What Does it Take to Be an Animal Control Worker?
Position Description Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
A Day in the Life of an Animal Control Worker
- Train police officers in dog handling and training techniques for tracking, crowd control, and narcotics and bomb detection.
- Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
- Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
- Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.
- Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
- Examine animal licenses, and inspect establishments housing animals for compliance with laws.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Animal Control Worker?
Below is a list of the skills most Animal Control Workers say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Animal Control Worker
- Animal Park Code Enforcement Officer
- Dog Pound Attendant
- Animal Control Officer
- Animal Rescuer
- Animal Enforcement Officer
Is There Job Demand for Animal Control Workers?
In the United States, there were 13,400 jobs for Animal Control Worker in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,200 new jobs for Animal Control Worker by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,600 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Animal Control Worker are Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Vermont, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Animal Control Worker Make?
The salary for Animal Control Workers ranges between about $23,160 and $58,220 a year.

Animal Control Workers who work in California, Massachusetts, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Animal Control Workers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $32,500 |
Alaska | $47,690 |
Arizona | $38,170 |
Arkansas | $29,120 |
California | $54,620 |
Colorado | $45,120 |
Connecticut | $49,570 |
Florida | $37,640 |
Georgia | $32,140 |
Idaho | $33,890 |
Illinois | $37,760 |
Indiana | $33,030 |
Iowa | $37,090 |
Kansas | $35,780 |
Kentucky | $26,950 |
Louisiana | $28,660 |
Maine | $30,450 |
Maryland | $45,540 |
Massachusetts | $48,660 |
Michigan | $39,860 |
Minnesota | $45,780 |
Mississippi | $26,190 |
Missouri | $33,350 |
Montana | $37,420 |
Nebraska | $37,650 |
Nevada | $48,450 |
New Hampshire | $42,590 |
New Jersey | $41,150 |
New Mexico | $31,060 |
New York | $37,990 |
North Carolina | $35,200 |
Ohio | $36,190 |
Oklahoma | $30,810 |
Oregon | $47,080 |
Pennsylvania | $39,580 |
Rhode Island | $43,600 |
South Carolina | $31,800 |
South Dakota | $31,770 |
Tennessee | $32,520 |
Texas | $34,640 |
Utah | $36,410 |
Vermont | $36,090 |
Virginia | $38,020 |
Washington | $49,840 |
West Virginia | $27,810 |
Wisconsin | $37,330 |
Wyoming | $38,330 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Animal Control Workers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Animal Control Workers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Geographic information system GIS software
- SAP software
- ESRI ArcGIS
How do I Become an Animal Control Worker?
Learn what Animal Control Worker education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become an Animal Control Worker?

Animal Control Workers Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming an Animal Control Worker might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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