Animal control workers play a vital role in protecting public health and safety. They respond to calls about stray animals, injured animals, and dangerous animals. They also enforce animal control laws and regulations.
To be successful as an animal control worker, you need a variety of skills, including:
- Communication skills: Animal control workers must be able to communicate effectively with the public, other animal control workers, and law enforcement officers. They must be able to explain animal control laws and regulations, and they must be able to persuade people to comply with those laws.
- Customer service skills: Animal control workers must be able to provide excellent customer service. They must be patient, understanding, and helpful. They must be able to deal with angry or upset people, and they must be able to resolve complaints quickly and efficiently.
- Physical fitness: Animal control workers must be in good physical condition. They must be able to lift heavy animals, and they must be able to work in all types of weather conditions.
- Knowledge of animal behavior: Animal control workers must have a good understanding of animal behavior. They must be able to recognize the signs of animal aggression, and they must be able to handle animals safely.
- Training in animal control: Animal control workers must be trained in animal control techniques. They must know how to safely capture and transport animals, and they must know how to handle dangerous animals.
Education and Experience
Most animal control workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require animal control workers to have a college degree in animal science or a related field.
Animal control workers typically receive on-the-job training. This training includes instruction in animal control techniques, animal behavior, and animal handling.
Some animal control workers may also receive specialized training, such as training in firearms use or in the use of tranquilizer darts.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for animal control workers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for animal control services is expected to increase as the population grows and as more people own pets.
Salary
The median annual salary for animal control workers was $28,750 in May 2020. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $44,280, and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $19,710.
Related Occupations
Some occupations that are related to animal control workers include:
- Animal caretakers
- Animal trainers
- Humane society employees
- Park rangers
- Police officers
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for success as an animal control worker:
- Be prepared to work long hours, including nights and weekends.
- Be prepared to deal with angry or upset people.
- Be prepared to work in all types of weather conditions.
- Be prepared to lift heavy animals.
- Be prepared to handle dangerous animals.
Conclusion
Animal control workers play a vital role in protecting public health and safety. They are responsible for responding to calls about stray animals, injured animals, and dangerous animals. They also enforce animal control laws and regulations.
To be successful as an animal control worker, you need a variety of skills, including communication skills, customer service skills, physical fitness, knowledge of animal behavior, and training in animal control.
The job outlook for animal control workers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for animal control services is expected to increase as the population grows and as more people own pets.
