Animal Control Workers

Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.

2. Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.

3. Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.

4. Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.

5. Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.

6. Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.

7. Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.

8. Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.

9. Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.

10. Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.

11. Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Animal Control Workers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Animal Control Workers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$22,500 for entry level workers, and $34,950 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 1,130 Animal Control Workers employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 1,180  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 10 job(s) each year, and a total of 20 job openings each year.

There are no additional resources for this occupation.

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