- Page Content
- Job Description of Animal Control Officer in New York State
- Top 5 Certified Animal Control Officer Programs in New York
- Should I Become a Animal Cop in New York?
- Career Outlook for a Animal Cop in New York
- Steps to Become a Animal Cop in New York
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Animal Cop in New York?
- What Are the Requirements to Become a Animal Cop in New York?
- How Much Can I Earn as a Animal Cop in New York?
As an animal lover, have you ever thought about becoming an animal control officer in New York State? Animal control officers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both domestic and wild animals, as well as protecting public health and safety. If you’re interested in pursuing this rewarding career, here’s what you need to know:
Featured Programs and Schools
Job Description of Animal Control Officer in New York State
- Responding to calls about animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment
- Capturing and transporting stray, injured, or dangerous animals
- Investigating and enforcing animal control laws and regulations
- Educating the public on responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation
- Maintaining animal control equipment and facilities
Top 5 Certified Animal Control Officer Programs in New York
| School Name | Degree Type | Courses Taught | Duration |
| SUNY Delhi | Certificate | Animal Welfare and Control, Criminal Justice, Communications | 1 semester |
| SUNY Canton | Certificate | Animal Welfare and Control, Criminal Justice, Communications | 1 semester |
| Finger Lakes Community College | Certificate | Animal Law Enforcement, Animal Care and Management | 1 year |
| Westchester Community College | Certificate | Animal Control Law and Procedures, Animal Care and Handling | 1 year |
| SUNY Cobleskill | Bachelor of Technology (BTech) | Animal Science, Law Enforcement, Communications | 4 years |
Should I Become an Animal Cop in New York?
If you’re passionate about animal welfare and have strong communication and problem-solving skills, becoming an animal control officer in New York might be the right career for you. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements.
- Education
- Area of Study
- Licenses/Certifications
- Experience/Training
- Key Skills
- Annual Mean Salary (2022)-National
- Job Outlook(2020-2030)
- Annual Mean Salary (2022)-New York
- High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Certificate
*Higher educational credentials (Certificate/Diploma or Associate/Bachelor’s Degree) are not needed to work in the field but will set you apart from your peers. - Law Enforcement, Zoology, Animal Care, etc.
- Required
- Required
- Critical Thinking, Service Orientation, Public Safety and Security.
- $43,780 (Animal Control Workers)
- 21% (Animal Care and Service Workers)
- $43,780 (Animal Control Workers)
Sources: O*NET OnLine and US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022)
The job of an animal cop consists of fieldwork as well as office activities to maintain the necessary paperwork and files (investigations, case reports, etc.). Moreover, there are health and physical risks when handling stray, injured or sick animals. To counter them, safety protocols are in place and they must be adhered to at all times.
Career Outlook
According to O*Net Online, Animal Control Officer job opportunities in New York State are projected to grow by 21% between 2020 and 2030. As of 2022, New York State is among the top paying states for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $64,110. Animal Control Officers can advance in their career by obtaining higher education degrees or certifications and can move up to supervisory or management positions.
Various job opportunities are available for Animal Control Officers in government agencies, animal shelters, and non-profit organizations. Growth opportunities are available in related fields such as animal welfare, animal behavior, and animal rehabilitation.
Steps to Become an Animal Cop in New York
Following are the steps to become an Animal Cop in New York.
Attain the Needed Education
The only mandatory education requirement for aspiring animal cops in New York is getting a High School Diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) Certificate. However, getting specialized higher education in the field can boost your skills and employability.
To that end, you can pursue a certificate or a diploma program in animal care. These last for a few months or 1 year at most. There are also Associate (2 years) and Bachelor’s (4 years) degrees available in animal science, zoology, etc.
Undergo Training
National Certification (Optional)
Find Employment
How Long Does It Take to Become an Animal Cop in New York?
The duration to become an Animal Control Officer in New York State varies depending on the type of education and training. Certification programs can be completed within one semester to one year, while a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or a related field can take up to four years to complete.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming an Animal Cop in New York?
Aspiring animal cops in New York must fulfill the requirements mentioned in this section.
- Graduate from high school.
- Complete animal care and control training.
- Earn the New York State Peace Officer certification.
How Much Can I Make After Becoming an Animal Cop in New York?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for Animal Control Officers in New York State was $64,110 in 2022, making it the top paying state in this field. In addition to competitive salaries, Animal Control Officers can also benefit from health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks such as paid vacations and sick days. Being an Animal Control Officer in New York State can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career choice for those who have a passion for animal welfare and community service.
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