Humane Society Police Officer

Description

 At Animal Friends, humane law enforcement prioritizes education, compassion, and resource-based intervention whenever safe and appropriate. Our Humane Society Police Officers (HSPOs) understand that many animal welfare concerns arise not from intentional cruelty, but from challenges such as financial hardship, health issues, housing instability, or limited access to support. Whenever possible, we work with pet owners and caregivers to provide guidance, resources, and services that help animals remain safe, healthy, and in the care of the families who love them. 

As a Humane Society Police Officer, you will serve as both a protector and problem-solver at the intersection of animal welfare, public safety, and community support. You will investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and other animal welfare concerns throughout all of Allegheny County, while partnering with residents, social service providers, veterinarians, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to achieve positive outcomes. 

Animal Friends HSPOs work collaboratively with individuals and families to address barriers to proper animal care, establish clear expectations, and connect them with services that improve the well-being of both people and pets. Through resource-based intervention, many animals can remain safely in their homes while responsible pet ownership is strengthened, and the animal-human bond is preserved. 

When intervention is unsuccessful or animals face immediate danger, severe neglect, or willful cruelty, Humane Society Police Officers act decisively to protect animal welfare and enforce standards set by Pennsylvania Cruelty to Animal laws while upholding one's constitutional rights. Animals who must be removed or legally seized from their homes through warrant service and brought into our care receive comprehensive medical and behavioral evaluations, individualized treatment plans, and high-quality daily care tailored to their unique needs. They benefit from enrichment activities and opportunities to explore and engage with the world around them while awaiting the resolution of court proceedings or surrender to Animal Friends. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every animal has the opportunity to heal, thrive, and be matched with a loving home where they can succeed. 

Whether conducting investigations, educating the public, collaborating with law enforcement partners, providing testimony in court, or advocating for vulnerable animals, HSPOs play a vital role in building safer, healthier, and more compassionate communities. 

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day by protecting animals, supporting people, and helping create a future where every animal receives the care, protection, and opportunity they deserve. 

Position Summary:

The Humane Society Police Officer (HPSO) plays a key role in Animal Friends commitment to reduce and eliminate animal cruelty and suffering. This position investigates reports of animal cruelty and neglect in Allegheny County while serving as a point of contact for community outreach, education and supportive resources. The HSPO is tasked with educating pet owners, ensuring compliance with the law and ensuring standards of health and welfare of animals. The HSPO has police powers as defined by the Pennsylvania HSPO Act (22PA. C. S. A. Chapter 37) to enforce the Cruelty to Animals law found in the PA Crimes Code, Title 18. The HSPO should direct their efforts to prevent cruelty to animals and, when warranted, enforce applicable violations of the Cruelty to Animals laws. The HSPO is expected to adhere to procedures defined by the PA State law and with policies defined by Animal Friends’ Management. The HSPO is expected to carry out the mission of Animal Friends as part of our community resource efforts and serve as a positive ambassador for the organization in our region. [AO1] 

Essential Functions:

· Investigates reports of animal cruelty and animal neglect, interviews witnesses, collects evidence, and writes case reports. 

· Assists in removal of abandoned or abused animals as dictated by law. 

· Handles fractious and/or fearful animals often with humane animal handling tools

· Writes reports of activities and maintains files of confiscations and dispositions of animal cruelty. Issues warnings or citations in connection with animal cruelty and/or neglect. 

· Maintains confidentiality with all sensitive information within the Humane Investigations department and Animal Friends.

· Writes and files criminal complaints upon approval from the District Attorney’s Office. 

· Writes, submits, and executes search warrants, upon approval from the District Attorney’s Office.

· Prepares for prosecutions related to animal cruelty cases; testifies and provides evidence in court.

· Answers inquiries from the public concerning animal cruelty and the prevention thereof. 

· Builds relationships and works collaboratively with other HSPOs, animal control officers, and county dog warden, as well as other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

· Attends and actively participates in certification classes at outside agencies both as a recipient and as a trainer. 

· Leverages volunteer talent by engaging their assistance within the department, thereby helping us to further our mission and vision and to achieve the organization’s expectation of 100% integration of volunteers into our programs. 

· Cleans facilities and equipment such as animal crates and HI vehicle(s) as needed. 

· Performs other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience: 

· Must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a minimum of twelve (12) months prior to being sworn in as an HSPO. 

· Law enforcement/legal experience – Preferred. 

· Experience in animal welfare work – Preferred. 

· Associates or Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field – Preferred. 

· Act 235 Certified – Preferred (May be completed within six (6) months of hire)

· Satisfactory completion of the training program established by PA Act 1994-135 governing Humane Society Police Officers, including criminal history background check required by the Act. (Can be completed after hiring provided it is successfully completed within six (6) months of hire) 

· Must have access to dependable transportation, openness to local travel using an organizational vehicle, and willingness to respond after-hours or weekends. 

· A valid driver’s license is required. 

· Flexible work availability required, including a rotating on-call shift. The department and the organization are a 24-hour operation, which at times will require individuals to work evenings, weekends, holidays and/or special events at times, including our annual fundraising gala, Black Tie & Tails. 

· Valid Pennsylvania Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprint Clearances 

· Must have a sincere interest in the vision, mission, values, and culture of Animal Friends

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Must be comfortable approaching, handling and/or restraining all animals regardless of temperament, medical condition or overall health. (Training will be provided.)

· Familiarity with rules of criminal procedure required

· Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills; experience dealing with crisis situations and/or in advocacy-related work is preferred 

· Customer / Client Focus- Actively seeks out ways to aide Animal Friends guests and/or volunteers to ensure the best possible customer service is provided

· Diversity and Inclusion – Ability to welcome, support and value individuals with similarities and differences that may vary from your own

· Stress Management - Ability to maintain baseline behavior / composure during stressful situations

· Teamwork Orientation – Ability to work with others to accomplish likeminded goals and tasks for the organization

· Must be computer literate and comfortable with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel; experience with Chameleon and other project management software helpful