Animal control workers
SOC Code: 33-9011
Animal control workers carries a 34% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,830 and +3.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Animal control workers (SOC 33-9011) carries an AI exposure score of 34%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 12,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.9% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $45,830, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Animal control workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
- 2. Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
- 3. Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
- 4. Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
- 5. Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
- 6. Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.
- 7. Answer inquiries from the public concerning animal control operations.
- 8. Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
- 9. Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
- 10. Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Biology
- Telecommunications
- Communications and Media
- Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Animal control workers?
Animal control workers has an AI exposure score of 34%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Animal control workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Animal control workers is projected to grow by 3.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Animal control workers?
Key skills for Animal control workers include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Animal control workers earn?
The median annual wage for Animal control workers is $45,830, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Animal control workers?
The typical entry-level education for Animal control workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Animal control workers?
Animal control workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).