Animal Management Officer

An Animal Management Officer works with animals that have been lost, abandoned or mistreated. You’ll usually work for a local council and you may have to find and catch animals that are behaving dangerously or that are not properly restrained. Animal Management Officers also enforce local animal laws and investigate reported breaches. You may have to prepare reports on animal care cases and provide evidence when cases go to court.

Animal Management Officers need good investigative skills and also carry out a range of administrative duties. You’ll need to be good with animals and be skilled in techniques for handling aggressive animals. Animal Management Officers work as part of a larger team so you’ll need to be a good communicator. You may have to work a range of shifts including weekends and public holidays.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $78,780
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a animal management officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Animal Science)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$7,135 - $8,360
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Management Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Scientist
Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Management Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Scientist Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer + 2 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
On Campus
3 years
$25,455 - $32,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Behaviourist Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Officer
Zoo Keeper Animal Control Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Wildlife Management Officer
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Behaviourist Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Officer Zoo Keeper Animal Control Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Wildlife Management Officer + 5 more

Bachelor of Animal Science
Blended, On Campus
3 - 4 years
$23,208 - $30,512
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Welfare Officer Research Scientist Livestock Manager
Animal Nutritionist Animal Scientist Animal Management Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Welfare Officer Research Scientist Livestock Manager Animal Nutritionist Animal Scientist Animal Management Officer + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Animal Control Officer

An Animal Control Officer enforces animal welfare laws, capturing strays, investigating mistreatment, and working in shelters while ensuring effective communication.

Avg yearly income $78,520
Skill level Unknown

Animal Shelter Attendant

An Animal Shelter Attendant cares for lost or neglected animals by feeding, exercising, grooming, and cleaning, while also needing strong people skills.

Avg yearly income $70,460
Skill level Unknown

Animal Shelter Manager

An Animal Shelter Manager oversees shelter operations, leads staff, organises training, and ensures animal care while maintaining good communication.

Avg yearly income $90,116
Skill level Unknown

Wildlife Management Officer

A Wildlife Management Officer conserves wildlife and their habitats by conducting surveys, assessing health, and promoting sustainable practices.

Avg yearly income $73,580
Skill level Unknown

Animal Welfare Officer

An Animal Welfare Officer ensures humane treatment of animals by investigating abuse, enforcing laws, and promoting proper care and welfare practices.

Avg yearly income $79,300
Skill level Unknown

Wildlife Officer

A Wildlife Officer manages and protects wildlife and habitats, monitoring populations, enforcing laws, and educating the public on conservation efforts.

Avg yearly income $81,432
Skill level Unknown

Common questions

How much does an Animal Management Officer earn?

In Australia, a full time Animal Management Officer generally earns $1,515 per week ($78,780 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for an Animal Management Officer?

The number of people working in this industry is expected to increase over the next five years. There are currently 16,500 people employed as an animal attendant in Australia and many of them work as Animal Management Officers. Opportunities for Animal Management Officers can be found in all areas of Australia.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Animal Management Officer?

If you’re planning a career as an Animal Management Officer, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation. This course addresses topics relevant to an animal management career such as seizing, impounding and euthanising animals.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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