Also known as: ACO (Animal Control Officer), Animal Attendant, Animal Control Specialist, Animal Cop
You pull into the municipal animal services lot just as the sun peeks over the horizon. Inside, you grab your department-issued smartphone and check your assigned calls for the day on the CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) system. After a quick email check and a few sips of coffee, you head to your assigned truck. You perform a pre-shift inspection, making sure your catch poles, bite gloves, transport kennels, and first-aid kits are all secured and ready.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+4%
US average: +3.5%
1,500
per year (US)
13,800
in 2025 → 14,300 (2035)
High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The outlook for Animal Control Workers is stable, with about 1,500 job openings expected each year through 2035. The median annual wage for this role is $45,660. You can advance your career by moving into specialized roles like Animal Cruelty Investigator or Park Ranger, often with additional training or experience.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$45,660
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Animal Behavior and Ethology
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Police Academy
Vocational • Law & Public Administration • 1 year
Animal Health
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years
Animal Training
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years
Animal Sciences, General
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years
Zoology/Animal Biology
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years