Animal control workers respond to calls about stray, injured, or dangerous animals. You'll enforce animal welfare laws, document incidents, and work directly with the public. Most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
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Animal control workers investigate complaints about animals, capture and safely handle strays and wildlife, and enforce local animal protection laws. You document incidents, communicate findings to supervisors and the public, and operate vehicles to reach call sites. The work involves making decisions about animal welfare and safety, sometimes in challenging or urgent situations. You may work with law enforcement, veterinarians, and community members to resolve animal-related issues and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Animal Control Workers earn a median of $45,660 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 1,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most animal control positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You'll typically learn the job through on-the-job training with experienced staff, where you develop skills in animal handling, safety protocols, and local regulations. Some employers offer formal training programs. Strong communication and critical thinking skills help you assess situations and interact with the public. Physical fitness and the ability to work independently are important, as is a genuine commitment to animal welfare and public safety.
Most animal control workers start with a high school diploma and gain skills through workplace training. If you're exploring this path, Pathly can map the animal control worker path that fits you to map out the steps and talk through your options with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as an animal control worker, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to hands-on work with animals and the public. You solve problems in real time, stay calm under pressure, and take pride in keeping your community safe.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).