RUReadyND - Career Profile

Animal Control Worker

JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

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

Investigates reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
Captures and removes stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
Supplies animals with food, water, and personal care.
Writes reports of activities, and maintains files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
Prepares for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and gives evidence in court.
Examines animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arranges for any necessary medical treatment.
Contacts animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
Educates the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
Cleans facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
Removes captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and places animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.

You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
Exposed to disease and infections more than once a month through work such as patient care, laboratory work, and sanitation control
Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time