Animal Control Workers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Median pay: $45,660/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.9% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Animal Control Workers?
The median pay for Animal Control Workers is $45,660 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Animal Control Workers?
Employment for Animal Control Workers is projected to change +3.9% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Animal Control Workers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Animal Control Workers?
About 1,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.