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Animal Control Workers

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

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.
  • Answer inquiries from the public concerning animal control operations.
  • Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Monitoring

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • ACO (Animal Control Officer)
  • Animal Enforcement Officer
  • Animal Park Code Enforcement Officer
  • Animal Services Officer
  • Animal Attendant
  • Animal Cruelty Investigator

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