Weekly Hours: 37.5 Hours/Week (and on-call as needed)

Title: Animal Control Officer

Location: Police Department

Bargaining Unit: Non-Union

Hiring Range: $63,673.68-$67,329.13 annually (DOQ)

Department & Supervisor: Chief of Police

Summary

The Town of Shrewsbury Police Department is seeking a qualified, dependable, and motivated candidate who is cool under pressure to join our team as a Full-time Animal Control Officer. This position is vital to the well-being of our community’s residents and animals. The animal control officer is responsible for investigating and resolving hundreds of animal complaints every year to ensure safety and compliance with animal control laws.

About Us

The Town of Shrewsbury, located just 40 miles west of Boston and adjacent to Worcester, is a thriving suburban community of roughly 40,000 residents (and over 3,000 licensed dogs). Our Police Department is committed to community engagement and collaborative public safety efforts to reduce crime and enhance quality of life. We operate out of a newly constructed state-of-the-art Police Station and Dispatch Center, designed for 21st-century public safety needs.

What You’ll Do

Patrol town roads to ensure the safety of wild and domestic animals, returning animals to owners if known, and impounding stray or unlicensed animals.
Respond to and investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, barking nuisances, and incidents of dangerous animals.
Collaborate with the Board of Health to monitor zoonotic diseases.
Perform annual barn inspections and maintain a census of domestic animal populations.
Assist Police, Fire, and Rescue services with removing animals during emergencies.
Issue citations for violations of animal control law.
Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, animal control law, and animal safety.

What You’ll Bring

A high school diploma and one to three (1-3) years of experience in animal control, law enforcement, or a related field.
A valid Massachusetts Driver’s license.
Certification from the Animal Control Officers of Massachusetts (ACOAM) or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.
Ability to stay calm during stressful situations and make quick, sound decisions under pressure
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with people with heightened emotions and to resolve conflict
Self-disciplined, reliable, and committed to community service
A strong background of working with animals, including knowledge of local, state, and federal animal control and safety regulations

Benefits

The Town of Shrewsbury offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, a pension through the Shrewsbury Contributory Retirement System, an extensive employee assistance program (EAP), and the opportunity for professional development, and competitive paid time off, including access to the town’s family and medical leave inclusive sick leave plan.

Join a team that plays a crucial role in protecting and serving the Shrewsbury community every single day. Help make a difference by applying today!

How To Apply

For more information, please review the full job description. When applying for this position, a cover letter and resume may be sent via email to Kristina Ordung, Assistant Town Manager for Human Capital, at jobs@shrewsburyma.gov, indicating the position you are applying for in the subject line. The position is open until filled, with initial review of applicants May 8, 2026.

Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

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Animal Control Officer