Animal Welfare Officer

An Animal Welfare Officer ensures the humane treatment and welfare of animals. You might work in animal shelters, government agencies, or animal welfare organisations. Animal Welfare Officers focus on inspecting facilities, investigating reports of neglect or abuse, and enforcing animal protection laws. You’ll assess living conditions, provide education on proper animal care, and take action to rescue animals in distress.

Animal Welfare Officers play a critical role in protecting animals and promoting their well-being. You’ll need to be compassionate, detail-oriented, and have strong investigative skills. You’ll collaborate with law enforcement, veterinarians, and the community to address welfare concerns. Effective communication skills are essential for educating the public and advocating for animal rights.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $79,300
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a animal welfare officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Conservation Biology)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $123,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Conservation Biologist Ecologist Ecology Consultant
Environmental Consultant Indigenous Land Worker Environmental Assessor Animal Welfare Officer Soil Conservationist Botanist
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Conservation Biologist Ecologist Ecology Consultant Environmental Consultant Indigenous Land Worker Environmental Assessor Animal Welfare Officer Soil Conservationist Botanist + 6 more
ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $21,546
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant
Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian
+ 9 more
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian + 9 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Equine Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Welfare Officer Animal Health Officer Animal Technician
+ 14 more
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$0 - $7,448
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer
Zoo Keeper Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Nutritionist Wildlife Officer
+ 15 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $88,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer Animal Scientist
Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technician Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Veterinarian
+ 7 more

Bachelor of Science (Zoology)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $123,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Ecology Consultant Zoo Keeper Zoologist
Animal Behaviourist Conservation Officer Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer Forensic Entomologist
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Ecology Consultant Zoo Keeper Zoologist Animal Behaviourist Conservation Officer Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer Forensic Entomologist + 5 more

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Animal Science)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $8,360
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Management Officer Animal Scientist Animal Nutritionist
Animal Welfare Officer
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Management Officer Animal Scientist Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer + 1 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $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 Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Trainer
+ 7 more

Bachelor of Animal Science
Blended, On Campus
3 - 4 years
$0 - $30,512
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Welfare Officer Livestock Manager Animal Nutritionist
Animal Scientist Animal Management Officer Livestock Transporter Sheep Shearer Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Health Officer Wildlife Officer Animal Technician Zoologist Veterinary Technologist
+ 12 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Animal Control Officer

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Avg yearly income $78,520
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Animal Shelter Attendant

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Avg yearly income $70,460
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Animal Management Officer

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Avg yearly income $78,780
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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
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Wildlife Officer

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Further reading

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