Animal Control Workers

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Protective Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 33-9011
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
• 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.
• 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.
• Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses, or contact police to report violations and request arrests.
• Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, SAP software, ARK Software Ark Shelter Software, Animal Shelter Manager

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Animal Caretakers
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Animal Trainers
• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
• Animal Breeders
• Agricultural Inspectors

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Animal Control Workers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.