Animal Control Workers
Human Advantage 75%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
3 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Also Known As: Animal Attendant, Animal Control Officer, Animal Control Specialist, Animal Cop, Animal Cruelty Investigator, Animal Enforcement Officer, Animal Officer, Animal Ordinance Enforcement Officer +18 more
Core Tasks
- Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
- Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
- Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
- Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
- Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
- 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.
- 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.
- Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses, or contact police to report violations and request arrests.
- Examine animal licenses, and inspect establishments housing animals for compliance with laws.
- Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.
- Answer inquiries from the public concerning animal control operations.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (22)
Tools & Equipment (25)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Animal Systems Healthcare & Human Services
Resume Builder
Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Animal Control Workers positions.
Your Resume Bullets
Related Occupations
Show all 20 related occupations
Real Talk
Hear from real Animal Control Workerss about their work: