You need a lot more than love for animals to be an animal control worker—but that’s a good place to start. Animal control workers take care of animals who are abandoned, unattended, unlicensed, mistreated—or who pose a danger to the community. In addition to feeding the animals and cleaning their pens, the job will often include caring for creatures who will be put to sleep. But it also might involve arranging for the adoption of animals in your care. Animal control workers are often on call at night and on weekends and holidays. They may be a part of a local police department, an independent agency, or a private organization. Training often takes place on the job, though some career schools and police academies offer courses in animal control work. To be an animal control worker takes a dedication to the public good, and to the animals, as well as patience and assertiveness. Your reward is knowing you help protect creatures that cannot speak for themselves.