Animal Control Officer

About the role

Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both challenging and rewarding, and it requires handling all kinds of animals, from pets to wildlife.

Reports to the Animal Control Supervisor. Exercises autonomy and sound judgement over tasks as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals
• Investigating cases of animal cruelty
• Enforcing licensing laws and other state, county, and city laws and regulations that are applicable to the animal control program
• Providing expert testimony in court cases
• Rescuing trapped animals
• Writing incident reports
• Providing humane care to animals under their supervision

While on duty, animal control officers interact frequently with members of the public. They issue citations and warnings to people for mistreatment of animals in their care and may remove animals from a negligent owner's custody. Officers may also provide educational seminars to the community on topics such as animal welfare and animal-related laws.

Requirements

To pursue a career as an animal control officer, applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED and some experience with animals. A high school diploma or GED is required, and experience with animals and a college degree are preferred. Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will also be considered.

Skills

Animal control officers must have knowledge of a wide variety of animal species, animal first aid, animal care and nutrition, humane capture tools and techniques, animal behavior, public relations, cruelty investigation procedures, and law enforcement. They must also be able to deal with animals that are strays or have been abandoned, and investigate and rescue animals in fight rings.

• Emotional stability: ability to work with emotions that arise in difficult situations involving animals in neglected, abused, or injured states
• Interpersonal skills: ability to skillfully navigate difficult situations and interact with the public
• Physical agility and stamina: ability to work on feet for long periods, bend, stretch, and climb under or over obstacles to get to animals in need of help

Special Requirements

Working hours can be irregular, and most animal control officers are required to be "on-call" for emergency situations on some nights, weekends, and holidays. All candidates with a job offer are required to complete a pre-employment drug screening, background check, physical, and psychological examination. The Town of Pecos City is a drug-free workplace.