Animal Control Officers enforce local and regional laws concerning the care and treatment of animals. They patrol public areas looking for potential signs of distressed animals and work directly with citizens concerning animal control issues. Some officers also educate the public about animal control safety.
Personal requirements for an Animal Control Officer
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Mature and responsible
- Free from allergies aggravated by animal hair, fur, feathers and dust
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job, undertaking manual and sometimes heavy work
- Able to handle animals with confidence and patience
Duties & Tasks of an Animal Control Officer
Animal Control Officers may perform the following tasks:
- Respond to and investigate complaints
- Operate the local pound
- Capture animals
- Prepare and present cases in court
- Run animal awareness programs
Working conditions for an Animal Control Officer
Animal control officers are usually hired by municipal councils, although some work for states or other branches of the federal government. Animal control workers may work night and weekend hours, due to the 24-hour needs of animal shelters and animal patrol schedules. Animal control officers can patrol public areas, respond to service calls or work in shelters. Their jobs can also lead them into the courtroom when animal laws have been violated and cases are being tried.