Are you ready to turn your passion for animal welfare into meaningful, hands-on impact? At HSPPR, our Animal Law Enforcement (ALE) team is on the front lines of protecting animals, supporting our community, and ensuring humane treatment for all.

We're looking for dedicated, resilient, and compassionate individuals to join us as Animal Law Enforcement Officer Recruits-the first step toward a rewarding career in animal protection and public service.

About the Role

As an Animal Law Enforcement Officer Recruit, you will participate in an intensive training academy designed to prepare you for the responsibilities of an Animal Law Enforcement Officer I. Through a combination of classroom learning and field training, you'll build the skills needed to respond to calls, enforce animal welfare laws, and serve as a trusted resource in the community.

This is more than a job-it's a commitment to protecting animals, educating the public, and promoting a community where animals are valued and cared for.

What You'll Do

During your training and development, you will:

• Complete a comprehensive Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy (academic + field training)
• Respond to and assist with calls for service such as:
  • Animal impounds
  • Dogs at large
  • Noisy pet complaints
• Learn to safely handle and manage animals of all sizes, including those that are aggressive or injured
• Prepare detailed and accurate reports, citations, and documentation
• Build strong relationships with community members, colleagues, and partner agencies
• Represent HSPPR and contracted jurisdictions with professionalism and compassion
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment in high-pressure situations
• Support shelter operations, including animal intake and care procedures
• Promote responsible pet ownership through education and conflict resolution

Training & Growth

• 12-week academy followed by structured field training
• Ongoing feedback and coaching from experienced officers
• Opportunity for promotion to Animal Law Enforcement Officer I upon successful completion

To advance, recruits must:

• Pass the final academy exam (minimum score of 80%)
• Successfully complete field training and demonstrate competency in core duties

What You Bring

• A strong commitment to animal welfare and community service
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive under stress
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and grow
• Physical capability to perform demanding, hands-on work in varied environments

Minimum Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older
• U.S. Citizen
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Colorado driver's license with insurable record
• Ability to pass:
  • Extensive background investigation
  • Drug screening
  • Physical fitness test
  • Hearing and vision exams
• Eligible for commission through the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Protection, and local law enforcement 
• Must be eligible for base clearance on Ft. Carson

Work Environment & Schedule

This is an active, field-based role requiring:

• Work in all weather conditions and environments
• Handling animals with unpredictable behavior
• Lifting up to 75 lbs and extended periods of standing, walking, or running
• Use of specialized enforcement and animal handling equipment
• Availability for weekends, nights, holidays, and on-call shifts

Why Join HSPPR?

At HSPPR, you'll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to saving lives and strengthening the human-animal bond. Every day, your work will directly impact animals in need and the people who care for them.

You'll also have opportunities to:

• Share impactful stories with our community
• Collaborate with passionate staff and volunteers
• Grow within a respected and innovative organization

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're driven, compassionate, and ready for a challenging yet rewarding career, we encourage you to apply and begin your journey in Animal Law Enforcement.

Protect animals. Serve your community. Build a career with purpose.

Important note:  this position will begin on May 27, 2026.  Please ensure that this start date aligns with your needs prior to applying.

** Applications accepted until May 1, 2026 or until position is filled **

As a condition of employment with HSPPR, by applying to this position, you acknowledge that HSPPR requires a drug test be performed within 72 hours of the receipt of an offer of employment. You further acknowledge that if you a) refuse to submit to any requested drug test for any reason, b) test positive for the presence of illegal drugs, all forms of marijuana and products containing THC, and improper or illegal use of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs or c) fail to take the test within 72 hours, the offer of employment made to you may be rescinded by HSPPR without liability.

Also, as a condition of employment with HSPPR, you will be required to authorize HSPPR and ProScreening to conduct a background check before confirming an employment start date. The background check will include a criminal investigation, verification of citizenship/immigration status, and a motor vehicle record. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that any offers of employment will be contingent upon completion of the background check to the satisfaction of HSPPR.  Animal Law Enforcement Officers must also submit to and pass any screening requirements set forth by local police departments and military installations.  The ability to obtain these clearances is a requirement of this position. 

In consideration of any offers of employment made as a result of your interest in this position, by applying for this position, you hereby waive any and all claims that you may have against HSPPR for invasion of privacy in respect to drug testing and background checks as listed above.