Animal Control Officer

City of Avondale • Avondale, AZ

12h

About The Position

The City of Avondale has an opportunity for a non-sworn Animal Control Officer within the Avondale Police Department. The officer patrols the City to identify and respond to issues involving stray, loose, aggressive, or at-risk animals. The role enforces applicable animal control ordinances, laws, and public health regulations by investigating complaints, issuing warnings and citations, and preparing reports for potential court proceedings. The officer also investigates suspected animal cruelty, neglect, animal bites, and code violations; responds to resident inquiries and complaints; and promotes public safety through responsible animal control practices.

The position includes transporting animals, primarily dogs, to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control or other appropriate facilities for sheltering, care, and disposition. Sick or injured animals are transported to an appropriate veterinary or animal care facility. Animals must be handled and transported safely and humanely using appropriate equipment and established safety and animal welfare procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• One 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 pass a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph, and fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the City and respond to resident complaints regarding loose, stray, aggressive, or at-risk animals.
• Enforce animal control ordinances, public health codes, and applicable laws by investigating complaints and issuing warnings, citations, and other appropriate actions.
• Respond to animal-related hazards, citizen complaints, and reports of animal bites, cruelty, neglect, and other violations to protect public health and safety.
• Investigate suspected animal cruelty, neglect, bites, and code violations.
• Prepare accurate complaint reports, incident reports, citations, and other documentation to support enforcement actions and potential court proceedings.
• Transport animals, primarily dogs, to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control or other appropriate facilities for sheltering, care, and disposition.
• Transport sick or injured animals to an appropriate veterinary or animal care facility.
• Handle and transport animals safely and humanely using appropriate equipment and established safety and animal welfare procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED