Animal Control Workers
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
What it pays
Animal Control Workers earn a median of $21.95/hr — about $45,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $15.91/hr; the top 10% earn $32.72/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Animal Control Workers earn a median of $21.95/hr — about $45,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $15.91/hr; the top 10% earn $32.72/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
- Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of animal control workers are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a animal control worker make?
- The median pay is $21.95 per hour — roughly $45,500 a year, with the real range running from about $15.91/hr (10th percentile) to $32.72/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a animal control worker?
- The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
- What does a animal control worker actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.