Career roadmap
How to Become an Animal Control Officer
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as an animal control officer, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become an animal control officer: (1) get animal experience, (2) apply to local agencies, (3) complete training, (4) earn certifications, (5) advance. Most people need about 1–3 months. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become an animal control officer
Get animal experience
Volunteer at shelters or work with animals.
Apply to local agencies
Cities and counties hire officers.
Complete training
Learn handling, law and safety.
Earn certifications
NACA and state credentials.
Advance
Become a senior officer, supervisor or shelter manager.
Education and training requirements
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.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 1–3 months |
Certifications and licenses
- NACA Animal Control Officer certification: National Animal Care and Control Association training.
- Euthanasia certification: Required in some states.
- Chemical capture certification: Training to use tranquilizers safely.
- Rabies pre-exposure vaccination: Recommended for officers.
Skills to build now
Start with animal handling and capture, bite investigation, and cruelty investigation, and practice compassion and calm under pressure. Learning the animal control officer vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Animal Control Officer: Respond to calls.
- Senior Officer or Investigator: Handle cruelty cases.
- Supervisor: Lead officers.
- Shelter or Animal Services Manager: Run animal services.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Animal Control Officer training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do animal control officers need a degree?
Usually not.
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.
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.
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.