictable hours, travel to various locations, and collaboration with local law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal shelters. Building strong communication skills and resilience is essential to effectively handle the diverse and sometimes stressful demands of the role.

What is the difference between Humane Law Enforcement Officer vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectHumane Law Enforcement OfficerAnimal Control Officer
CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, law enforcement trainingAnimal handling certifications, basic law enforcement or animal control training
Work EnvironmentEnforces laws, investigates cruelty, may work in the field or officeCaptures stray animals, enforces local animal ordinances, often in the field
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcementMunicipal animal control departments, shelters

Humane Law Enforcement Officers and Animal Control Officers both work to protect animals and enforce related laws. However, Humane Law Enforcement Officers typically have law enforcement authority, investigate cruelty cases, and may work in broader legal contexts. Animal Control Officers focus on capturing stray animals, enforcing local ordinances, and may have less law enforcement authority. Both roles require animal handling skills, but Humane Law Enforcement Officers often have additional law enforcement training and responsibilities.

More about Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Humane Law Enforcement Officer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs?

The top employers for Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs are:

Humane Law Enforcement Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane Law Enforcement Officer 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 $68,646 per year, or $33 per hour.

Lieutenant, Humane Law Enforcement

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego, CA • On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

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.

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