Law & Government
Animal Control Workers
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Median salary (BLS)
$45,660
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$33k – $68k
Job outlook
+4% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Plan a path to Animal Control Workers
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateLicense requiredCost to qualify
$200–$5,150
Time to qualify
1 yr
Renewal
—
- 1
High school diploma or GED
CourseExpected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.
$0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source
- 2
On-the-job training
ExperienceEmployer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.
Cost varies · 3 months source
- 3
Bar exam / state licensure / academy
LicenseLawyers: the state bar exam. Public-safety roles: a training academy plus state certification.
$200–$5,000 · 6 months · varies by state source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Animal Control Workers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Animal Control Workers
Entry / Junior
$33,090
~2 yrs to advance
Animal Control Workers
Established
$45,660
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Animal Control Workers
Senior
$56,865
Key skills
A typical day
- •Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
- •Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
- •Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
- •Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
- •Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Law & Government
Explore all- Yale University5% admit · $105,000 grad pay
- Harvard University4% admit · $119,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- Columbia University4% admit · $103,000 grad pay
- University of Chicago5% admit · $91,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.