Animal Cruelty Case Specialist

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Animal Cruelty Case Specialist supporting the prosecution of animal cruelty cases through research and stakeholder support. Managing case database and maintaining accurate case information.

Posted 7/24/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $71,509 - $79,036 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in animal cruelty enforcement and veterinary forensics, with strong organizational and communication skills to manage case documentation and stakeholder relationships effectively. Capable of handling sensitive information with discretion while providing support in criminal investigations and case management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Veterinary Forensics ExpertiseAnimal Cruelty EnforcementCase ManagementStrong Communication SkillsOrganizational Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Case DocumentationEvidence CollectionInternet ResearchAutomated Record KeepingCriminal Investigation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsTeam CollaborationPublic SpeakingDiscretionAbility to Work Under Pressure

Tools & Technologies

Automated SystemsCase Management Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Certificate in Veterinary ForensicsNACA CertificationsFEMA CertificationProperty and Evidence CertificationsPolice or Humane Officer Certification

Industry Keywords

Animal CrueltyCriminal JusticeLaw EnforcementAnimal RescueConfidentiality Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Receive reports of animal cruelty and requests for case assistance from professional stakeholders, the Administrative Manager, and other sources.
Provide initial responses and triage via phone or email.
Exercise discretion in analyzing and recommending which cases CJP chooses to pursue, including communicating efficiently with complainants and advocates by phone and email; gathering relevant facts (through eyewitness accounts, media reports, and other sources as needed) for potential criminal cruelty cases; and identifying, after thorough independent analysis, those cases warranting further investigation and/or veterinary forensics.
Generate and categorize cases, and work with Managing Attorneys to assign cases to CJP staff according to department protocols.
Ensure that complete and accurate case information is relayed in a timely fashion to the appropriate team members.
Input and access information using automated systems, make entries into automated record files, seek to maximize use of automated systems available to CJP to further efficiency and accuracy in case response and record keeping.
Maintain and organize all case-related records and documentation in a timely, logical, and confidential manner.
Ensure that electronic logs of all legal cases are accurate and current.
Review case notes to maintain consistent and timely response in all cases.
Conduct internet research on potential/active cases (i.e. Facebook, social media, news sources, and company websites).
Provide basic assistance in research projects, special reports, and case information gathering.
Prepare materials for meetings, court proceedings, and case discovery.
Follow up with professional stakeholders on case outcomes/resolutions where possible.
Create and maintain a system for tracking date and time of upcoming court proceedings related to CJP-assisted cases.
Manage CJP grant processing for expert witnesses, forensic testing, and costs of care in criminal cases, coordinating with internal and external individuals as needed.
Inform and assist law enforcement, animal control, veterinarians, and animal rescues on animal cruelty case investigations and case strategies, including reviewing and advising on interview tactics, department policies and procedures, veterinary exams and reports, protective custody foster care programs and related agreements, and large-scale animal rescue implementation.
Participate in deployment to crime scenes and rescues as needed, exercising discretion in both the decision to travel on-site and the orchestration of such activities.
Assist with hands-on scene processing for animal cruelty cases, including identifying, collecting and packaging evidence; assisting with logistics and operational expertise; and assisting with other aspects of search and seizure operations and animal rescue support.
Provide support as requested to CJP Case Response Unit.
Build strategic relationships with prosecutors, law enforcement, animal control, veterinarians, and animal rescues to facilitate agency assistance in forensics, crime scene processing, and veterinary medicine.
Schedule and conduct outreach and training presentations for various disciplines, including but not limited to law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, prosecutors, animal shelters and rescues, and social service agencies.
Proactively maintain intradepartmental relationships and act as a liaison to other programs.
Create and maintain system for sharing information about CJP case work and outcomes across departments and facilitate the sharing of information approved for public-facing materials.
Provide in-house expertise for staff on questions concerning Criminal Justice Program cases, animal cruelty cases in general, criminal investigation, veterinary forensics, animal rescue and sheltering.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A bachelor’s degree in a related field desired; or 5 years equivalent work experience accepted in lieu of.
At least 3 years of experience in enforcement fieldwork operations, animal cruelty response, dispatch, and/or criminal case management.
Demonstrated veterinary forensics or animal cruelty enforcement expertise, including but not limited to, retaining related certifications in the field (such as Certificate in Veterinary Forensics, NACA certifications, FEMA certification, Property and Evidence Certifications, Police or Humane Officer certification).
The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and materials according to the highest standards of confidentiality, chain of custody, and ethical conduct and exercise discretion in the use of related materials and information.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, organizational members and supporters, members of the public, and others.
A positive attitude, ability to work cooperatively with others, and ability to function well in a team-oriented work environment.
Comfort speaking in public to audiences of various sizes and demographics.
The ability to maintain composure and lead others in times of heightened urgency or stress.
An understanding of and full commitment to the vision, mission, and core values of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
The ability to travel frequently to conferences, trainings, meetings, and other events as required; estimated 5-7 events per year.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care, dental, life and vision benefits (100% employer paid)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
192 hours of PTO
19 paid holidays
1-month paid sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment
16 weeks paid parental leave
401k plan with a maximum 5% employer contribution match after one year of employment
Alternative work schedules (at manager’s discretion)
One-time remote work allowance of $750
Annual professional development reimbursement of up to $1,000
Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is a core value for the Animal Legal Defense Fund.