Animal Control Worker

Explore This Path

Protect animals and communities by ensuring their safety and well-being.
Make a difference by investigating and preventing animal cruelty and neglect.
Use unique skills to safely capture and care for stray or endangered animals.

💰 Earn $53K-$69K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.9% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

1,300 Annually

Median Earnings

$61,710 in California

$43,170 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Animal Control Worker? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@acobegin

@cityoflasvegas

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Service Orientation
Speaking
Time Management

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Animal Control Worker

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years