Animal jobs in Canada

Job Category: Animal Care & Control
Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Toronto Animal Services
Work Location: Various, see below
Job Type & Duration: Temporary
Hourly Rate: $43.92
Hours & Shift Information: 10/12 hours per shift, rotating 7 days/week; 80 hours in 2-week period per week
Number of Positions Open: 2
Posting Period: 23-Dec-2025 to 09-Jan-2026
Location and Shift Information:
1530 Markham Rd – 1 Temporary, 12 months
399 The West Mall – 1 Temporary, 12 months

Reporting to the Animal Services Supervisor, the Animal Control Officer 1 will provide work direction and guidance to Animal Services staff in the areas of animal care, by-law application, enforcement and customer service.

• Conducts and oversees complex sensitive and confidential investigations relating to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapters, City bylaws and provincial statues.
• Conducts objective, fair, thorough, unbiased and timely investigations and gathers evidence, review files and gathers necessary information to identify relevant issues.
• Leads, directs and defines the priority and scope of investigations; develops plans of action, provides effective guidance and work instruction for day-to-day activities to Animal Control Officers 2.
• Drafts investigation plans for consultation and early identification of issues by assessing the scope and determining the methodology and techniques required to carry out a thorough, objective and effective investigation with a focus on rigorous fact-finding, fairness, timelines and attention to detail.
• Coordinates list of people to be interviewed, communicates with complainants and conduct son site interviews and inspections to gather evidence using a variety of interviewing techniques and records statements.
• Analyzes all evidence and findings collected during an investigation, recommends appropriate steps after the investigation; including identification and analysis of any legal/regulatory issues and identifies potential investigative barriers and recommends solutions.
• Writes detailed, high-quality reports and correspondence setting out facts of a case cogently, objectively and accurately and in appropriate detail, followed by a well-reasoned analysis and objective assessment of the evidence.
• Assess current cases for potential early or alternative resolution and takes appropriate steps to facilitate resolution.
• Leads or participates as a team member on complex investigations from inception to completion, ensuring investigation is completed thoroughly and in a timely manner.
• Oversees, maintains, and closes assigned files in accordance with organizational standards including meeting established timelines and deadlines.
• Establishes good working relationships with all stakeholders including complainants, agencies boards and commissions.
• Shares relevant information with other investigators and Animal Control Officers.
• Exercises independent judgment in the field. Consults with manager and/or legal services for guidance where appropriate.
• Appears in court as an expert municipal witness to present testimony and evidence.
• Provides humane and skilled capture, handling and restraint of domestic, exotic and wild animals, transports animals safely to shelters or other locations including sick and injured animals, and animals that present a risk to public safety.
• Provides care of animals in custody, including feeding/watering, and observing and reporting health and behaviour conditions. Administers animal health requirements, assists and/or performs euthanasia under the direction of the Veterinarian.
• Participates in the delivery of public education programs and animal services events.
• Promotes responsible pet ownership through the delivery of animal services programs.
• Utilizes computer systems for case management, data input, information retrieval, and other information technologies related to animal services.
• Completes all requisite inspections to ensure sanitation and organization of the work location, animal services equipment, supplies, and vehicles, to meet all health and safety standards.
• Trains staff in all aspects of field operations and provides feedback on performance.
• Issues Orders to Comply, Part I and Part III processes of the Provincial Offences Act for non-compliance of the Toronto Municipal Code, Dog Owners' Liability Act, and other City by-laws.
• Performs work in a safe, efficient and courteous manner.

• Post-secondary education in a related discipline (i.e. Law enforcement, Municipal by-law and/or Criminology).
• Post-secondary education (certification or diploma) in animal care from recognized institution or the approved equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Considerable experience working directly with animals.
• Considerable experience in law enforcement preparing high quality detailed investigation reports, identifying and applying relevant municipal chapters and various legislations.
• Experience in the use of technology and a computerized records management system (i.e. Chameleon) and standard PC applications (i.e. Word, Excel, email etc.).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Province of Ontario, Class “G” Driver’s License, and must have the ability to obtain the required City Operator's permit for assigned vehicle(s) and equipment(s).

• Good physical condition, strength and agility are required for all aspects of the Animal Control Officer position 1, including long amounts of time spent driving, handling and lifting animals, including deer, large dogs and heavy articles (i.e. crates, aquariums, animal supplies) weighing up to 25 kg.
• Understanding of animal behaviour in domestic and wildlife species and the ability to handle and capture a wide variety of animals, including injured and possibly dangerous animals, utilizing humane capture tools, equipment and techniques.
• Required to be immunized against rabies and have a titre test every two years to determine immunity level and if needed, receive booster vaccinations.
• Ability to work rotating shifts (day, afternoon, night, weekend and holidays) and standby as required. May be required to do shift/overtime and weekend work in conformance with the collective agreement.
• Ability to develop & deliver public educational programs.
• Strong commitment to customer service and quality principles in service delivery and application of administrative fairness

Please Note: Successful candidate will be required to provide a current Criminal Police Reference Check as a condition of employment for this position

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.