Animal Control Officer

Salary: $24.65 - $36.98 Hourly
Location : Avondale, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Police
Opening Date: 11/03/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026 11:59 PM Arizona
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Job Description
The City of Avondale has an opportunity for an Animal Control Officer within the Avondale Police Department. This is a non-sworn position.

Patrols the City to identify, respond to, and address issues involving stray, loose, aggressive, or at-risk animals. Enforces applicable animal control ordinances, laws, and public health regulations by investigating complaints, issuing warnings and citations, and preparing reports for potential court proceedings. Conducts investigations involving animal cruelty. Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints regarding animal-related concerns and promotes public safety through responsible animal control practices.

Essential Functions
Patrols the City and responds to resident complaints regarding loose, stray, aggressive, or at-risk animals. Enforces animal control ordinances, public health codes, and applicable laws by investigating complaints and issuing warnings, citations, and other appropriate actions.

Protects public health and safety by responding to animal-related hazards, citizen complaints, and reports of animal bites, animal cruelty, neglect, and other violations.

Conducts investigations of suspected animal cruelty, neglect, bites, and code violations. Prepares accurate complaint reports, incident reports, citations, and other documentation to support enforcement actions and potential court proceedings.

Transports animals, primarily dogs, to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control or other appropriate facilities for sheltering, care, and disposition. Transports sick or injured animals to an appropriate veterinary or animal care facility.

Handles and transports animals safely and humanely, using appropriate equipment and following established safety and animal welfare procedures.

To view the full job description and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, please click to view the Class Specification here

Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required.

One (1) year of experience in animal care, animal welfare, animal control, veterinary services, shelter operations, kennel operations, or a closely related field.

Valid Arizona Operator's Driver's License.

Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph, and fingerprinting.

May be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Important Application Information:

To ensure your application receives full consideration, please take a moment to review your application before submitting it and make sure all required information is complete and accurate. Please note that incomplete applications cannot be processed, and resumes cannot be accepted in place of a completed application, unless otherwise noted on the job bulletin. Be sure to include all relevant education, training, certifications, and work experience that you would like considered as part of your application.
The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more. Explore our Benefits Guide for full details! For additional information, visit our
01


Select from the options below your highest level of completed education.

• Not completed High School
• High school or GED
• Associates or Vocational Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02


How many years of experience do you have in animal care, animal welfare, animal control, veterinary services, shelter operations, kennel operations, or a closely related field?

• No experience
• 0 - 11 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 or more years

03


Do you have a valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain one by the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

04


I understand I must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph, and fingerprinting.

• Yes
• No

05


I understand that this position may require working weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• Yes
• No

Required Question