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Humane Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Lihue, HI ยท On-site

$34 - $36/hr

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) seeks a Animal Control Officer to assist with dispatch, rescue, and response for dogs and cats, and minor livestock counsel assistance, as it pertains to the Kauai ...

Animal Control Officer

Lihue, HI ยท On-site

$34 - $36/hr

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) seeks a Animal Control Officer to assist with dispatch, rescue, and response for dogs and cats, and minor livestock counsel assistance, as it pertains to the Kauai ...

HUMANE OFFICER (6612)

Gretna, LA ยท On-site

$37K/yr

Attends legal proceedings, and must be able to communicate results to court officers or liaisons. Prepares investigative reports and performs property inspections. Enforces all animal control and ...

HUMANE OFFICER (6612)

Gretna, LA ยท On-site

$37K/yr

Attends legal proceedings, and must be able to communicate results to court officers or liaisons. Prepares investigative reports and performs property inspections. Enforces all animal control and ...

Animal Control Officer

Alvin, TX ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

A Humane Officer (also referred to as an Animal Control Officer) is under the general supervision of the Shelter Manager who operates the City's animal shelter and is responsible for the enforcement ...

Animal Control Officer

Alvin, TX ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

A Humane Officer (also referred to as an Animal Control Officer) is under the general supervision of the Shelter Manager who operates the City's animal shelter and is responsible for the enforcement ...

A Humane Officer (also referred to as an Animal Control Officer) is under the general supervision of the Shelter Manager who operates the City's animal shelter and is responsible for the enforcement ...

Chief Development Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$230K - $250K/yr

American Humane Society is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage high-performing applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Position ...

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Humane Officer information

See salary details

$23.5K

$75.9K

$182.5K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane officer in the United States is $75,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectHumane OfficerAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, sometimes law enforcement trainingAnimal handling certifications, law enforcement or municipal training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, animal rescue, shelter workFieldwork, animal rescue, enforcement duties
Employer & IndustryAnimal shelters, humane societies, government agenciesMunicipal governments, animal control departments

Humane Officers and Animal Control Officers often perform similar duties such as rescuing animals and enforcing laws. The main difference lies in their titles and sometimes their specific responsibilities or certifications. Both roles are vital in animal welfare and typically work in similar environments, often within government or nonprofit organizations.

What is a humane officer?

Humane Officers are professionals who enforce laws related to the treatment and welfare of animals. They investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse, and may have the authority to issue citations, remove animals from dangerous situations, and educate the public about proper animal care. Humane Officers often work with local animal shelters, law enforcement agencies, and animal control departments to ensure the humane treatment of animals within their jurisdiction.

What are some common challenges a humane officer may face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Humane Officers often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as cases of animal neglect or abuse, which can be challenging both mentally and physically. They may face resistance from pet owners or community members and must balance enforcing laws with showing empathy. Effective communication, de-escalation skills, and staying up-to-date with animal welfare regulations are essential for success. Support from colleagues, ongoing training, and self-care practices also help officers manage the stresses of the job.

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

To thrive as a Humane Officer, you need knowledge of animal welfare laws, investigative techniques, and animal handling, often supported by certification in animal control or law enforcement. Familiarity with case management software, evidence collection tools, and basic veterinary care equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, conflict resolution, and the ability to remain calm under stress help Humane Officers effectively interact with the public and handle sensitive situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring the humane treatment of animals, enforcing laws, and maintaining public trust.
More about Humane Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Humane Officer jobs? Cities with the most Humane Officer job openings:
What states have the most Humane Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Humane Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Humane Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,929 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Kauai Humane Society

Lihue, HI โ€ข On-site

$34 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) seeks a Animal Control Officer to assist with dispatch, rescue, and response for dogs and cats, and minor livestock counsel assistance, as it pertains to the Kauai County contract services Kauai Humane Society provides the island. Humane Officers must be willing to share work for weekends, holidays, occasional overtime, and be on-call overnight (which is compensated) two-three nights per week.

This role spends a majority of the day on the road, responding to calls across the island, and will often require lifting heavy dogs, and some cats, into the animal control vehicle.

Humane Officers must be experienced and confident when handling animals in a variety of different and often stressful situations, while also maintaining a professional and kind demeanor with members of the public at all times.

**Candidates already living on Kauai / a Hawaiian island and who have already secured housing on Kauai are strongly preferred and will be given first consideration for the position.**

Humane Officer Qualifications

The candidate must be able to meet criteria for deputization with the Kauai Police Department, including:

  • No felony convictions nor misdemeanor convictions involving a moral turpitude or of any criminal assault
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Subject to background investigation

Candidates must have:

  • Valid Hawaii Driver’s license, or valid out-of-state license, with a clear driving record for at least one year prior to application
  • High School graduate or GED equivalent preferred, suitable work experience in lieu of education considered for adults over 21 years of age.
  • At least one year of animal handling experience
  • At least one year experience working with the public
  • Competency to use computers and online database programs, such as animal shelter software

Humane Officer Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to work with both dogs and cats of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
  • Must be able to professionally and calmly deal with an emotionally charged public as well as carry a fast-paced and changing workload, which at times can be stressful.
  • Must agree to work in an environment that, by nature of the industry, understands there may be occasional exposure to injured, sick, deceased and/or difficult animals with varying health concerns.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, bend and stoop frequently and daily to perform duties.
  • Strongly preferred to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless valid, legal medical exemption documentation is provided.
  • Must be able to perform prolonged strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.
  • Must be able to chase or run after animals that might escape confinement.

Humane Officer Essential Duties:

  • Humanely captures, transports, and intakes stray and owned dogs and cats, with the ability/willingness to handle injured and deceased animals when necessary.
  • Investigates animal neglect and cruelty for pet animals and livestock, including but not limited to: Takes appropriate steps to educate both the complainant and the animal owner as to their legal and humane responsibility of animal ownership, Participates in the legal process when needed, including speaking in court if summoned
  • Responds to public concerns regarding dog nuisances.
  • Provides accurate information and professional, courteous service to the public at all times.
  • Produces and maintains accurate case files, records, and reports as required.
  • Provides emergency rescue and transportation of sick and injured dogs and cats during normal business hours as well as assigned on-call hours. Euthanizes animals in emergency situations at the shelter when necessary.
  • Issues citations and testifies in court as a witness on behalf of the County when necessary.
  • Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion, according to established KHS procedures.
  • Promotes a humane and caring attitude toward all animals through education to the public and examples of proper animal care.
  • Cleans, disinfects, and restocks KHS vehicles and transport crates according to KHS established procedures.
  • Educates oneself continually on animal welfare laws, humane animal handling techniques, procedures and equipment and implements into daily activity according to KHS procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Hourly wage range is $20-$25/hour, commensurate with experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:


  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance


Schedule:


  • Day shift
  • On call
  • Weekends as needed


Experience:


  • working with the public: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Animal handling: 2 years (Preferred)


License/Certification:


  • Driver's License (Required)


Work Location: In person