"I became an animal control worker because it's my calling. I love animals! Not just the cute, cuddly, and friendly ones, but every stray, scared, or injured animal gets my love, support, and protection. I never want a day to go by and leave an animal unseen or unprotected. Every animal deserves to be safe and cared for, so I'm committed to this line of work.
 

There can be really challenging days; days when the condition or neglect of an animal is emotionally draining, when I really need resilience to handle situations that are upsetting, or when we can't save an animal. But the payoff when an animal is rehomed with an amazing family makes the job rewarding every day and
keeps me motivated."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 33-9011

Animal Control Workers handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Supervise inmates
• Transport inmates
• Issue warnings or citations
• Provide care for animals
• Write operational reports

General Work Activities:

• Interacting With Others
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings
  • Inform the public about policies, services or procedures
  • Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents
• Information Input
  • Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence
  • Interview people to gather information about criminal activities
  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities
  • Check physical condition of people or animals
  • Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations
• Work Output
  • Use weapons or physical force to maintain security
  • Maintain operational records
  • Clean facilities or equipment

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Pee Dee
• Midlands
• Greenville
• Santee-Lynches
• Trident
• Catawba

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• City of Columbia, SC
• City of North Charleston, SC
• Darlington County, SC
• Florence County, SC
• Greenville County, SC
• Kershaw County, SC

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Animal Breeders
• Animal Caretakers
• Animal Trainers
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.