How to become a by-law enforcement and other regulatory officer
Official title: By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
Also called: Pound officer, Animal control officer, Humane society officer, Parking control officer, By-law enforcement officer, Zoning enforcement officer, Development control officer, Subdivision control officer, Transport compliance officer, Inspector - by-law enforcement, Municipal law enforcement officer, Transportation enforcement officer
By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers enforce by-laws and regulations of provincial and municipal governments. They are employed by provincial and municipal governments and agencies.
Main tasks
- Animal control officers
- Respond to citizen complaints concerning stray domestic animals, livestock and wildlife
- Issue warnings and citations to owners
- Impound lost, homeless and dangerous animals
- By-law enforcement officers
- Enforce municipal and provincial regulations
- Investigate complaints
- Issue warnings and citations to commercial and residential property owners and occupants
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a college program or courses in law and security or other related field or experience in a related administrative or regulatory occupation is usually required. Zoning inspectors or zoning enforcement officers may require a college diploma as a civil engineering or architectural technologist or technician and several years of experience in enforcement and/or building construction or a related field. On-the-job training is provided.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 44% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Criminal justice and corrections; Criminology; City/urban, community and regional planning.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $71,994 a year The middle half earn $58,500 to $84,299.
- About 11,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 13,000 are projected by 2033. (+18.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Sheriffs and bailiffs
- Correctional service officers
- Border services, customs, and immigration officers
- Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces
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Questions people ask
How do I become a by-law enforcement and other regulatory officer?
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a college program or courses in law and security or other related field or experience in a related administrative or regulatory occupation is usually required. Zoning inspectors or zoning enforcement officers may require a college diploma as a civil engineering or architectural technologist or technician and several years of experience in enforcement and/or building construction or a related field. On-the-job training is provided.
How much does a by-law enforcement and other regulatory officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $71,994 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $58,500 to $84,299.
Is a by-law enforcement and other regulatory officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2033, from about 11,000 to about 13,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a by-law enforcement and other regulatory officer?
Not always. 30% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03