Animal Care and Control Officer

Montgomery County; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County, Ohio, seeks a dedicated Animal Control Officer to protect public health and welfare by enforcing dog control laws, licensing requirements, and humane handling of animals.

You will respond to citizen requests, patrol the county, seize dogs not confined, issue licenses and citations, testify in court as needed, and collaborate with residents and partners to promote responsible pet ownership.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to high school diploma/GED and six (6) months experience caring for or handling animals and working with the public.
• Must maintain a current, valid United States driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) certification and ASP Baton certification within six (6) months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• patrols assigned area of the County to improve responsible dog ownership and enforce Ohio dog control laws.
• seizes and impounds all dogs not confined or under reasonable owner control; traces identification tags and notifies owners.
• conducts license checks, issues dog licenses and citations for violations; provides testimony in court when required.

Skills

Animal handling

Public safety

De-escalation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Ensures the health and safety of Montgomery County through extensive use of investigative, problem solving, prevention, and mitigation strategies to keep pets and people together. Developmental level in animal control ,requiring working knowledge of Ohio law and county-wide animal control ordinances governing the control, licensing, and humane treatment of animals, compliance investigation, case review, court preparation and hearings, understanding and interpreting animal body language, expertise regarding safe animal handling, animal restraint and animal care techniques animal behavior and animal control regulations; under general supervision, responds to citizen requests and patrols assigned area of County for the purpose of improving responsible dog ownership, assisting dog owners, and enforcing Ohio law regarding the control and licensing of dogs.

Demonstrates working knowledge and familiarity with pet retention, rehoming, behavioral training, veterinary care, and other resources to connect pets in need; requires effective use of judgement to make sound and safe decisions; patrols assigned area of the County, seizes and impounds all dogs not confined or under reasonable control of owner; aims to return pets found in the field to their owners by tracing identification tags, contacting potential leads, and canvassing the area the dog was found; conducts periodic checks for valid dog licenses, issues citations and required licenses to persons found in violation of relevant laws concerning control and registration of dogs.

Engages with Montgomery County residents, partners and stakeholders by gathering information, assessing the situation, and providing the appropriate service(s). Responds to concerns regarding strays, hostile dogs, injured or sick animals; takes required actions to impound, save, or humanely destroy animals as appropriate to circumstances involved; sets live traps to capture problem dogs, investigates dog bites, and issues nuisance, dangerous and vicious dog designations. Remains empathetic and non-judgmental in all interactions with community members and partners and uses de-escalation techniques and persuasive communication to assist pet owners with their pets.

Completes forms and prepares reports of actions taken for purposes of documentation, legal requirements, statistical records, or as dictated by policy. Appears in court when necessary to give testimony in the prosecution of cases involving animal control. Performs record searches, enters information into Shelter’s computer database to issue citations, dog licenses, capture canine behavioral observations, pet reunification efforts, animal health concerns, and other processes within acceptable time frame/restrictions.

As shift assignment dictates, receives animals, performs dispatching, answers questions from public regarding legal requirements, dog control and effective methods of pet care.

Cleans and provides routine care of equipment and vehicle(s) used to perform duties. Assists in animal care or other related duties.

(Performs Related Duties as Assigned and/or required)

Equivalent to high school diploma/GED and six (6) months experience caring for or handling animals and working with the public; OR alternative equivalent evidence of the Minimum Class Requirements.

Driving Requirement:

Must maintain a current, valid United States driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Training and Development:

Must obtain Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) certification and ASP Baton certification within six (6) months of hire date. All required certifications are provided and paid for by ARC.

Must maintain certification and licensure.