🛡️ Public Safety ↑ 6% growth · Faster than average

Animal Control Officer

Animal control officers enforce animal laws, investigate cruelty complaints, and rescue animals in distress — a rewarding role for people who are passionate about animal welfare and public safety. It's an outdoor, active career that blends law enforcement, animal care, and community service.

$39,430 Median Salary
21K US Jobs
2–6 months Training
$500–$3,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$30,000
Median
$39,430
Experienced
$55,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

6%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
21K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
NACA Animal Control Officer Certification
Required Credential
NACA Animal Control Officer Certification

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Animal Control Officer Training Academy
Program Length
2–6 months
Typical Tuition
$500–$3,000
Work Setting
Municipal shelters, county animal services, humane societies
🏆 Credential Required: NACA Animal Control Officer Certification

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Animal Control Officer involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Municipal shelters environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Animal Control Officer by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC