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Humane Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Veterinarian

Pomona, CA ยท On-site

With a staff of highly recognized animal control and humane officers, Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. (IVHS & SPCA) answers the call of thousands of animals in need every year. With our ...

Field Services Dispatcher

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$25.90 - $28.77/hr

Marin Humane is seeking a Field Services Dispatcher to serve as the vital communication link between our community and our Animal Services Officers. In this role, you'll receive and prioritize ...

Animal Control Officer

Hayward, CA ยท 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 ...

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Provide guidance and answer public inquiries on animal-related matters, including ...

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Provide guidance and answer public inquiries on animal-related matters, including ...

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Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Serve as a frontline responder to animal-related concerns within the community ...

Animal Control Officer

Norco, CA ยท On-site

$51K - $64K/yr

Performs humane euthanasia and proper disposition of animals in accordance with applicable laws ... Officer Training (CACO), First Aid, CPR, Large Animal Rescue, Euthanasia, and Citation/Report ...

Code Enforcement Officer To perform duties related to monitoring and enforcing a variety of City ... Principles and practices of humane apprehension and care of animals. * Equipment and methods used ...

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Showing results 1-20

Humane Officer information

See California salary details

$23.2K

$74.9K

$180.1K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Humane Officer job openings in California 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 $74,935 per year, or $36 per hour.

Community Resource Officer

HUMANE SOCIETY OF POMONA VALLEY INC

Pomona, CA โ€ข On-site

$18.91 - $25.34/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary of Purpose:

Under direct supervision of the Humane and Animal Control Manager, a Community Resource Officer drives to assigned areas and checks door to door with residents for compliance with pet license regulations, offers public information on licensing issues and services as well as collects fees for licenses.

With a staff of highly recognized animal control and humane officers, Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. (IVHS & SPCA) answers the call of thousands of animals in need every year. With our community outreach programs we educate the public on the humane treatment of animals including local wildlife, proper pet care and how to be a responsible pet owner. Equally important is IVHS & SPCAโ€™s commitment to provide affordable veterinary care with low-cost vaccination clinic, low-cost spay and neuter programs, and microchipping for pets in its communities.

Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

  • Offers public information regarding licensing statutes.
  • Enforces licensing laws mandated by State and local governments.
  • Collects fees, required paperwork/information for licensing.
  • Maintains accurate and detailed logs of areas covered during canvassing of Cities.
  • May issue citations for license violations.
  • Works closely with community members and residents in various situations requiring courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
  • Must possess a valid driverโ€™s license, car insurance, reliable transportation, and clean driving record.
  • Minimum 1 year experience working in a shelter setting.
  • Strong computer skills with the ability to prepare reports and maintain an efficient records system.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and shelter software.
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
  • Self-directed with ability to work independently/meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with little direct supervision.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to have a good relationship with people from diverse backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
  • Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process.
  • Humane attitude towards animals.
  • Support, and represent IVHS & SPCA core values, programs, policies, and procedures.
  • 3-5 years of experience working for a non-profit rescue group, humane society, municipal shelter, or other animal welfare agency preferred.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin) preferred.

Physical Demands/Working Environment:

  • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Work is performed in a setting within an animal shelter facility. Regular exposure to animal shelter conditions including odors, airborne particles, and animal fur/dander.
  • Must be able to:
    • Routinely lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous daily activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
    • Work at a computer for extended periods of time with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion.ย 
  • Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
  • Regular movement about the campus to coordinate work.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Opportunity to earn commission.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
  • 403(b) with company matching.
  • Transportation reimbursement.
  • Paid vacation.
  • Paid holidays.

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. Core Valuesย 

Pawsitive- Embracing optimism at all times with animals, ourselves, each other, and our community.ย ย 

ย Innovative- Leading the change our communities need with a commitment to our mission.

Collaborative- Synergy and cooperation with partners and stakeholders to improve lifesaving.

ย Kindness- Meeting everyone with compassion and respect.

Supplemental Information

Only those candidates whose applications and resumes most clearly demonstrate the job-related experience, education, and training sought by Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. shall be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Placement in the position shall be contingent upon the successful completion of a written test with a minimum score of 80%, reference check, prior employment check, Live Scan, and pre-employment medical exam including a drug test.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Disclosure

Compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and experience. In addition to those factors, IVHS complies with applicable pay equity laws and considers internal equity among current employees when developing the final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a generous benefits package.