CFChooseField
Public Safety

Animal Control Workers

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Animal Control Workers
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Median pay

$45,830
Median annual pay for Animal Control Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

12,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Animal Control Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Law and Government
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Administrative
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Expression
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Inductive Reasoning
  6. 6Speech Clarity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Stress Tolerance
  3. 3Self-Control
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Attention to Detail
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  4. 4Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  4. 4E-Mail
  5. 5Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  6. 6Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

Representative 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.
  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyRoseRush Services Shelter ProRescueConnection Software ShelterConntection

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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