Animal Control Officer

Animal Rescue League of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Des Moines is seeking a dedicated Animal Control Officer to respond to calls involving public safety and animal welfare across the Des Moines community. This full-time role supports safety, humane treatment, and community welfare while enforcing local ordinances.

You will patrol streets, document activity, issue warnings or citations in collaboration with Des Moines Police, and assist with humane euthanasia when required, following established protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• Ability to operate larger vehicles required.
• Ability to pass a police background check required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls involving public safety, animal welfare, injured or sick animals, ordinance violations, and domestic animal concerns.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, bites, and ordinance violations.
• Patrol Des Moines streets and initiate contact with citizens and animals to support compliance with animal ordinances.
• Educate community members on responsible pet ownership, city procedures, and applicable animal ordinances.
• Issue warnings and citations for violations in collaboration with the City of Des Moines Police Department.
• Safely operate Animal Services vehicles and equipment while responding to calls for service.
• Maintain accurate reports, activity logs, citations, emails, and required documentation.
• Work professionally with ARL staff, Animal Services Officers, police officers, command staff, and members of the public.
• Resolve conflict with professionalism while balancing enforcement, education, and compassion.
• Perform humane euthanasia when required and in accordance with established protocols.

Skills

Animal handling

Public safety

Law enforcement

Security

Customer service

Animal welfare

Community service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Animal Control Officer

Full Time Manual Labor Des Moines, IA, US

Animal Control Officer

Protect animals, support public safety, and serve the community.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to respond to calls for service involving public safety, animal welfare, animal ordinances, and quality-of-life concerns throughout the Des Moines community. This role supports the health and safety of both people and animals while helping promote responsible pet ownership.

This is a great opportunity for someone with animal handling, public safety, law enforcement, security, customer service, animal welfare, veterinary, or community service experience who enjoys working independently, solving problems, and making a direct impact in the field.

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Wednesday through Saturday (after training period) 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. depending on time of year
• 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources.Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do

• Respond to calls involving public safety, animal welfare, injured or sick animals, ordinance violations, and domestic animal concerns.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, bites, and ordinance violations.
• Patrol Des Moines streets and initiate contact with citizens and animals to support compliance with animal ordinances.
• Educate community members on responsible pet ownership, city procedures, and applicable animal ordinances.
• Issue warnings and citations for violations in collaboration with the City of Des Moines Police Department.
• Safely operate Animal Services vehicles and equipment while responding to calls for service.
• Maintain accurate reports, activity logs, citations, emails, and required documentation.
• Work professionally with ARL staff, Animal Services Officers, police officers, command staff, and members of the public.
• Resolve conflict with professionalism while balancing enforcement, education, and compassion.
• Perform humane euthanasia when required and in accordance with established protocols.

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• Ability to operate larger vehicles required.
• Ability to pass a police background check required.