Senior Animal Control Officers perform duties overseen by Supervising Animal Control Officers and the Chief of Field Services. Their responsibilities include assisting in day-to-day operations and training, investigating special cases, monitoring performance of Animal Control Officers, and responding to emergency calls requiring special attention such as cruelty investigations or dangerous animals. Senior Animal Control Officers are also responsible for equipment, briefing other officers, and performing the duties of Animal Control Officers.

1. Number: 300.02
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF SENIOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS Page: 1
Date: 3/26/91
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
3/5/12
I. PURPOSE
To describe the duties and responsibilities of a Senior Animal Control Officer.
II. POLICY
Senior Animal Control Officers perform duties that are overseen by Supervising Animal
Control Officers and the Chief of Field Services.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all Senior Animal Control Officers.
IV. FORMS
Not applicable.
V. REFERENCES
Not applicable.
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
A. Under the general direction of a Supervising Animal Control Officer, individuals
assigned the duties and responsibilities of a Senior Animal Control Officer may
perform, but are not limited to the following functions:
1. Assist the Supervising Animal Control Officer in the day-to-day operations of
Field Services.
2. Assist in the development of training for personnel and training for any area of
expertise and/or special equipment required, needed or utilized by the division.
3. Investigate and makes recommendations and/or suggestions to Supervision
through typed reports on special cases and activities (e.g. 905-V Investigations).

2. Number: 300.02
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF SENIOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS Page: 2
Date: 3/26/91
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
3/5/12
4. Provide input to supervision regarding observed Animal Control Officer’s
(ACO) substandard or above standard performance.
5. Provide leadership assistance by resolving issues as they arise in the field and at
the shelter in accordance with OC Animal Care P&Ps, state and local law, and
the County’s established Code of Conduct. Any unresolved issues are to be
reported to supervision directly.
6. Monitor and ensure that all orders and directives from the Supervising Animal
Control Officer, the Chief of Field Services and the Manager of Field
Operations are followed and accomplished.
7. In addition to field duties, Senior Animal Control Officers are expected to be
able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the various programs included within
the Senior Animal Control Officer job classification (e.g. Potentially
Dangerous/Vicious Investigations Program, Business Licensing, Operations,
etc.) as assigned by supervision.
8. The Senior Animal Control Officers assigned to field duties are expected to be
fully prepared to respond in the field at any time, having immediately available
all assigned equipment in good working order throughout the assigned shift.
9. The Senior Animal Control Officer is to keep their assigned vehicle and
equipment clean and in good working condition. Any vehicle discrepancies are
to be reported to supervision immediately. Any lost, stolen or malfunctioning
equipment is to be reported to supervision immediately.
10 All Senior Animal Control Officers are expected to perform the duties and meet
the expectations as outlined in P&P 300.23, Duties of an Animal Control
Officer.
B. On a daily basis, the Senior Animal Control Officer will perform the following:
1. Investigate and conclude all activities and special assignments issued from the
Manager of Field Operations, Chief of Field Services and other Supervising
Animal Control Officers.
2. Assist and/or direct the day-to-day activities of ACOs performing their duties.
3. Provide technical assistance to ACOs in the resolution of problems.
4. Assist with inspections by reporting to the Supervising Animal Control Officer
any needed corrective action. With the approval of the Supervising Animal
Control Officer, correct all discrepancies with uniforms, equipment and
vehicles.

3. Number: 300.02
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF SENIOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS Page: 3
Date: 3/26/91
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
3/5/12
5. Clean and maintain in good working order, assigned firearms, including capture
equipment. Any firearms, including capture equipment, experiencing
malfunctions and/or in need of repairs are to be tagged with a note stating “Out
of Service” and the specific reason as to why. The firearm is to be taken out of
service and reported to supervision immediately.
6. Respond to and evaluate the need for capture equipment when requested by an
ACO. If needed, and approved, discharge such firearm in a safe and professional
manner, ensuring a clear background and the public’s safety as top priority.
7. Submit requests to the Supervising Animal Control Officer for replacement of
needed supply items.
8. At the beginning of each work shift, the Senior Animal Control Officer
conducting briefing will issue and/or assign supplies or equipment (e.g. Pac
Sets, vehicle keys, etc.) to ACOs on the approval of the Supervising Animal
Control Officer. The Senior Animal Control Officer is to ensure that Pac Sets
and unit keys are assigned properly on the sign out sheet located in the squad
room. Assigned supplies and equipment are to be checked back in by the Senior
Animal Control Officer at the end of the shift as appropriate. In addition, the
key locker and Pac Set cabinets are to be locked at the conclusion of briefing
and/or before leaving at the end of the shift.
9. Perform euthanasia on animals in the field, when required.
10. Review legibility and correctness of actions on all written reports submitted by
ACOs, as required.
11. Review investigation reports, citations and statements for legibility,
comprehension and correctness, as required.
12. Assist citizens by telephone or in person in the resolution of problems or direct
to the appropriate agency, activity or individual for resolution.
13. Respond to assist and obtain photographic and/or video evidence as needed on
priority calls requiring special attention, such as emergency cruelty
investigations, severe bites, mountain lion calls, stray declared potentially
dangerous/vicious dogs, dogs on the freeway, etc. All assigned cameras should
be kept charged and in working order at all times.
C. In the absence of the Supervising Animal Control Officer, the Senior Animal Control
Officer briefs and assigns personnel to duties and performs the following duties:
1. Inspect vehicles, uniforms, equipment and firearms assigned to the shift and
personnel.

4. Number: 300.02
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF SENIOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS Page: 4
Date: 3/26/91
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
3/5/12
2. Review written and typed reports submitted by personnel.
3. Review citations for legibility, correctness of charges, and the proper court of
jurisdiction.
4. Answer telephone inquiries from citizens or agencies relating to policies of this
division.
5. Route questions to the proper individuals or agencies, if not in the area of
responsibility.
6. Collect and deposit monies from staff, ensuring accuracy of documents and
receipts according to cash handling policies.
D. Other duties of a Senior Animal Control officer are as follows:
1. Assist the public via officer contact, and responds in the field to investigate
complaints of animal law violations.
2. Conduct thorough investigations as assigned of dogs that may be vicious in
nature, submitting the completed investigation report to the Supervising Animal
Control Officer overseeing the Vicious Program.
3. May make periodic compliance checks on all dogs, which have been declared
vicious or potentially dangerous. Take appropriate action if a violation of
restrictions has occurred.
4. Assist in the preparation and execution of search and inspection warrants.
5. Direct the ACOs in activities that may require special personnel or equipment.
6. Performs other duties or tasks as required or as directed by the Supervising
Animal Control Officer and/or Chief of Field Services.