Animal Control Deputy

Hendricks County Government • Danville, IN

2d

About The Position

The Community Service / Animal Control Special Deputy performs animal control operations, community service duties, enforcement responsibilities, and public safety support functions for the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office. This position responds to animal-related calls for service, conducts enforcement and compliance activities, assists with community safety operations, and represents the Sheriff’s Office with professionalism. Special Deputies assigned to this role may work 12-hour shifts, weekends, and rotating on-call schedules.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of the Indiana 40-hour Pre-Basic course or ability to obtain required certifications.
• Working knowledge of safe animal handling, behavioral assessment, and humane capture techniques.
• Ability to operate county owned vehicles, radios, computer systems, and specialized equipment.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to communicate effectively with citizens and individuals from diverse backgrounds and respond calmy and safely to aggressive animals, emotional citizens, and unpredictable situations.
• Must meet all physical and training standards necessary to perform special deputy assignment requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in animal control, law enforcement, public safety, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Animal Control & Field Operations: Respond to animal complaints, bites, aggressive or injured animals, stray pickups, and animal welfare investigations. Safely and humanely capture, handle, and transport domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife. Conduct or coordinate impounds, quarantines, custodial holds, and prepare all required documentation. Coordinate with shelters, veterinarians, and county partners regarding quarantines, impounds, and dangerous animal investigations.
• Community Service & Public Safety Support: Perform VIN checks, vehicle lockouts, sex offender registry compliance checks, and other assigned community service duties. Assist deputies and partner agencies with emergency traffic control, road closures, and community events. Participate in community outreach and public education related to animal safety and responsible animal ownership.
• Enforcement Authority & Legal Responsibilities: Enforce applicable Indiana statutes and county ordinances related to animal control and community service operations. Issue written warnings, citations, and criminal charges in accordance with state law and departmental policy. Prepare and submit probable cause affidavits, case files, physical evidence, and supplemental reports for criminal and ordinance violations. Provide courtroom testimony and professionally represent the Sheriff’s Office during judicial proceedings. Exercise appropriate enforcement discretion and make criminal enforcement decisions consistent with departmental training, expectations, and Indiana law.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare accurate reports, citations, affidavits, and activity logs using department systems. Maintain detailed records of impounds, investigations, bites, and community service activities.
• Equipment, Vehicles & Safety: Operate division vehicles, radios, and specialized animal control tools. Inspect and maintain assigned equipment, including animal traps, PPE, and transport carriers. Follow safety protocols when interacting with aggressive, injured, or unpredictable animals or hazardous environments.
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Maintain knowledge of Indiana animal control statutes, county ordinances, civil processes, and agency policies relevant to division duties. Conduct mandated compliance checks, including sex offender registry verifications, in accordance with law and departmental standards.
• Training & Professional Standards: Must attend and successfully complete ongoing departmental trainings. Must possess or obtain certifications and qualifications required by the Sheriff’s Office for assigned duties (Firearms, OC Spray, Emergency Vehicle Operation, First Aid, Baton, TASER, etc.). Participate in ongoing development to remain current with animal control practices and community service procedures. Uphold Sheriff’s Office standards for professionalism, communication, and public service.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED