In a typical work setting, animal control workers:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of job-required social contact.
• Communicate with others in person and on the telephone on a daily basis. They may also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Are regularly put in conflict situations when responding to complaints or when removing animals.
• Often must deal with people who are rude or angry.
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• Are responsible for protecting the public's health and safety as well as protecting animal welfare.
• Often work as part of a larger animal control team.

Physical Work Conditions

• Are often exposed to hazardous situations where they might be bitten by animals. Use of protective equipment and safety gear reduces the likelihood of injury.
• Work both outdoors and indoors. They work in offices, kennel areas, or trucks. They also spend time outside, without cover, when handling complaints and capturing animals.
• Are exposed to contaminants, diseases, and infections on a weekly basis.
• May be exposed to very hot or very cold weather.
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• Are occasionally exposed to very loud or distracting sounds.
• Drive an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck or van.

Work Performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are completed accurately to protect people and animals. Errors may cause serious injury to both animals and humans.
• Regularly make decisions that greatly impact animal owners, animals, and their coworkers. They usually don't consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Often repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/Travel

• Most often work 40-hour weeks.
• Generally work an established schedule.
• May be on-call evenings, weekends, and holidays to handle emergencies.