Animal License Enforcement Officer

Class Characteristics

Under general supervision, to perform independent office and limited field contact work of a regulatory, informational and enforcement nature; to ensure compliance to the dog licensing program of the County through communicating licensing requirements, addressing non-compliance, issuing citations, and presenting at hearings; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Dog Services Division administers the County’s animal control program to enforce State and County laws and regulations governing the care, control, impounding, protection, licensing and disposal of animals. The Division also operates and maintains the County’s animal shelter which houses stray, dangerous, and abandoned dogs.

The Animal License Enforcement Officer works to secure the public’s compliance with dog licensing regulations. Duties are performed primarily within an office or shelter setting, but also require being in the field on a weekly basis to perform inspections of properties of multiple dog license holders. The Animal Services Officer 2 leads the work of the Animal License Enforcement Officer and assigns duties, reviews field reports for thoroughness, accuracy and compliance with departmental policy, County codes and State laws, and provides counsel on difficult licensing issues involving data maintenance or complex license enforcement. 

The Animal License Enforcement Officer differs from Animal Control Officer 1 and 2 which enforce all dog ordinances, investigate complaints and violations, and impound and transport dogs to the shelter.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Works to secure the public’s compliance with dog licensing regulations; makes phone, mail and limited independent field contacts with the public to secure compliance with dog licensing regulations; investigates complaints or issues related to dog licensing; informs non-compliance owners of licensing regulations and potential for warnings and citations; responds to calls and emails related to dog license inquires, law, and citations received.
2. Acts as liaison for the County regarding dog licensing requirements and regulations; responds to, educates, explains, and instructs individuals in the proper procedures for compliance; distributes licensing information; attends outreach and other events to educate the public regarding dog licensing, laws and responsible dog ownership. 
3. Issues license reminders, courtesy notices, late notices, warnings and citations for dog licensing violations; prepares written summaries, case documentation, correspondence and reports; maintains detailed records of enforcement activities and follow-up actions; prepares materials for administrative hearings and provides testimony regarding enforcement actions. 
4. Maintains accurate databases, records, paper files and case documentation for individual and multiple dog licenses, and regulated facilities; conducts complex data comparison and records analysis to identify non-compliant licensing status; coordinates the generation, printing, mailing, and tracking of notices, warnings, citations, and related compliance correspondence; monitors and updates enforcement and compliance records.
5. Oversees the application and renewal process; reviews inspection reports and vaccination records; maintains accurate licensing records; investigates potential violations or disqualifying conditions, and ensures applicants meet all qualifications established under Clackamas County Code; issues approvals or denials; provides guidance to applicants regarding compliance requirements, and assists with enforcement and administrative processes related to appeals, renewals, and ongoing license compliance; coordinates annual compliance inspections.
6. Conducts premise inspections of holders of multiple dog licenses for compliance with minimum care standards, licensing and rabies vaccination; interacts with dogs and owners; verifies adequate food, potable water, shelter, bedding, sanitation, exercise space, temperature conditions, and necessary veterinary care for all dogs on the property; confirms current rabies vaccinations or approved veterinary exemptions; confirms license holders’ compliance with all applicable county regulations related to the keeping and control of dogs; as appropriate, issues citations on-site based on observations/findings; handles field interactions with dog owners that may have fractious dogs and/or may be emotional/upset due to enforcement contact from Dog Services.
7. Performs administrative support functions related to dog control and licensing; tracks incoming rabies certificates from vets and completes data entry; researches complex license matters and remedies data errors entered into the data base; coordinates mailing and emailing of all license notices including courtesy reminders, renewal notices, late notices and citations; works in coordination with administrative staff to maintain the hearings docket to reflect license compliance for cited persons.
8. Coordinates, trains and monitors off-site vendors authorized to sell dog licenses; develops, maintains, and updates procedures and instructional materials; serves as the primary point of contact for vendor inquiries, providing guidance and support regarding licensing processes and requirements; coordinates and distributes supplies necessary for vendor sales operations; monitors and tracks monthly submissions, and reviews documentation for accuracy and timeliness; communicates with vendors regarding delinquent payments, incomplete submissions or noncompliance, and resolves issues professionally and effectively; ensures adherence to licensing policies, procedures, and reporting standards across all vendor locations.
9. Participates in cross training as an Animal Control Officer 1, to learn and provide ACO duties as a back-up as needed during the work week; as an additional ACO resource, performs ACO1 work during absence of the ACO or as a second ACO on the scene serving as a safety support for unique field calls; as needed, assists the ACO or acts independently to handle/impound a stray dog pickup, initiate quarantine or respond to other matters such as dogs at large; within the shelter setting, responds to neglect matters and matters requiring an ACO for issuance of conditional releases with stipulated instructions for follow-up care or restriction. 

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working knowledge of: State and County laws, rules and regulations pertaining to dog licensing, impounding stray dogs, and minimum care requirements; record keeping procedures; business English, spelling and grammar; basic math.

Skill to: Communicate effectively and respectfully, both orally and in writing; read and follow written and oral instructions; accurately complete forms and reports; exercise tact and sound judgment in obtaining compliance to licensing requirements and in providing excellent customer service; comprehend, explain and enforce laws and regulations governing dog licensing; present clear and concise reports and explanations regarding enforcement before hearings officers; safely operate a motor vehicle; safely and effectively handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments; operate office equipment, including computers and related software applications; work independently; apply legal principles and identify resolutions; present cases at compliance hearings; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, other agencies, legal professionals, and the public; learn State and County laws, rule and regulations pertaining to dog control and techniques for impounding stray, injured or fractious dogs.

Working Conditions

Duties require walking, stepping, twisting, squatting, reaching overhead, and the ability to lift up to 80 pounds having awkward size and shape, carry up to 50 pounds and 40 pounds while climbing stairs, and push/pull 50 pounds. Duties also involve exposure to loud noises, slippery and/or uneven surfaces, confined spaces and/or poor lighting, ammonia fumes, adverse weather conditions, hostile or angry people, and sick, injured, agitated, frightened or aggressive animals. Duties in the field are typically performed independently with radio oversight from the County’s Department of Communications (C-COM). 

As needed, required to participate in 24 hours/day emergency program services.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Licenses/Certifications: None required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

Driving is required for County business to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

CLASSIFICATION NO. 171
Revised: 6/70, 6/76, 8/15
Reactivated and Revised: 9/10, 8/26
Edited: 7/18
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 8