How do I become a animal control officer
Get qualified to work as a animal control officer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Animal Control Officer.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Animal Control Officer generally earns $1,518 per week ($78,520 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
There are currently 16,500 animal attendants in Australia and many of them are employed as Animal Control Officers. This number is expected to increase over the next five years. Animal Control Officers can be found in all areas of Australia.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections
Courses.com.au Team
A Certificate III in Animal Studies is a good option if you’re considering becoming an Animal Control Officer. This course usually takes six months and covers everything you need to know about the care, capture, handling and transportation of animals.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses
12th April 2022
How to start a career in Dog Training
26th August 2021All animal control officer courses
- ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
- ACM40122 Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management
- ACM40222 Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management
- ACMMIC401 Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs
- ACMSS00007 Microchip Implantation for Dogs and Cats Skill Set
- AHC51316 Diploma of Pest Management
- AVIO0018 Use Firearms on an Aerodrome to Control Wildlife Hazards
- Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
- CPP30119 Certificate III in Urban Pest Management
- CPP41619 Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management
- LGA30120 Certificate III in Local Government (Regulatory Control)
- LGA40504 Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services)
- LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government (Regulatory Services)
Animal Control Officer careers
An Animal Control Officer helps to enforce laws relating to the treatment of animals. You might have to help capture animals that are lost or have been abandoned or deal with an animal that is behaving dangerously. Animal Control Officers might investigate complaints about the mistreatment of animals and may have to prepare reports on their findings or appear in court in animal care cases. Animal Control Officers might also spend time working in animal shelters.
Animal Control Officers need excellent animal handling skills. You’ll have to be patient and confident with all sorts of animals, even those acting aggressively. Animal Control Officers work a range of shifts and are often required on weekends. You’ll need good administrative skills and have to be an excellent problem solver. You’ll be working as part of a larger group so teamwork and communication are crucial.
