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Humane Officer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

County of Chester

Corrections Officer I

West Chester, PA

$43K - $56K/yr

... humane, and secure environment and re-enter the community as a productive citizen. Chester County Prison is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Correctional Officer. This ...

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All JobsHumane Officer JobsHumane Officer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Humane Officer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$23.5K

$76K

$182.6K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane officer in Philadelphia, PA is $75,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much do humane officers make?

Humane officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some positions may offer higher pay with specialized skills, certifications, or supervisory responsibilities.

How to become a humane officer?

To become a humane officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with animal care, and knowledge of animal laws and welfare practices. Some jurisdictions require completion of training programs or certification, and applicants must pass background checks and demonstrate good communication skills. Licensing or registration may also be necessary depending on local regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Humane Officer jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Humane Officer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Humane Officer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Humane Officer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Humane Officer jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Humane Officer job openings:

Humane Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane Officer job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,986 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Correctional Officer (Correctional Systems Officer)

Department of Justice

Fort Dix, NJ • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.Qualifications:To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position at this grade level.
OR
Experience:
You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. This experience must have equipped the applicant with the qualifications necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
  • Experience directly related to the various functions of the Mailroom and Receiving and Discharge areas; to include admission and release, physical processing, identification, coordination of prisoner transfers, security procedures, bus movement, final releases.
  • Experience in supervising large groups of inmates in preparation for bus or airlift operations. This includes coordinating and carrying out various functions (i.e., visual searching, fingerprinting, photographing).
  • Experience in carrying out the proper release of inmates who have completed their federal sentences; to include proper identification of inmates, review of clearances, fines, all forms of release paperwork, etc.
  • Experience in coordinating exchanges of custody with federal and non-federal agencies.
Medical Requirement:
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions:
The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Employment Type: OTHER

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