Protective Service
Animal Control Workers
Also called: ACO (Animal Control Officer), Animal Attendant, Animal Cruelty Investigator, Animal Enforcement Officer
US median pay
$45,660
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
1,500
13,800 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
- Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Negotiation2.8/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.5/5
- Law and Government4.5/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Administrative3.6/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma65%
- Post-secondary certificate19%
- Associate's degree12%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.