Humane Society Police Officer

Animal Friends•Kilbuck Township, PA

About The Position

The Humane Society Police Officer (HSPO) investigates reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and other animal welfare concerns throughout Allegheny County. The role combines animal protection, public safety, community outreach, education, and supportive resource connection. Officers work with pet owners and caregivers to address barriers to proper animal care and, when safe and appropriate, help animals remain with their families. When less intrusive interventions are unsuccessful or animals face immediate danger, severe neglect, or willful cruelty, officers enforce applicable Pennsylvania animal-cruelty laws while respecting constitutional rights. The HSPO has police powers under the Pennsylvania HSPO Act and helps enforce animal-cruelty provisions of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. The officer investigates cases, gathers evidence, prepares reports and legal materials, serves approved warrants, and supports prosecutions, including providing testimony in court. The role also involves responding to public inquiries, collaborating with law-enforcement and animal-welfare partners, and serving as a positive ambassador for Animal Friends. Animals removed or seized may receive medical and behavioral evaluations, treatment, daily care, and enrichment while legal proceedings are resolved. The position requires dependable transportation, local travel using an organizational vehicle, flexible availability, a rotating on-call shift, and willingness to respond after hours and work evenings, weekends, holidays, or special events. The officer may handle or restrain animals of varying temperaments and health conditions and may clean facilities and equipment as needed.

Requirements

Must have been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months before being sworn in as an HSPO.
Must successfully complete the training program established by Pennsylvania Act 1994-135, including the required criminal-history background check; completion may occur after hiring if completed within six months of hire.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must have access to dependable transportation, be open to local travel in an organizational vehicle, and be willing to respond after hours or on weekends.
Must have flexible availability, including a rotating on-call shift and the ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
Must have valid Pennsylvania Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprint Clearances.
Must be comfortable approaching, handling, and/or restraining animals regardless of temperament, medical condition, or overall health; training will be provided.
Must be familiar with rules of criminal procedure.
Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to maintain composure in stressful situations, work collaboratively, and welcome, support, and value people with differing backgrounds and perspectives.
Must be computer literate and comfortable using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Must have a sincere interest in Animal Friends’ vision, mission, values, and culture.

Nice To Haves

Law-enforcement or legal experience.
Experience in animal-welfare work.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Act 235 certification; may be completed within six months of hire.
Experience dealing with crisis situations and/or advocacy-related work.
Experience with Chameleon and other project-management software.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect; interview witnesses, collect evidence, and write case reports.
Assist with the lawful removal of abandoned or abused animals.
Handle fractious or fearful animals, often using humane animal-handling tools.
Document activities and maintain files concerning confiscations and dispositions of animal-cruelty cases.
Issue warnings or citations related to animal cruelty or neglect.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within the Humane Investigations department and Animal Friends.
Prepare and file criminal complaints after approval from the District Attorney’s Office.
Write, submit, and execute search warrants after approval from the District Attorney’s Office.
Prepare for animal-cruelty prosecutions and testify and provide evidence in court.
Answer public inquiries about animal cruelty and its prevention.
Build relationships and collaborate with other HSPOs, animal-control officers, the county dog warden, and local, state, and federal law-enforcement agencies.
Attend and actively participate in certification classes at outside agencies, as both a trainee and a trainer.
Engage volunteers in departmental work to support the organization’s mission and vision.
Clean facilities and equipment, including animal crates and Humane Investigations vehicles, as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Educate pet owners, promote compliance with the law, and help ensure animal health and welfare standards.
Connect community members with supportive resources when appropriate.