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Humane Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LTD Global

Animal Protection Investigator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience as an Animal Control/Humane Officer OR an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four (4) years in animal ...

Marin Humane Society

Field Services Dispatcher

Novato, CA · On-site

$24.78 - $27.52/hr

Marin Humane is seeking aField Services Dispatcher to serve as the critical communication link between the public, Animal Services Officers, and partner agencies. Every call matters. Every response ...

City of Hayward

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and committed to building ... Performs humane euthanasia on animals as necessary. Assists in receiving, feeding and caring for ...

City of Hayward

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

Animal Control Officer Under general supervision, responsible for protecting the community from ... Performs humane euthanasia on animals as necessary. * Assists in receiving, feeding and caring for ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

Animal Control Officer The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and ... Performs humane euthanasia on animals as necessary. * Assists in receiving, feeding and caring for ...

City of Hayward, CA

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and committed to building ... Performs humane euthanasia on animals as necessary. * Assists in receiving, feeding and caring for ...

City of Hayward, CA

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and committed to building ... Performs humane euthanasia on animals as necessary. * Assists in receiving, feeding and caring for ...

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All JobsHumane Officer JobsHumane Officer Jobs in California

Humane Officer information

See California salary details

$23.2K

$74.9K

$180.1K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane officer in California is $74,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to work at a humane society?

Humane officers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in animal care or related fields. Certification in animal handling, knowledge of local animal laws, and good communication skills are often required. Some positions may also require background checks and physical fitness to handle animals and perform fieldwork.

How much do humane police officers make?

Humane police officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on location and experience. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized training, and years of service, and officers often work in environments that require knowledge of animal care and law enforcement procedures.

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 are Humane Officers?

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.

How do I become an animal welfare officer?

To become an animal welfare officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal care, good communication, and sometimes certification in animal handling or first aid. Some positions may require a college degree in animal science, biology, or a related field.

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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Humane Officers typically earn less than $3,000 per month, but jobs such as commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, or certain skilled trades like HVAC technicians can earn around $3,000 or more monthly without requiring a college degree. These roles often rely on on-the-job training, certifications, or licenses rather than formal higher education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Humane Officer, and why are they important?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Humane Officer jobs in California? For Humane Officer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Humane Officer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Humane Officer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Humane Officer jobs? Cities in California with the most Humane Officer job openings:
Humane Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane Officer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,935 per year, or $36 per hour.
Administrative Captain, Humane Law Enforcement

Administrative Captain, Humane Law Enforcement

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego, CA • On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

San Diego Humane Society rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Full-Time Administrative Captain 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 support our mission by working as a strategic partner to the Chief and Operations Captain to lead the San Diego Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement Department. It serves as the department's administrative, compliance and training leader, ensuring operational excellence across all campuses through comprehensive oversight of compliance, training, professional development, and employee engagement functions.
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:
  • Serve as the primary administrative leader for the department, handling big-picture oversight of personnel matters, policy implementation, and compliance oversight.
  • May serve as Acting Chief when required or as Incident Commander for SDHS participation in emergency situations/disasters.
  • Work with Pack Leaders from HLE, Sheltering, and Administration, and other areas to plan, direct, organize, implement and evaluate processes, services, activities and procedures on an ongoing basis.
  • Serve as the department's Training Coordinator and Academy Assistant Director, ensuring SDHS maintains the premier Humane Law Enforcement training program in California.
  • Oversee all post-training phase continuing education and ensure all required positions, including Humane Law Enforcement Officers (HLEO) and Animal Protection Officers (APO).
  • Research, schedule, coordinate, and track all continuing education requirements for the entire department, maintaining accurate and current training records.
  • Evaluate training opportunities, solicit input from personnel and supervisors for recommended programs, and oversee all logistics for attendance of selected personnel.
  • Serve as a mentor to Sergeants and Lieutenants in the management of campus teams, providing guidance on employee motivation and performance management.
  • Serve as the department's Compliance Officer, ensuring adherence to all State and Local Laws governing Animal Control and Humane Law Enforcement operations.
  • Work with the Administrative Lieutenant to ensure all resolutions and County Clerk regulations for HLEOs are current and properly maintained.
  • Uphold the administrative hearing process, working with hearing officers as necessary.
  • Support the Chief in implementing and leading 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.
  • Work with the VP of Community Engagement and other staff members to promote active and broad participation from HLE staff.
  • Work closely with the Senior Director, Government Relations to support municipal animal field services and animal services contracts.
  • Develop and maintain good working relationships with other animal welfare organizations (e.g., San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition members), local municipal government officials, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney's offices, court officials and municipal representatives.
  • Perform duties of Humane Officer and Investigator, as needed.

What we're looking for:
  • Bachelors degree in Administration of Justice, Animal Science, Public Administration, Human Resources, or related field with seven (7) years of full-time progressively responsible related experience in law enforcement, investigations, or animal control organizations, with three (3) years supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of related experience and education required.
  • Experience in training coordination, academy operations, or professional development programs highly desirable.
  • Must successfully complete Peace Officer Standards and Training 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. In accordance with departmental standards and California law, an active CA Penal Code 832 certification is mandatory for this position. Must have an active CA Penal Code 832 certification upon hire, or successfully obtain certification after employment by completing the course and passing all tests within one enrollment in an approved PC832 course.
  • Must pass a full P.O.S.T. background check, medical examination, psychological screening, drug screening, LiveScan and all background requirements by the State of California.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes.

Location & Hours: Based at our San Diego Campus. This position works 40 hours per week. Must be able to work weekends and evenings, as required.
Pay: Starting range is between $92,429 - $120,158 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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