Are you passionate about animal welfare and interested in a career that allows you to make a difference in your community?

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If so, becoming an Animal Control Officer in Texas may be the perfect fit for you! Animal Control Officers play a crucial role in protecting animals from abuse and neglect, as well as ensuring public safety. In this guide, we’ll explore the job description, skills required, and steps to become an Animal Control Officer in Texas.

Should I Become an Animal Cop in Texas?

If you want to ensure that animals are treated with kindness, respect and compassion, then you should think of becoming an Animal Cop. In this role, you would be expected to investigate reports of animal abuse, and will be involved in helping injured or stray animals.
Those individuals who are aspiring to join this field will have to meet some training and education requirements, which have been mentioned below.

  • Education Required
  • Training
  • Licenses/Certifications
  • Key Skills/Qualities
  • Annual Mean Salary (2022)-National
  • Job Outlook(2020-2030)
  • Annual Mean Salary (2022)-Texas
  • A High School Diploma/GED is usually required. Candidates can also earn a Post-secondary Certificate/Associate’s degree.
  • Individuals might need a few months of on-the-job training.
  • States usually have their own certification requirements.
  • Active Listening, Speaking Skills, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension and Service Orientation.
  • $43,780 (Animal Control Workers)
  • 5% (Animal Care and Service Workers)
  • $37,450 (Animal Control Workers)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Description of Animal Control Officer in Texas

  • Investigating animal cruelty cases and enforcing animal welfare laws
  • Rescuing and caring for stray, injured, or abused animals
  • Responding to emergency calls and providing public education on animal safety
  • Conducting inspections of animal facilities and ensuring compliance with regulations
  • Administering vaccinations and medications to animals
  • Preparing reports and maintaining accurate records
  • Euthanizing animals when necessary

Skills Required to Become an Animal Control Officer in Texas

  • Compassion and empathy for animals
  • Physical stamina and ability to handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Good communication skills for interacting with the public and other agencies
  • Ability to work in high-stress situations and make quick decisions
  • Basic computer skills for maintaining records and reports
  • Knowledge of animal behavior, health, and welfare laws and regulations

Education Requirements to Become an Animal Control Officer in Texas

In Texas, there is no specific degree or education requirement to become an Animal Control Officer. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a degree or coursework related to animal welfare or law enforcement. Some of the degrees that can be helpful to pursue a career in animal control are:

  • Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice: This degree provides an overview of the criminal justice system and can help develop skills in law enforcement, investigation, and public safety.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science: This degree provides in-depth knowledge of animal behavior, health, and welfare. It can be helpful in understanding the different species of animals, their needs, and the laws surrounding their care.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice: This degree can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, including laws, ethics, and legal procedures.

In addition to these degrees, some courses that can be beneficial to take for an Animal Control Officer career are:

  • Animal Behavior and Welfare: This course provides an understanding of the behavior and welfare of different animals, which can help in handling and caring for them.
  • Animal Law and Ethics: This course covers the laws and regulations surrounding animal welfare, which can help in investigating and enforcing animal cruelty cases.
  • Emergency Response and Disaster Planning: This course covers emergency response procedures and disaster planning, which can be helpful in responding to natural disasters or other emergency situations.

While formal education can be helpful, on-the-job training is also essential to becoming an Animal Control Officer. Most employers provide training on animal handling and care, laws and regulations, and investigation techniques. Additionally, many Animal Control Officers gain experience through volunteer work at animal shelters or veterinary clinics.

Some of the skills that can be developed through education and on-the-job experience include:

  • Animal handling and care
  • Investigation and enforcement techniques
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Emergency response and disaster management skills

Top 5 schools in Texas that offer degrees related to animal welfare and law enforcement:

School Name

Degree Type
Texas A&M UniversityBachelor’s degree in Animal Science
Sam Houston State UniversityBachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
Texas State UniversityBachelor’s degree in Animal Science
University of North TexasBachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
Tarleton State UniversityBachelor’s degree in Animal Science

There may be other schools in Texas that offer degrees related to animal welfare and law enforcement. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different programs to find the best fit for your career goals.

Career Outlook

According to theUS Bureau of Labor Statistics, Animal Care and Service Workers are expected to experience an average employment growth of around 16% from 2018 to 2028.

Steps to Become an Animal Cop in Texas

If you are wondering how to become an Animal Cop in Texas, then read this section. It will outline the steps involved in joining this field.

Get Relevant Education

In order to become an Animal Cop, you will have to earn education in a related field. After completing high school, you can earn a Bachelor’s or an Associate’s degree in Animal Management or Animal Science. These programs will expose you to a range of modules such as Biology, Physiology, Nutrition, and Genetics. You can also pursue a degree related to administration of justice, which will help you learn about the court system and law enforcement procedures.

Meet State Requirements

The Texas state law demands that Animal Control Officers should complete specific training which has been approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The curriculum and standards of the continuing and basic education in Animal Control courses are prescribed by the department. These courses will cover the following list of topics:

  • State laws governing animal protection and control;
  • Procedures and standards for transportation of animals;
  • Animal health and disease prevention, control and recognition;
  • Standards for control and care of animals in an animal shelter;
  • Procedures and principles for handling and capturing wildlife and stray animals.

Look for Work

After meeting the state requirements, you can start looking for work. You might be required to undergo on-the-job training to learn how to handle animals. You can either choose to work at the government level or you can choose to work for advocacy organizations.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Animal Cop in Texas?

The first step is to complete high school education, followed by a Diploma program, an Associate’s degree, or a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or Law Enforcement. Associate degrees usually take around two years to complete while a Bachelor’s degree may take up to four years to complete. After getting done with college, you will have to meet the state requirements and will have to complete certain training courses. Once you have met the required criteria, you can start hunting for jobs.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming an Animal Cop in Texas?

Animal Cop Reporters working in Texas have to meet a number of requirements.

  • The individual must have a high school diploma or GED. An Associate’s degree or a Certificate Program in a relevant field is preferable.
  • As per the Texas state law, Animal Control Officers have to undergo specific training. Individuals have to complete a basic Animal Control course and 30 hours of continuing education credits during every three-year period.

How Much Does an Animal Cop Earn in Texas?

Animal Control Officers, also known as Animal Cops, are responsible for protecting animals from abuse and neglect while ensuring public safety. They work in a variety of settings, including animal shelters, law enforcement agencies, and government agencies. The salary for an Animal Control Officer in Texas can vary depending on experience, education, and location.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2022, the national annual mean wage for Animal Control Workers is $43,780, while in Texas, the annual mean wage is $37,450. This indicates that the salary for an Animal Control Officer in Texas is slightly below the national average.

However, it’s important to note that there are many opportunities for career growth and advancement in this field. Animal Control Officers can move up to supervisory or management positions within their agency or move into related fields such as animal welfare advocacy, animal rescue, or veterinary care.

Texas also has the highest employment level of Animal Control Workers in the country, with 1,350 employed in this field. This indicates that there are many job opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career as an Animal Control Officer in Texas.

Animal Control Officers can work in a variety of sectors and areas, including:

  • Local government: Animal Control Officers are often employed by local government agencies such as city or county animal control departments.
  • Law enforcement agencies: Some Animal Control Officers work for law enforcement agencies, where they may be responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws and investigating animal cruelty cases.
  • Non-profit organizations: Many non-profit organizations, such as animal shelters and rescue groups, employ Animal Control Officers to help care for and protect animals.

While the salary for an Animal Control Officer in Texas may be slightly below the national average, there are many opportunities for career growth and advancement in this field. Additionally, the high employment level in Texas indicates that there are plenty of job opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career as an Animal Control Officer in the state.