Animal control officers in Texas must be certified.
Animal control workers are predominantly responsible for capturing stray or wild animals, managing their containment, and arranging for their adoption. They may also be tasked with investigating cases of animal cruelty. In Texas, all animal control officers must have completed a state-sponsored training course as well obtained certification.
Salary Scales in the United States
In 2009, the average salary of animal control officer in the United States was $33,560 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which translates to an hourly wage of $16.14. The median salary was $31,550 a year, with the top 25 percent making $40,720 or more and the bottom 25% making less than $25,180 a year. The top 10 percent enjoyed annual salaries of $51,170 or greater.
Salaries in Texas
Compared to the national average, the mean annual salary of animal control workers in Texas was lower, at $29,520 in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median was also lower at $28,890 a year. Within Texas, salaries varied depending on location, with those working in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area making average salaries of $34,170 a year and those working in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area earning $22,790 a year. Salaries were generally higher in the cities than in rural areas.
Qualifications
A high school diploma is normally the minimum academic requirement needed for a career in animal control; however, an associate's or bachelor's degree in an animal-related field may improve the chances of being hired in this profession. Furthermore, any prospective animal control officer should have a passion for working with animals. Many control officers oversee animals put to sleep, an thus it is important that they do not get overly attached.
Licensing in Texas
In Texas, prospective animal control officers must complete a basic training course that is approved by the Department of State Health Education Services. Courses will include topics such as sanitation, rabies, methods of capture and handling, legal issues, animal cruelty investigations and communication skills. Students must achieve a passing grade of at least 70 percent in order to complete the program. Afterwards, a trainee may become certified by the Texas Animal Control Association.
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