FAQ
Animal Control Officer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an animal control officer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an animal control officer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about animal control officers
Do animal control officers need a degree?
Usually not.
Is the job dangerous?
There are risks of bites and disease, managed with training and equipment.
Who hires animal control officers?
Cities, counties and humane societies.
How much does an animal control officer make?
The median annual wage for animal control officers was $45,660 ($21.95 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,090 and the highest 10% earned more than $68,070.
How long does it take to become an animal control officer?
Most people need about 1–3 months of training. A high school diploma is typical. Officers complete on-the-job training and courses such as NACA certification. Some states require euthanasia or chemical capture certification.
Do you need a degree to be an animal control officer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is animal control officer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.0% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,500 openings each year. Upsides include help animals and communities; a common challenge is that risk of bites and injuries.
What skills does an animal control officer need?
Key technical skills include animal handling and capture, bite investigation, cruelty investigation, and report writing. Employers also value compassion, calm under pressure, and communication.
What certifications are available for animal control officers?
Common credentials include NACA Animal Control Officer certification, Euthanasia certification, Chemical capture certification, and Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Animal Control Officer fit quiz, compare with Veterinary Assistant, or explore Animal Control Officer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 33-9011 (Animal control workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Animal control workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.