Animal Control Workers
Overview
Animal control workers protect both animals and communities by rescuing stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals and investigating cases of animal cruelty. They use specialized equipment like tranquilizer darts and animal transport vehicles to safely capture animals, then provide care including feeding, medical attention, and shelter placement. These professionals work closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and animal shelters, often preparing legal documentation and testifying in court cases. Many enter this field through studies in animal science, criminal justice, or veterinary technology, combining their love for animals with public safety work.
Did you know?
The role requires physical stamina for outdoor work and emotional resilience to handle animal cruelty cases and euthanasia procedures.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$47,244 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Instructing
Key Responsibilities
- Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
- Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
- Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
- Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.
- Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.
- Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.
- Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
- Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses, or contact police to report violations and request arrests.
- Train police officers in dog handling and training techniques for tracking, crowd control, and narcotics and bomb detection.
- Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
- Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
- Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
- Examine animal licenses, and inspect establishments housing animals for compliance with laws.
- Answer inquiries from the public concerning animal control operations.
- Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
- Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
Career Considerations
Physical and Emotional Demands
The role requires physical stamina for outdoor work and emotional resilience to handle animal cruelty cases and euthanasia procedures.
Training and Certification Requirements
Most positions require completion of animal control training programs and may need state-specific certifications or licenses to handle controlled substances.
Job Stability and Compensation
Employment is typically stable through government agencies with median salaries around $37,000-$45,000 annually, though advancement opportunities may be limited.