Public Safety

How to become an Animal Control Officer

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–6 months

Typical pay

$38k–$52k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–6 months

   Get shelter or animal handling experience

   Volunteering at a shelter is the standard route in.

2. 2

   1–3 months

   Apply to a municipal agency

   City or county employment, with a driving record check and physical.

3. 3

   1–3 months

   Complete officer training

   Ordinance enforcement, capture and restraint, cruelty investigation, and euthanasia certification in some states.

   ◆ State animal control officer certification

4. 4

   2–4 years

   Specialise in investigations

   Cruelty investigation is the senior path and works closely with police.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Animal Control Officer

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