Animal Control Officer

City of Lufkin • Lufkin, TX

1d

About The Position

The Animal Control Officer enforces animal control ordinances, responds to public complaints, and helps ensure the safety and well-being of animals and the community. The role conducts patrols and investigations, captures and impounds animals humanely, educates the public, enforces licensing and permit regulations, and performs euthanasia procedures when required. The officer also responds to emergencies, provides testimony in court proceedings, and maintains accurate records. This is an essential service position requiring availability for emergency calls and service during emergency situations.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid Texas Driver's License at the time of placement. The officer must complete and pass the ACO Certification Course required by the Texas Department of Health and Euthanasia Certification within the first six months of employment. The employee must live in Angelina County or be within 30 minutes for on-call purposes.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Texas Driver's License at the time of placement.
• Complete and pass the ACO Certification Course required by the Texas Department of Health and Euthanasia Certification within the first six months of employment.
• Live in Angelina County or be within 30 minutes for on-call purposes.
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of local, state, and federal animal control laws and regulations.
• Strong problem-solving skills to assess and address animal-related situations in the field.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with the public, fellow officers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, and restraining animals of various sizes.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in safe and humane animal handling techniques.
• Previous experience in animal control, law enforcement, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine patrols to identify and respond to animal-related issues, complaints, and emergencies within designated city areas.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and violations of animal control ordinances, taking appropriate action under established procedures.
• Safely and humanely capture and restrain animals using appropriate equipment and techniques while minimizing stress and harm.
• Impound animals as necessary, maintaining accurate documentation and following protocols for proper care and housing.
• Educate the public about responsible pet ownership, local ordinances, and safety measures for interacting with animals.
• Enforce animal licensing and permit regulations, issue citations for non-compliance, and educate pet owners about compliance.
• Perform euthanasia procedures when required, following established protocols and humane practices.
• Respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and disease outbreaks, to assist with animal rescue, evacuation, and sheltering.
• Provide testimony in court proceedings related to animal control cases and present evidence with accurate documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of activities, investigations, citations, and impoundments in accordance with departmental policies.
• Be available for emergency calls and provide services during emergency situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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