Animal Control Officer
Quick Facts
Median Salary$48,747
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+19.57%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Animal Control Officer works for a police department or public safety agency and responds to calls for help with abandoned or mistreated animals. Assists with capturing wild animals found in city neighborhoods or populated areas.
Core Tasks:
- Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
- Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
- Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
- Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
- Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
- Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
- Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.
- Answer inquiries from the public concerning animal control operations.
- Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
- Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
- Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.
- Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses, or contact police to report violations and request arrests.
- Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
- Examine animal licenses, and inspect establishments housing animals for compliance with laws.
- Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.
What to expect as an Animal Control Officer
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
60% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Animal Control Officer related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
487 openings for Animal Control Officers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Animal Control Officer. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.