Animal Control Worker

Your Fit

Income

$46K

Preparation

Some

Growth

4.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Animal Control Worker?

An Animal Control Worker is responsible for ensuring public safety by handling and caring for animals that are lost, stray, abandoned, or pose a danger to the community. They play a critical role in enforcing animal control laws and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Sample job titles:

Animal Control Officer, Animal Enforcement Officer, Animal Park Code Enforcement Officer, Community Service Officer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Animal Control Worker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Animal Control Worker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$38K per year	$46K per year	$57K per year	$70K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $3.67K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Animal Control Worker do?

Work environment

Animal Control Workers are typically employed by local government agencies, animal shelters, or humane societies. Their work involves both fieldwork, where they respond to calls and capture animals, and administrative duties at animal care facilities. The job can be physically demanding and may require working in various weather conditions and during irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

Quick task list

Responds to calls regarding stray, lost, injured, or dangerous animals.
Captures and transports animals safely.
Investigates cases of animal cruelty and neglect.
Educates the public on animal control laws and responsible pet ownership.
Provides basic care for animals in shelters, including feeding and cleaning.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Wildlife Control: Specializing in the management of wildlife issues in urban areas.
Cruelty Investigation: Focusing on investigating and resolving cases of animal abuse and neglect.
Shelter Management: Overseeing operations in animal shelters or rescue centers.
Public Education and Outreach: Specializing in community education about responsible pet ownership and wildlife coexistence.
Rescue Operations: Engaging in specialized rescue operations for animals in hazardous situations.

Description

Animal Control Workers play a crucial role in community safety and animal welfare. They must be knowledgeable about animal behavior, local wildlife, and relevant laws and regulations. The work requires patience, compassion, and the ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations. They often face challenging scenarios, from handling aggressive animals to dealing with emotional pet owners.

Strong communication skills are essential, as these workers interact with the public, educate on animal laws and safety, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies and veterinarians. Physical fitness is important due to the nature of the work, which can involve chasing and restraining animals, lifting heavy objects, and working outdoors.

This career can be both rewarding and challenging. It offers the satisfaction of helping animals and ensuring public safety, but can also be emotionally taxing, dealing with cases of animal cruelty or neglected pets. Animal Control Workers must be prepared to witness and manage difficult situations while maintaining professionalism and empathy.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a positive impact on animal welfare and public safety.
Rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
Educating and engaging with the community on animal-related issues.

You might make a good Animal Control Worker if you are...

Passionate about animal welfare and public safety.
Physically fit and able to handle challenging outdoor work.
Emotionally resilient, able to manage stressful and sometimes distressing situations.
Skilled in communication, able to educate and interact effectively with the public.
Capable of making quick decisions and working independently.

Pros:

Rewarding work through helping animals and people.
Variety in daily tasks and challenges.
Opportunities for community engagement and education.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially dangerous situations.
Emotional challenges in dealing with abused or neglected animals.
Irregular working hours and outdoor work in all weather conditions.

How to become an Animal Control Worker

Typical education

Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional on-the-job training is often provided, and some positions may require certification in animal control and welfare.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Environmental Science to understand animal behavior and ecology.
Physical Education to maintain physical fitness.
Psychology to develop an understanding of human and animal behavior.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at local animal shelters or with wildlife conservation groups.
Joining clubs related to wildlife, nature, or environmental issues.
Participating in sports or physical fitness activities.

Preparation after high school

Certification programs in animal control and welfare.
Short courses in animal behavior, first aid, and law enforcement.
Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or wildlife rehabilitation centers.

More resources

National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) - Offers training and resources for animal control professionals.
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) - Provides information on animal welfare and opportunities for volunteering and education.
Animal Control Officer Training Manual - A comprehensive guide for individuals interested in the profession.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) - Offers resources and information on animal welfare, including cruelty prevention and education programs.

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