Although the job title varies in different communities, the animal control officer, humane officer, animal services officer, and humane investigator all work to protect stray, injured, abused, and unwanted animals. The challenges and rewards of protecting the health and safety of animals and humans are many. They include opportunities to rescue animals and prosecute individuals who abuse them, provide impounded animals with humane care at the shelter until they may be reunited with their owner or adopted, educate the public about the realities of pet overpopulation and responsible pet ownership, or grant a humane and dignified death to surplus, unwanted, or diseased animals.

Animal control professionals may be employed by municipally-funded animal shelters or non-profit humane societies. Animal control officers may find themselves in dangerous situations controlling stray animals and rescuing injured animals or dealing with irate or irrational animal owners. Their job of protecting animals and the community may involve educating pet owners about responsible ownership and local animal laws, making presentations to groups of school children, or working with social service or law enforcement agencies to protect people and pets in a family.

Animal control officers are not only concerned with an animal’s well-being but with the safety of the community. They usually wear uniforms and in some states are licensed to carry firearms and certified to enforce state and local laws relating to the mistreatment of animals.

Animal control officers must effectively communicate with animals and people. A large part of the job involves talking to and dealing with people to resolve problems. They may inspect animal-related businesses to be sure that animals are receiving adequate care, rescue trapped or injured animals, investigate animal bites and cruelty complaints, issue citations and file for prosecution of people who violate laws concerning animals. In addition to helping pets and pet owners, animal control officers also work with wildlife.

To accomplish all this, animal control officers require knowledge of anti-cruelty and control laws, proper animal care standards, common animal diseases and treatments, and basic rules of criminal procedure.

Salaries in this field may vary in accordance with geographic regions, community size, and budgets. There is potential for job advancement and higher earnings in supervisory positions as chief investigators, assistant shelter managers, shelter managers, or executive directors. The Society of Animal Welfare Administrators’ 1997 Survey reported the salary range for Chief Humane Investigators at $15,000-$60,000, with an average of $32,000, and $11,400-$34,382 for animal control officers, with an average of $24,000. The National Animal Control Association’s 2000 salary survey of animal control officers reported a starting yearly range from $13,236 - $44,149.

A high school diploma may be adequate for entry-level positions, with on-the-job training a common condition of employment for novice animal control officers. No schools offer specialized programs of study for prospective animal control officers, however, there are some certification programs. Desirable backgrounds include study in criminology, law enforcement, veterinary technology, or animal science.

Animal control is one of the fastest growing professions in the country. Smaller communities are usually limited in positions and advancement opportunities. Mid-sized and larger cities offer the most variety and opportunities for advancement within the Animal Control structure.

A valid driver’s license and good driving record are basic job requirements. Good physical health and the ability to climb over and under objects, lift animals and equipment, and handle and examine animals are also necessary. Animal control positions usually involve some weekend and/or shift work.

A long-term commitment in animal control requires tremendous dedication to the animals and the public. Volunteering at your local animal shelter may help you decide if this career is right for you. To find out more about a career as an animal control officer, contact the National Animal Control Association.