Jobs / Protective service / 33-9011.00

Animal Control Workers

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

US jobs
12,070
Median wage
$45,660 a year
Job family
Protective service

Can agents do the work of animal control workers?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Protective service: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 27%Care for plants or animalsNot measured
  • 14%Explain regulations, policies, or proceduresNot measured
  • 10%Issue documentationNot measured
  • 7%Examine people or animals to assess health conditions or physical characteristicsNot measured
  • 7%Present information in legal proceedingsNot measured
  • 6%Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areasNot measured
  • 4%Maintain operational recordsNot measured
  • 4%Prepare reports of operational or procedural activitiesNot measured

Unmeasured territory

No benchmark in this atlas covers this work yet.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • 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.
  • Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
  • Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
  • 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.
Other job titles for this occupation (26)

ACO (Animal Control Officer) · Animal Attendant · Animal Cruelty Investigator · Animal Enforcement Officer · Animal Instructor Officer · Animal Ordinance Enforcement Officer · Animal Park Code Enforcement Officer · Animal Safety Officer · Animal Services Officer · Community Service Officer · Adoption Counselor · Animal Control Specialist · Animal Cop · Animal Officer · Animal Rescuer · Animal Treatment Investigator · Code Enforcement Inspector · Code Enforcement Officer · Code Enforcement Specialist · Control Officer · Dog Catcher · Dog Warden · Humane Agent · Humane Officer · Wildlife Rehabilitator · Wildlife Removal Specialist