ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION

Field work and a courtroom. An Animal Control Officer must be ready for both within the same shift. This role owns the enforcement of local ordinances and state statutes governing animal ownership, licensing, and dangerous-dog compliance, acting as the primary interface between the public and municipal animal services. Officers operate independently across assigned patrol zones, exercising judgment on when to issue a citation, initiate a formal investigation, or coordinate with the Sheriff's Department or public health agencies on zoonotic disease containment. Few entry-level government roles combine physical field work with case documentation, evidence presentation, and direct community education at this frequency.

As the Animal Control Officer, you will enforce municipal animal regulations, investigate complaints, capture and impound animals humanely, and represent the department in court proceedings. You will report to the Animal Services Supervisor and cover a defined patrol territory, rotating across day, evening, weekend, and on-call shifts as operational needs require.

Career Impact: Officers who complete state certification, PC 832 Arrest and Seizure training, and FEMA ICS coursework build a documented enforcement credential that supports advancement to Animal Control Officer II or Animal Services Supervisor.

Business Impact: Accurate impound records, timely bite investigation reports, and consistent ordinance enforcement directly protect public health outcomes in the communities served.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to municipal by-law application, dangerous-dog facility inspections, and court testimony develops a cross-functional enforcement skill set that transfers to code enforcement, public health compliance, and law enforcement career paths.

• Patrol assigned territory in a county vehicle to locate stray, injured, sick, or dangerous animals in violation of local ordinances.
• Capture and restrain animals humanely using catch poles, nets, muzzles, leashes, and traps, minimizing injury to the animal.
• Investigate animal bite incidents and zoonotic disease exposure reports, advising owners and victims of required procedures.
• Enforce leash, licensing, vaccination, quarantine, and dangerous-dog ordinances, issuing warnings, citations, or summons for non-compliance.
• Document all impound activity, case notes, citations, and controlled-drug logs accurately before end of shift.
• Conduct follow-up inspections of dangerous-dog facilities and previously cited locations to verify compliance with county regulations.
• Appear in court or administrative hearings to present evidence and testimony regarding ordinance violations.
• Deliver public education programs at schools, vaccination clinics, and community events on animal regulations and responsible pet ownership.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of experience in animal care, law enforcement, environmental health enforcement, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to work independently in the field.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record, as required by the jurisdiction of employment.
• Knowledge of local and state animal control ordinances, leash laws, vaccination requirements, and dangerous-dog statutes.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate written reports, including incident documentation, citations, and investigative case notes.
• Physical ability to capture and restrain animals, lift equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., and perform field duties in varying weather conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, including in emotionally charged or confrontational situations.
• Must obtain and maintain state-required Animal Control Officer certification within the timeframe specified by the hiring jurisdiction.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, supporting direct communication with non-English-speaking community members during field responses.
• Prior experience in a municipal animal facility, veterinary clinic, or animal shelter, including preparation of computerized impound records.
• Demonstrated proficiency in animal sheltering records management software, enabling accurate digital case tracking and animal database maintenance.
• Completion of coursework in animal sciences, administration of justice, or law enforcement from an accredited institution.

• Impound documentation accuracy rate, measured by records completed and submitted before end of shift.
• Citation-to-compliance ratio for follow-up inspections, indicating the proportion of cited locations achieving compliance within the required timeframe.
• Bite investigation closure rate within the jurisdiction-mandated quarantine and reporting window.
• Dangerous-dog facility inspection pass rate on first re-inspection following a notice of violation.
• Court appearance readiness, measured by the proportion of cases where evidence and documentation meet prosecutorial standards.
• Typical tools: Animal sheltering records management (commonly Chameleon or comparable platform); general office productivity (commonly Microsoft Word and Outlook).

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 to $58,000 annually, depending on jurisdiction and experience
• Bonus: Rarely offered; some counties provide step increases tied to certification milestones
• Equity: Not applicable for municipal government roles
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage through government employee benefit plans
• PTO: Typically 10 to 15 days annually, plus paid holidays per collective agreement or county policy
• Common Perks: Uniform and equipment provided, pension or defined-contribution retirement plan, shift-differential pay for evenings and weekends

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required; employment is contingent on verification of eligibility. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates who require reasonable accommodations during any stage of the hiring process should notify the hiring authority. A background check, and where required by jurisdiction a drug screening, must be completed successfully prior to a conditional offer becoming final.

Reporting to the Animal Control department, the Animal Control Officer responds to citizen service requests, investigates animal bites and dangerous dog facility compliance, and enforces Harris County Animal Regulations across field and community settings. Partnering with law enforcement and collaborating with colleagues to support health equity initiatives, this officer delivers consistent public education on leash laws, bite prevention, and responsible pet ownership to improve community safety outcomes.

Primary Duties

• Respond to citizen requests for service as outlined in the Animal Control Officer Training Manual.
• Investigate animal bites, advise owner and victim of procedures, and document accordingly.
• Operate and maintain County equipment and vehicles safely, including daily cleaning and disinfecting.
• Input animal information and photographs of impounded animals, and ensure animal info is linked to the correct photo for the website.
• Inspect Dangerous Dog facilities to ensure compliance with County Regulations.
• Appear in court as required with necessary records and documents.
• Complete special assignments, including assisting law enforcement with evictions, arrests, and drug busts.
• Educate adults and children daily about County leash laws, animal safety, and responsible pet ownership, and teach bite prevention programs when scheduled.
• Work at vaccination clinics, health fairs, and mobile adoption events as assigned.
• Understand, maintain, and promote departmental mission values, including health equity and social determinants of health.
• Collaborate with others to improve quality, contribute to an inclusive workplace, and demonstrate responsibility for group success.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Texas Driver's License required.
• Must complete the Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officer Certification within one year of employment and maintain certification.
• Must complete required FEMA ICS Training within six months of employment.
• Minimum 12 months of paid work experience, including at least 12 months of direct customer service experience.
• Basic knowledge of dog and cat care required.
• Ability to remain objective in difficult and stressful situations, maintain trustworthy and honest documentation, and work independently.
• Ability to lift to 10 lbs. frequently, up to 20 lbs. occasionally, and up to 50 lbs. rarely.
• Ability to work extended hours during emergencies.

Required paperwork must be correct, clear, and concise, and must demonstrate a professional image and attitude.

Sitting at the intersection of community relations and regulatory enforcement, the Animal Control Officer owns education and enforcement of the Small Animal Control By-Law within the City of Peterborough and contracted municipalities within County, reporting directly to the Supervisor, Animal Services and working closely with the Animal Services team. Operating across weekday, weekend, and rotational schedules, including evening on-call shifts, this officer builds partnerships with law enforcement, social service groups, and community organizations to improve animal well-being and close gaps in service delivery.

Duties

• Establish and strengthen relationships with local law enforcement, animal services, social service groups, and community organizations to improve animal well-being.
• Identify gaps in community support and work with partners to improve service delivery.
• Provide education and enforcement of municipal animal by-laws, including issuance of offence notices and provincial offence notices.
• Respond to domestic animals at large, including aggressive or fractious animals, and serve municipal orders, notices, and warnings on a case-by-case basis.
• Keep accurate case records with details of all calls and complaints.
• Act as a resource providing testimony in court or at hearings when required.
• Provide transport assistance for shelter animals attending veterinary hospitals, shelters, pet stores, and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
• Operate and maintain Society vehicles in a safe and professional manner.
• Participate in community events and partnership activities, and follow all Society policies and procedures.
• Establish safe, healthy, and team-focused working practices in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Requirements

• O.S.S.D. High School Diploma or equivalent required, with post-secondary education in Law Enforcement, Security, or Police Foundations considered a definite asset.
• Must possess a valid Class G Driver's License with a clean Driver's Abstract and ability to provide and maintain a clean Police Clearance Certificate.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, animal handling, and federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm in emotionally charged situations.
• Proficient with Windows and MS Office.

A key member of the Animal Services team, the Animal Control Officer delivers enforcement of animal control ordinances and captures stray, diseased, injured, and unclaimed animals across the Town of Cumberland while coordinating with health agencies on rabies prevention and preparing cases for court presentation. Collaborating across municipal departments and community organizations, this officer leads public education programs on animal control ordinances and supports the full range of kennel operations, equipment maintenance, and facility upkeep.

Functions

• Patrol, capture, impound, release, adopt, or destroy stray, diseased, injured, or unclaimed animals.
• Participate in the care and feeding of all animals at the center.
• Participate in the investigation of animal nuisance complaints and issue summons to owners of animals in violation.
• Investigate cruelty complaints and prepare cases for presentation and testifying regarding violations.
• Capture unlicensed, stray, uncontrolled domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife where allowed by RI State regulations.
• Capture and quarantine rabies observation animals.
• Evaluate the health status of impounded animals and recommend testing for diseases and declaration of vicious animals under Town ordinance and State law.
• Provide public education on Animal Control Ordinances, including preparing and presenting educational programs to community organizations.
• Coordinate with appropriate health agencies and officials in the prevention of rabies.
• Participate in the maintenance and upkeep of all equipment, buildings, and grounds.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Experience working with domestic animals, livestock, exotic animals, or wildlife, or law enforcement experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of basic law enforcement practices, animal diseases communicable to humans such as rabies, animal care, sanitation methods, and capture techniques.
• Detailed knowledge of laws, regulations, and Town ordinances about animal control, including knowledge of Cumberland geography.
• Ability to deal firmly, tactfully, and fairly with the public.

The Animal Control Officer delivers field enforcement of animal control laws and ordinances across assigned patrol areas, capturing stray, vicious, and injured animals using humane methods while managing impound documentation, public education, and coordination with the Sheriff's Department. The officer builds accountability across the community by responding to bite incidents and complaints, educating residents at school presentations and county events, and ensuring compliance through follow-up inspections and end-of-shift reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned area in an animal control vehicle to locate stray, sick, injured, or dead animals.
• Respond to calls from the public, law enforcement, or other officers regarding injured, stray, sick, or dangerous animals and ordinance violations.
• Enforce state and local laws, including leash, licensing, vaccination, quarantine, dangerous dog, and barking ordinances, and transport animals to the shelter or veterinarian as appropriate.
• Prepare computerized reports and complete records, including daily activity sheets, citations, quarantine and investigative reports, and logs of controlled drugs.
• Collect license, redemption, adoption, and other service fees from the public.
• Provide public information on licensing, vaccinations, rabies control, spaying, neutering, and adoptions, and participate in shelter tours and community presentations.
• Conduct special investigations of ordinance violations and appear in court to testify and present evidence.
• Inspect pet-related businesses for code compliance prior to permit issuance and renewal.
• Perform animal care duties including feeding, monitoring, and segregating animals, and detect disease or injury and perform minor medical treatments.
• Clean and disinfect kennel areas, vehicles, and equipment, and assist with front office duties, including receiving and releasing animals.
• Use department-issued weapons to capture or destroy animals in the field and participate in euthanasia.

Required Qualifications

• One year of experience safely handling, restraining, and caring for domestic animals in a veterinary, animal hospital, or kennel setting, including report preparation using a personal computer, OR one year of experience enforcing federal, state, or local regulations with the public, OR 30 semester units of coursework in animal control, animal sciences, or administration of justice, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Valid California Class C Driver's License required at time of appointment.
• Must complete a PC 832 course in Arrest, Search and Seizure, and Firearms Training within one year of employment.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and handling, basic investigation techniques, personal computer applications, and proper English usage.
• Paid field experience with animals, preferably in a municipal animal facility, and experience performing dispatcher functions.
• Proficient in Chameleon or comparable animal sheltering software and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of local and state regulations with ability to interpret and communicate applicable laws.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to handle difficult people and situations with tact, integrity, and diplomacy, and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous situations while meeting competing priorities and deadlines.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Embedded within Animal Services, the Animal Control Officer leads complex, sensitive, and confidential investigations under Municipal Code, City bylaws, and provincial statutes while directing and mentoring Animal Control Officers 2 in field operations, evidence gathering, and enforcement activities. Working closely with legal services, community stakeholders, and agency partners, this officer shapes consistent public education outcomes, humane animal handling practices, and court-ready testimony that strengthens regulatory compliance across the municipality.

Core Functions

• Provide work direction and guidance to Animal Services staff in animal care, by-law application, enforcement, and customer service.
• Conduct and oversee complex, sensitive, and confidential investigations relating to Municipal Code, City bylaws, and provincial statutes.
• Lead, direct, and define the priority and scope of investigations, and develop plans of action and work instructions for Animal Control Officers 2.
• Draft investigation plans to assess scope, methodology, and techniques required for thorough, objective, and timely investigations.
• Coordinate interviews, conduct on-site inspections, and gather evidence using a variety of interviewing techniques.
• Analyze evidence and findings, recommend appropriate steps, identify legal and regulatory issues, and propose solutions to investigative barriers.
• Write detailed, high-quality reports and correspondence setting out facts cogently, objectively, and accurately with well-reasoned analysis.
• Assess cases for early or alternative resolution and take appropriate steps to facilitate outcomes.
• Oversee, maintain, and close assigned files in accordance with organizational standards and established timelines.
• Establish working relationships with stakeholders, including complainants, agencies, boards, and commissions, and consult legal services as appropriate.
• Appear in court as an expert municipal witness to present testimony and evidence.
• Provide humane capture, handling, and restraint of domestic, exotic, and wild animals, and transport animals safely to shelters or other locations.
• Administer animal health requirements and assist with or perform euthanasia under veterinarian's direction.
• Deliver public education programs, promote responsible pet ownership, and train staff in field operations with performance feedback.
• Issue Notices of Violation and Provincial Offences Act processes for non-compliance, and complete all inspections to meet health and safety standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-secondary education in law enforcement, municipal by-law, criminology, or a related discipline, and a certification or diploma in animal care from a recognized institution.
• Valid Province of Ontario Class G Driver's License with ability to obtain required City Operator's permit.
• Considerable experience working directly with animals and in law enforcement, preparing detailed investigation reports.
• Experience applying municipal chapters and legislation, and in the use of Chameleon or comparable records management systems and standard PC applications, including Word, Excel, and email.
• Must be immunized against rabies with a titre test every two years and booster vaccinations as needed.
• Knowledge of animal behavior in domestic and wildlife species with ability to handle and capture a wide variety of animals using humane capture tools and techniques.
• Good physical condition, strength, and agility required, including ability to lift animals and equipment weighing up to 25 kg.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, weekends, and holidays, and perform standby and overtime as required.
• Ability to orient and train new staff, provide work direction, and develop and deliver public education programs.
• Strong commitment to customer service, quality principles, and administrative fairness.