Animal Control Officer

About the role

The incumbent will respond to citizen requests for service and/or complaints regarding animals. The position requires the apprehension and impoundment of animals that are at large or being kept in violation of municipal code. The incumbent will investigate animal bites and/or attacks, care and treatment violations, and dog fighting cases. This position must issue summons and citations to residents of Indianapolis/Marion County for violations of State law and the Indianapolis Municipal Code and will testify in a court of law on behalf of the Division of Animal Care and Control.

Responsibilities

• Ability to effectively address hostile situations involving citizens
• Handle all types of animals, including stray animals, animals with aggressive temperaments, and vicious animals
• Maintains daily records of each animal impounded (e.g., tags, location, description, etc.) to ensure that impounded animals are returned to rightful owner
• Patrols assigned district for animals that are in violation of Indianapolis Municipal Code and state laws
• Investigates all assigned animal related incidents/complaints and provides follow-up on reports of animal bites and attacks
• Maintains confidentiality when necessary regarding animal investigations
• Issues citations and court summons regarding violations of local or state law involving animals and provides testimony in court
• Maintains a daily activity log, including the time assignments are received and completed, records out of service time, and any individual initiated incidents that arise in the field
• Inspects pet shops, kennels, breeders, and special events for licensing and suitable conditions for animals
• Euthanizes animals and when necessary prepares a specimen for the State Board of Health for rabies testing
• Maintains assigned vehicle in a clean and sanitary condition and ensures proper working condition on a daily basis
• Maintains and is responsible for uniform(s), weapons, tools, and equipment supplies (bolt cutters, tranquilizer, dog/cat stick, dog/cat cage, stretcher, darts, guns, etc) while following all job site safety regulations

Qualifications

• High school diploma and /or GED
• Successfully complete a pre-employment physical/agility test, drug screen, background check, and a written aptitude/psychological test
• One (1) year prior law enforcement experience (i.e., law enforcement, traffic enforcement, security, public safety, corrections, and criminal justice) and/or one (1) year of animal-related experience as a Veterinarian Technician, Kennel Attendant, or in a related area
• Must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Indiana driver's license with a good driving record
• Ability to drive a 1-ton van and pass driving and physical examination and possess ability and physical strength to handle, control, and load animals in excess of 50 pounds
• Must be qualified to receive and maintain special police and deputy sheriff powers, including the successful completion of any necessary training
• Must have or be able to attain NACA (National Animal Control Association) certification upon employment
• Must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military
• Must obtain and maintain IDACS (Indiana Data and Communication System) certification
• Possess the ability to learn and apply applicable criminal and civil laws and evidence processing techniques
• Possess and demonstrate a high degree of organizational, planning, and problem solving skills
• Possess and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively whether verbal and/or in written form and effectively present court testimony
• Possess the ability to hear, visual acuteness, and mobile use of hands, feet, etc.

Benefits

Optional Life Insurance Employee Only (rates per $1,000 per month)

Schedule

Position requires employee to spend 95% of time traveling within the city. Exposure to all types of weather conditions and contact with unpredictable hazards and dangers associated with animal control (e.g., wild animals, disease-infested animals, and dangerous locations) will be encountered. May be required to work overtime, which includes weekends and holidays. All rates are weekly. 2026 Rate Sheet - To view our rate sheet, please copy and paste this link into your web browser: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:5e20097e-ebaa-4d21-bbda-dca9a0bec89b

Pay

Required Question

1. Do you have at least One (1) year prior law enforcement experience?
2. Are you at least 21 years old?
3. Do you have a valid driver's license?