Animal Control Officer

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation.


Ensures the proper investigation of animal related complaints from residents with jurisdiction as dictated by state, county, and/or city ordinances. Assists residents with meeting requirements of ordinance through education, connecting with resources, issuing violation or warning citations to individuals as situation and/or ordinances dictate.

Responds to citizen complaints regarding stray or wild animals. Captures animals, returns animals to home, transports to shelter, returns to wild, or transfers to rehabilitation organizations.

Maintains accurate records of all animal control related activities, such as warning and violations tickets, impoundment records, and animal related complaints and inquiries. Testifies in court as needed.

Assists the general public with reclamation of impounded animals, and answers questions related to state and local laws.

Administers euthanasia to animals as necessary and ensures proper disposal of remains.

Performs inspections and investigates complaints of local pet stores, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and chicken flocks to ensure compliance with local ordinances.

Evaluates emergencies and provides first aid, pain management, or euthanasia when appropriate.

Assists law enforcement agencies when animals are present during arrests, warrant searches, deaths, etc.


Occasionally makes presentations on animal care and safety to various community groups.

Performs related duties as assigned.High school diploma; or possession of equivalent (GED); or combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Ability to capture and properly handle a variety of animals of different temperaments, in various conditions of health, and in a variety of environments.

Ability to respond to animal related emergencies on a 24-hour basis, as scheduled.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle legally.
Performs duties both indoors and out of doors in varied weather conditions and is exposed to hazards associated with the handling of frightened, vicious, and/or diseased animals. Incumbent is subject to threat of exposure to rabies, animal feces, and bodily fluids, animal diseases that can be contagious to humans, external and internal parasites, and to toxic substances, such as disinfectants and corrosive cleaners. Incumbent is subject to exposure to animals that may be aggressive or in poor health condition. Exposure to all types of weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.) as incumbent is required to respond to citizen complaints regardless of weather conditions.

Regular exposure to emotional individuals in stressful situations

Performs duties that include the lifting and carrying of large dog, potentially up to 100 lb, and other animals in the performance of animal capture, care, and handling. Physical effort is frequently exerted for sustained periods of time.


Maintains frequent contact with department superiors and co-workers, pet owners, and members of the general public for the purpose of receiving and reporting daily activities, explanation of City ordinances, and giving presentations on proper animal care and safety.