Animal Control Officer

Job Description

Animal control officers are generally employed by a council, a city, or the government. Officers often respond to calls from citizens about stray animals, suspected animal cruelty, or deceased animals. They also patrol public areas looking for potential signs of distressed animals and work directly with the community concerning animal control issues. Some officers also educate the public about animal control safety.

Careers Ladder

Qualifications

To engage in a career as an Animal Control officer you will require a high school certificate or equivalent.

These below qualifications cover animal related care and management;

  • Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
  • Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
  • Certificate IV in Captive Animals
  • Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services

You also must have a drivers licence.

Attributes

  • Adaptability
  • Communicator
  • Confident
  • Devoted
  • Interpersonal
  • Initiative
  • Patient
  • Practical
  • Procedural
  • Responsible
  • Team Player

Key Skills

  • Physical Stamina
  • Animal Handling & Rescue
  • Reporting
  • Investigation
  • Animal Control Procedures

Future Prospects

Animal Control Officers can work their way up from entry-level officer positions to supervisory and management roles. Upper-level animal control titles may include senior animal control officer, coordinator, superintendent, or director of operations.