Animal Control Worker

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: ACO (Animal Control Officer); Animal Attendant; Animal Cruelty Investigator; Animal Enforcement Officer; Animal Instructor Officer; Animal Ordinance Enforcement Officer; Animal Park Code Enforcement Officer; Animal Safety Officer; Animal Services Officer; Community Service Officer

Tasks

• 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.
• Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
• Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
• Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses, or contact police to report violations and request arrests.
• Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.
• Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
• Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.
• Examine animal licenses, and inspect establishments housing animals for compliance with laws.

Knowledge

• Public Safety and Security
• Law and Government
• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Administrative
• Education and Training
• Biology
• Telecommunications
• Communications and Media
• Transportation
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Speech Clarity
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Selective Attention
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Static Strength
• Near Vision
• Far Vision
• Speech Recognition