Description

 
The County of San Diego, Department of Animal Services is currently recruiting for the position of:

Animal Control Officer

Applications accepted now through 3/30/2026!

Interviews will be held the week of May 4, 2026.
Job Offers will be made no later the week of May 11, 2026.

Future Salary Increases 
** June 26, 2026 - 4.57% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.07% Market Increase)
** June 25, 2027 - 4.07% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 1.07% Market Increase)

In addition to the base salary, employees receive:

• $850 annual uniform allowance (paid within 30 days of start date)
• $300 boot allowance/reimbursement for the hard toe shoes
• Overtime pay for working County-observed holidays
• 4/10 schedules
• 37 paid days off annually

About the Position: 

Join an organization dedicated to upholding values of integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, innovation, and Operational Excellence. As an Animal Control Officer, you will enforce state and local laws that protect the public from dangerous animals and protect animals from abuse and neglect. Animal Control Officers are responsible for investigating animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect, investigating reports of aggressive and/or dangerous animals, enforcing state felony and misdemeanor laws, and local animal-related regulatory ordinances, writing detailed investigatory reports, and providing expert testimony in court cases and administrative hearings. Animal Control Officers should expect to interact frequently with members of the public and other law enforcement agencies, may encounter dangerous situations with unfamiliar and unpredictable animals, offer education to the public regarding animal welfare and animal-related laws, and may issue citations and warnings to individuals suspected of violating either state law or local animal-related ordinances.  

Animal Control Officers are responsible for transporting sick and/or injured animals found in the field. They may perform euthanasia on animals too sick or injured to transport.  In the case of a disaster, an Animal Control Officer is expected to participate in the evacuation, sheltering, and reunification of animals impacted by the disaster. 

Animal Control Officers are headquartered out of the Bonita and Carlsbad County shelter locations. The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.

Coming Late 2026! A new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Santee serving the East and South Counties. It will provide a safe environment for animals and the public. Landscape enhancements will be made along the Riverview Parkway front, including a secured and open courtyard, an outdoor livestock area, activity yards, a secured staff parking lot, and a public parking lot. 

Please read the Department of Animal Services website for additional information about the many services we provide to the community. 

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate must have compassion towards animals, be able to work independently and make sound judgments regarding field activities demonstrated through critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  The ideal candidate will also be able to calmly interact with highly emotional individuals and build relationships with community partners. Potential candidates will need to have the ability to learn quickly and retain information about various animal-related laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills. Candidates should adapt easily to changing demands as working hours can be irregular (nights, weekends, holidays, and standby shifts).  

Hiring Process and Timeline:

The Department of Animal Services is creating a pool of qualified candidates for anticipated vacancies over the next six months. Apply now to be first in line when positions become available.

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. 

Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.  Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon the successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Working Conditions:

Work is predominantly performed outdoors, driving, and in animal shelter environments in varying temperatures; exposure to excessive noise (such as barking dogs) or constant radio chatter; aggressive and/or dangerous animals; animal waste and dead animals; dust, chemicals from cleaning agents/disinfectants; and sewage and zoonotic diseases. This is a first responder to disasters and emergencies and personal protective equipment is provided.

Blind Applicant Screening:

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment:

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening before beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation: 

Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application.  Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system.  If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying. 

Accommodation:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge, and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.  

Veteran's Preference Policy:

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.  Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy  for additional information.

Military Skills Translator:

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of these is infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data-driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader). (Download PDF reader).

Disaster Service Worker:

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.   

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience: 

• Twelve (12) months of relevant experience within the last three (3) years handling and caring for domestic animals in a kennel facility, veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or explaining rules and regulations to the public in an animal-related environment or public service capacity; OR,
• Twelve (12) months of relevant experience within the last three (3) years as a humane officer or animal control officer at a humane society or animal control agency; OR,
• Twelve (12) months as an Animal Care Attendant with the County of San Diego, and have successfully passed the probationary period for said position; OR,
• Possession of Registration as a Veterinary Technician with the State of California; OR,
• Completion of at least thirty (30) semester college units from an accredited college or university with at least twelve (12) units related to animal control, criminal justice, or law enforcement.

Note: 

Candidates must complete a certified Penal Code 832 course in arrest and firearms within 6 months of appointment.

Please read the job description for Animal Control Officer for additional information.