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Animal Control Worker

💰 Earn $53K-$73K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
⏱️ 6–12 Month Training
📈 3.9% Job Growth
  • 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.
Animal Control Worker
What Animal Control Workers DoHandle 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.
Animal Control Workers Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings1,300 Annually
Median Earnings
$62,760 in California
$45,830 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Relating with or serving others
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Having support
  • Having freedom
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking
  • Time Management
Go Deeper: Animal Control Workers Explained
Animal Control WorkerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

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

Vocational SchoolA 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 ProgramA 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
ApprenticeshipAn 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
Strategic EmploymentStrategic 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
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What Are Similar Careers?

Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Animal Control Worker | Explore this Career