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Animal Control Workers

In the Animal Control Workers occupation, workers handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on active listening, speaking, and critical thinking. One core duty is to write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals. On the six-type interest model it reads RCI, meaning hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.

Main tasks

  • Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
  • Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
  • 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.
  • Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Time Management
  • Social Perceptiveness

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on active listening and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • ACO (Animal Control Officer)
  • Animal Attendant
  • Animal Cruelty Investigator
  • Animal Enforcement Officer
  • Animal Instructor Officer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.