Animal Control Officer Courses
An Animal Control Officer enforces animal welfare laws, capturing strays, investigating mistreatment, and working in shelters while ensuring effective communication.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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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.
ACM30122
Duration
7 months - 21 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Get a job at a pet shop, rescue shelter, or grooming organisation with the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to choose specialist electives in animal care and welfare, pet grooming, or customer service. Career competencies include: understanding animal behaviour, interacting safely with animals, providing basic animal first aid, communicating with clients and your work team, staying safe at work, ensuring the health and wellbeing of anima...
Career opportunities
Duration
7 months - 21 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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CPP30119
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
The CPP30119 Certificate III in Urban Pest Management teaches you how to manage pests with (and without) pesticides. This nationally recognised qualification covers all aspects of urban pest management including equipment maintenance, chemical transport and storage, pest management vehicles, weed control, baiting, termites. You can also choose electives that allow you to work in the construction industry.
Enquire now for the list of elective choices, course outcomes, and enrolment opportunities.
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
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ACM40122
The nationally recognised ACM40122 Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management is the qualification for Council Pound Officers as well as people working at animal shelters and rural community outreach. You’ll learn how to administer animal management and regulatory requirements then choose electives that support your actual job role: investigations, animal holding facilities, animal management education, rural and remote community outreach. Competencies include: assessing and impounding animals, c...
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CPP41619
The CPP41619 Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management is designed for Pest Management Technicians who have completed the Certificate III in Urban Pest Management. It offers advanced skills for those seeking deeper expertise in the field. This qualification is suited to professionals involved in planning, coordinating, managing, and executing pest management operations across various challenging urban environments.
Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates.
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Animal Control Officer.
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.
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
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.
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Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
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Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
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These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
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These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
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More information
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.
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