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Humane Officer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Deputy Animal Control Officer

VA ยท On-site

$23.25 - $45.12/hr

Performing humane euthanasia and rabies testing preparation when necessary. * Officers participate in rotating being on-call after regular working hours to handle emergencies. To view our hiring ...

New

Transportation Officer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$39.51/hr

... secure and humane environment for inmates, detainees and/or residents. * If qualified, may be ... Must achieve and maintain Officer in Charge (OIC) certification to be eligible for assignment as an ...

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Humane Officer information

See Washington salary details

$26.6K

$86K

$206.7K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane officer in Washington is $85,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $111,600.00 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 Washington? For Humane Officer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

American Humane

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$230K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for forging key relationships to build American Humane Societyโ€™s visibility, impact and financial resources with the primary objective of driving revenue to attain aggressive organizational growth goals, in line with the organizationโ€™s 2030 Strategic Plan.ย 
For nearly 150 years, American Humane Society (American Humane) has led the way in protecting animals and strengthening the bonds between animals and people. We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking programs โ€“ from our โ€œNo Animals Were Harmedยฎโ€ certification in Hollywood to our farm and conservation welfare standards โ€“ we set the highest level of care and compassion in animal protection.
Working at American Humane means being part of something bigger. With offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, we provide a supportive, professional environment where your work makes a real difference in animalsโ€™ lives.ย  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 Summary & Expectations: ย 
The CDO serves as a strategic partner to the SVP & COO, President & CEO and executive leadership to set and achieve philanthropic goals for the advancement of the organization.ย  The CDO will bring a thoughtful, proactive and entrepreneurial approach to leveraging American Humane and its existing donor relationships to position the COO and CEO to connect with philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are both currently engaged and not currently engaged with the organization.ย 
This position provides strategic oversight and direction to the fundraising function.ย  The CDO will work collaboratively with the Vice President, Development Strategy & Operations; Vice President, Major Gifts & Planned Giving; and Vice President, Strategic Partnerships to design, implement and achieve strategic fundraising goals and initiatives.ย  The CDO will strategically lead, motivate, empower and grow a high-performing, highly motivated fundraising team that works collaboratively with staff at all levels of the organization to meet programmatic and philanthropic needs.ย 
With a particular focus on broadening the principal gift donor base, the CDO will cultivate their own portfolio of high-level donor relationships and serve as a collaborative and strategic partner to the development team to leverage the fundraising program as a pipeline for growing donor support from annual to major to principal gift levels.ย 
Responsibilities:
  • Accountable for the organizationโ€™s philanthropic revenue performance in support of mission delivery; lead the development, execution, and continuous refinement of comprehensive fundraising strategiesโ€”grounded in data and impactโ€”to maximize efficiency and align with the Humane 2030 Strategic Plan.
  • Effectively communicate how American Humane and its programs work to rescue, care for and protect animals and champion the healing power of the human-animal bond.
  • Actively manage a portfolio of high-level donors (individual, corporate and foundation) capable of making 6- and 7- figure gifts, through identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship cycles.
  • Build a broad network of prospective partners and donors, expanding the reach of American Humane into new donor markets.
  • Strategically engage and leverage the COO and CEO- ensuring they are well-briefed and their time is used productively- to establish and strengthen relationships nationally and globally, and to engage and cultivate both new and existing donors in support of the organization.
  • Partner with COO to develop and execute a fundraising and stewardship plan for relationships managed by the CEO and COO, while supporting engagement in other high-touch relationships to effectively cultivate and steward major and principal donors.
  • Orchestrate the participation of the CEO, COO, board, volunteer and executive leadership in the joint cultivation and stewardship of key funding sources.
  • Act as a conduit between executive leadership and the development team, ensuring goals, expectations, and needs are communicated clearly and timely in both directions.
  • Serve as a strategic partner to program leadership across the organization, fostering collaboration to align fundraising strategies with program priorities, advance 2030 Strategic Plan goals, and drive sustainable revenue growth to support program expansion.
  • Set a clear vision for a high-performing, mission-driven development function; empower and hold development leadership accountable for cultivating a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and professional growth across the team.
  • Provide strategic guidance and thought partnership to senior fundraising leaders on portfolio strategy, complex gift opportunities, and high-impact donor engagement; serve as an executive advisor on major, principal and transformational giving.
  • Partner with the VP, Development Strategy & Operations; VP, Major & Planned Giving; and VP, Strategic Partnerships to establish and continuously refine best-in-class fundraising strategies, systems, and infrastructure that expand organizational capacity across major and principal giving, corporate and foundation relations, direct response marketing, and planned giving in alignment with organizational priorities.ย 
  • Provide strategic oversight of philanthropic events, partnering with the events team to maximize revenue performance and ensure gala and other key events deliver strong financial results aligned with organizational goals.
  • Partner with the VP, Marketing to develop plans that drive revenue growth and to build corporate partnerships.
  • Collaborate with the team to develop and implement new and innovative strategies for identifying and acquiring prospective donors, increasing donor retention and upgrading and renewing existing donors.
  • Deliver articulate presentations on American Humaneโ€™s mission, programs and work.
  • Represent American Humane at various events and meetings.
  • Keep current on latest trends and issues in the philanthropic, non-profit and animal welfare sectors.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles in charge of fundraising efforts in organizations of similar size and complexity to American Humane.
  • Proven experience leading a team of highly effective and motivated fundraising professionals in the nonprofit sector.
  • Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising and budget goals.
  • Successful experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high level donors.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to briefly summarize the essence of issues and means to address them.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with ability to actively listen, remain flexible and shift priorities as needed.
  • Takes a collaborative and proactive approach in addressing needs of the organization.
  • Maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
  • Demonstrates high levels of integrity, sound judgement and discretion.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce or other similar fundraising software.
  • CFRE certification preferred.
  • Bachelorโ€™s or advanced degree preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint); able to quickly learn and adapt to new software or database systems.
Direct reports:ย ย 
  • CDO has overall responsibility for the Development team.ย  Direct reports include: VP, Development Strategy & Operations; VP, Major Gifts & Planned Giving; VP, Strategic Partnerships.
Physical demands and work environment:ย 
  • Ideally, position is hybrid, based out of the Washington, DC office location with telework schedule based on organizational policy, need, and manager discretion.ย  May consider basing this position from other office locations or fully remote.
  • Position operates in a standard office environment and must be o.k. with animals in the office and at events.
  • Local and national travel required; estimated up to 50% or more as needed.
  • Some evening and weekend hours will be required for travel, outreach or event participation.
  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly be required to:
    • Look at and work on a computer screen for extended periods of time,
    • Talk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, virtually and in person.
      ย 
American Humane Societyโ€™s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane Societyโ€™s core values:ย 
  • Compassionย โ€“ Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.ย 
  • Accountabilityย - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.ย 
  • Respect for Allย โ€“ Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.ย 
  • Loyalty to Missionย โ€“ Staying focused on our purpose and our mission โ€“ our nationโ€™s most vulnerable depend on us.ย 
  • Sustainabilityย - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.ย 
  • Honesty, Integrity, Trustย โ€“ Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.ย 
American Humane Society (AHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering a welcoming, supportive workplace where our work makes a real difference in animals' lives.ย 
Job Details:
  • Title: Chief Development Officer
  • Type: FT/Exempt
  • Location: Washington, DC / may consider remote
  • Compensation: $230,000-$250,000

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