Animal Control Officer

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.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $78,520
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a animal control officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
7 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Management Officer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Technician
+ 7 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Management Officer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Technician + 7 more
CPP30119

Certificate III in Urban Pest Management
Blended, On Campus
12 - 18 months
$0 - $4,295
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pest Control Technician Pest Controller Environmental Health Officer
Animal Control Officer Sales Representative Building Inspector
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pest Control Technician Pest Controller Environmental Health Officer Animal Control Officer Sales Representative Building Inspector + 3 more
ACM40122

Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management
Distance
18 months
$8,850
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Control Officer Park Ranger Animal Management Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Control Officer Park Ranger Animal Management Officer

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
On Campus
3 years
$25,455 - $32,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Behaviourist Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Officer
Zoo Keeper Animal Control Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Trainer Veterinary Surgeon
+ 8 more
ACMSS00007

Microchip Implantation for Dogs and Cats Skill Set
Blended, Online
5 months
$0 - $1,670
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinary Nurse Animal Attendant Pet Groomer
Animal Shelter Attendant Animal Control Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinary Nurse Animal Attendant Pet Groomer Animal Shelter Attendant Animal Control Officer + 2 more
AVIO0018

Use Firearms on an Aerodrome to Control Wildlife Hazards
On Campus
2 days
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Wildlife Controller Pest Management Technician Firearms Officer
Airport Operations Manager Animal Control Officer Field Technician
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Wildlife Controller Pest Management Technician Firearms Officer Airport Operations Manager Animal Control Officer Field Technician + 3 more
CPP41619

Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management
Blended
12 months
Unavailable
  • Completed Certificate III in Urban Pest Management or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Pest Control Technician Pest Controller Environmental Health Officer
Biosecurity Officer Operations Manager Animal Control Officer Environmental Consultant
+ 4 more
  • Completed Certificate III in Urban Pest Management or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Pest Control Technician Pest Controller Environmental Health Officer Biosecurity Officer Operations Manager Animal Control Officer Environmental Consultant + 4 more
ACMMIC401

Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs
Blended
1 - 2 days
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Veterinary Nurse Animal Control Officer
Pet Groomer Animal Welfare Officer Dog Trainer Animal Behaviourist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Veterinary Nurse Animal Control Officer Pet Groomer Animal Welfare Officer Dog Trainer Animal Behaviourist + 4 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Animal Shelter Attendant

An Animal Shelter Attendant cares for lost or neglected animals by feeding, exercising, grooming, and cleaning, while also needing strong people skills.

Avg yearly income $70,460
Skill level Beginner

Animal Shelter Manager

An Animal Shelter Manager oversees shelter operations, leads staff, organises training, and ensures animal care while maintaining good communication.

Avg yearly income $90,116
Skill level Beginner

Animal Management Officer

An Animal Management Officer rescues mistreated animals, enforces laws, investigates breaches, and prepares reports while ensuring clear communication.

Avg yearly income $78,780
Skill level Beginner

Wildlife Management Officer

A Wildlife Management Officer conserves wildlife and their habitats by conducting surveys, assessing health, and promoting sustainable practices.

Avg yearly income $73,580
Skill level Beginner

Animal Welfare Officer

An Animal Welfare Officer ensures humane treatment of animals by investigating abuse, enforcing laws, and promoting proper care and welfare practices.

Avg yearly income $79,300
Skill level Advanced

Wildlife Officer

A Wildlife Officer manages and protects wildlife and habitats, monitoring populations, enforcing laws, and educating the public on conservation efforts.

Avg yearly income $81,432
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does an Animal Control Officer earn?

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.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Animal Control Officer?

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

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Animal Control Officer?

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.

Author Image
Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses

12th April 2022

How to start a career in Dog Training

26th August 2021

Courses by location