Animal Patrol Officer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements

Sep 19, 2019

Animal patrol officers may require some formal training. Learn about the training, job description, duties and requirements as well as career and certification information to see if this is the right choice for you.

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Animal patrol officers perform a variety of duties including investigating animal abuse cases and caring for stray animals. A career as an animal patrol officer requires a high school diploma and, often, specialized training from National Animal Control Association (NACA). Employees are also required to submit to drug testing and criminal background checks.

Essential Information

Animal patrol officers investigate cases of animal mistreatment or animal attack and relocate homeless, mistreated or lost pets to shelters. This is a hands-on job that requires officers to catch and care for injured or unwanted animals. Primary requirements include a high school diploma and a valid driver's license. Training through the National Animal Control Association (NACA) leads to a certification. Depending on the location, applicants may be required to also complete law enforcement training.

Required Education A high school diploma; training is offered through NACA (in some locations, candidates may have to complete law enforcement training)
Other Requirements Driver's license; drug testing and background checks
Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)* 6% (Animal Control Workers)
Mean Annual Salary (May 2018)* $36,330 (Animal Control Workers)

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Description

Animal patrol officers ensure the safety of animals and people by conducting investigations into cases of animal mistreatment and by capturing and relocating dangerous or abandoned animals to approved facilities. Also commonly known as animal control officers, these officers serve as community educators, informing the public about laws regarding animals.


Animal patrol officers are often required to catch and relocate animals that have been abused or abandoned. Officers sometimes use tools like nets, nooses or tranquilizers to capture animals. Generally, animal patrol officers handle domestic animals, such as dogs or cats, but depending on the location and scope of the position, wildlife like raccoons or skunks could fall within an officer's duties. The job also requires officers to work directly with animal owners and other members of the public.

Officers also investigate cases of animal attacks and animal cruelty by asking questions and making observations. Often, these investigations lead to prosecution in court, where animal patrol officers may have to testify to their findings. Officers work with the public to find homes for abused, abandoned or unwanted animals.

Officers give animals food and water and may also be responsible for cleaning up after them in animal control facilities or vehicles. Another aspect of the job is overseeing or conducting the euthanizing of certain animals.

Job Requirements

Most animal patrol officer positions require a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license for entry-level jobs. The National Animal Control Association (NACA) offers two levels of training to federal, state and local employees responsible for animal control and to those who are interested in a career in the field. Students in the training academy earn NACA certification after satisfactory completion of two 40-hour courses. The NACA offers courses all over the country, covering topics such as animal first aid, animal behavior and capture methods.

Applicants can expect mandatory drug testing and a series of background checks to qualify for an animal patrol officer position. Some officers are required to complete law enforcement training, depending upon the location where they seek employment.

Career Info

In May 2018, the BLS reported that workers in the 90th percentile or higher earned $58,220 or more per year, whereas the bottom 10th percentile earned $23,160 or less per year. State governments paid the highest salaries in this field at $45,470 on average per year (

Animal patrol officers are employed by local and state governments, and can also work for social advocacy groups. They need at least a high school diploma, and some employers may also require law enforcement training. Stable job growth is projected an increase as fast as the average through 2028.

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