Animal health inspectors ensure that animals are kept in safe environments where they’re not being abused or neglected. Their primary goal is to ensure that all facilities are operating in compliance with state and federal laws regarding animal health, safety, and welfare. All areas housing or processing animals must meet stringent requirements.
Animal Health Inspector Duties & Responsibilities
Animal health inspectors are responsible for the following:
Inspecting various facilities including livestock markets, hatcheries, pet dealers, animal shelters, production facilities, research laboratories, feedlots, and quarantine facilitiesAssessing and evaluating the animals and their environment to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations such as sanitation standards and disease lawsDelivering quarantines issued by state veterinarians on animals that are diseased or not in compliance with health standardsWorking with state veterinarians in testing animalsExplaining, both verbally and in writing, laws and regulations to those involved in raising, selling, transporting, and caring of livestock and other animalsPreparing and maintaining reports, files, and written correspondenceTestifying at hearings related to violations of state and federal lawsParticipating in training other animal health inspectors
Inspectors are generally assigned to monitor cases in a particular region. They issue licenses to breeders, pet stores, and rescue groups in that area. They are also involved with investigating and shutting down any unlicensed or otherwise illegal animal operations that are found to be conducting business in their territory.
Just like health inspectors for human facilities coordinate with healthcare providers, animal health inspectors coordinate with veterinarians. They assist with disease testing on animal populations at inspected facilities and may be involved with the collection of a variety of samples for the testing process including blood, milk, body fluids, and tissue. Animal health inspectors also give recommendations to animal facilities to improve their biosecurity measures and reduce the incidence of disease.
Animal Health Inspector Salary
There is no specific salary information for an animal health inspector. However, Payscale provides the salary for a health inspector as follows:
Median Annual Salary: $42,994 ($20.38/hour)Top 10% Annual Salary: $67,000 ($35.16/hour)Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $30,000 ($14.79/hour)
Source: Payscale, 2019
Education, Training, & Certification
To become an animal health inspector, you should have the following education and experience:
Academia: Most job postings for animal health inspector positions call for applicants to hold an associate degree at minimum, though most candidates chosen for inspector roles will hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as zoology, veterinary medicine, or animal science. Some inspectors have also earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees and are licensed veterinarians. Individual states may have additional requirements of their own—for example, New York requires that inspectors must be licensed as veterinary technicians. Experience: Most inspectors have extensive practical animal experience, particularly working in a veterinary or livestock management setting, before formally pursuing this career path. Laboratory and computer skills are also useful.
Animal health inspectors must also be very familiar with all legal directives relating to the humane treatment of animals, particularly the Animal Welfare Act. Local, state, and federal regulations may be applicable to the animal health casework completed by the inspector.
Animal health inspectors with advanced degrees, such as those who have a DVM, or those who have advanced to a managerial or supervisory role, will likely earn much higher levels of compensation commensurate with experience.
Animal Health Inspector Skills & Competencies
The skills necessary to perform this job effectively include:
Physical Stamina: The ability to properly handle large, frightened, or sick animals, for example, when collecting samples or transferring animals to a diagnostic facilityKnowledge of Animal Welfare Issues: The ability to consider animal welfare issues when performing an inspectionVerbal and Written Communication Skills: The ability to write and present reports, communicate state laws and regulations to those responsible for an animal’s welfare, and testify in courtInterpersonal Skills: The ability to work as a team with others such as veterinarians, pet owners, and animal business ownersEvaluation and Assessment Skills: The ability to assess the condition of the animal and its environment to confirm that it is in compliance with all local and state laws and regulationsOrganization Skills: The ability to organize all inspection findings and lab results to prepare reports and other evidence that may be required when testifying in court
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of agricultural inspector positions are with the federal government, state government, or slaughtering and processing facilities. States with large farming or agriculture industries are likely to have the highest number of job opportunities.
Animal health inspectors may readily transition to a variety of animal law enforcement positions, including wildlife inspector roles.
Work Environment
Animal health inspectors are usually required to travel extensively throughout their designated territory to investigate agricultural facilities, so it is not uncommon for the position to be a combination of fieldwork and office work, frequently during non-business hours when situations warrant.
It is important that animal health inspectors carefully follow proper safety precautions when working around animals or inspecting facilities, as there is always a chance of injury when working with unpredictable animals that may be under extreme stress.
Work Schedule
Animal health inspectors work in offices, laboratories, and in the field. Work hours may vary according to when situations require a visit.
How to Get the Job
APPLY Look at resources such as Indeed, jobsgalore, and jobrapido for the latest job postings. These sites may also provide tips for resume and cover letter writing, as well as techniques for landing and mastering an interview. GET EXPERIENCE The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers training programs to qualified applicants. Also, many U.S. states have animal health inspector programs, such as the Municipal Animal Inspector Program in Massachusetts.
Comparing Similar Jobs
People interested in a career as an animal health inspector may also want to consider these similar jobs, along with their median annual salary:
Veterinarian: $93,830 Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker: $27,540 Veterinary Technician and Technologist: $34,420 Agricultural Inspector: $45,970 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: $69,370 Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist: $63,420
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Animal health inspectors ensure that animals are kept in safe environments where they’re not being abused or neglected. Their primary goal is to ensure that all facilities are operating in compliance with state and federal laws regarding animal health, safety, and welfare. All areas housing or processing animals must meet stringent requirements.
Animal Health Inspector Duties & Responsibilities
Animal health inspectors are responsible for the following:
Inspecting various facilities including livestock markets, hatcheries, pet dealers, animal shelters, production facilities, research laboratories, feedlots, and quarantine facilitiesAssessing and evaluating the animals and their environment to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations such as sanitation standards and disease lawsDelivering quarantines issued by state veterinarians on animals that are diseased or not in compliance with health standardsWorking with state veterinarians in testing animalsExplaining, both verbally and in writing, laws and regulations to those involved in raising, selling, transporting, and caring of livestock and other animalsPreparing and maintaining reports, files, and written correspondenceTestifying at hearings related to violations of state and federal lawsParticipating in training other animal health inspectors
Inspectors are generally assigned to monitor cases in a particular region. They issue licenses to breeders, pet stores, and rescue groups in that area. They are also involved with investigating and shutting down any unlicensed or otherwise illegal animal operations that are found to be conducting business in their territory.
Just like health inspectors for human facilities coordinate with healthcare providers, animal health inspectors coordinate with veterinarians. They assist with disease testing on animal populations at inspected facilities and may be involved with the collection of a variety of samples for the testing process including blood, milk, body fluids, and tissue. Animal health inspectors also give recommendations to animal facilities to improve their biosecurity measures and reduce the incidence of disease.
Animal Health Inspector Salary
There is no specific salary information for an animal health inspector. However, Payscale provides the salary for a health inspector as follows:
Median Annual Salary: $42,994 ($20.38/hour)Top 10% Annual Salary: $67,000 ($35.16/hour)Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $30,000 ($14.79/hour)
Source: Payscale, 2019
Education, Training, & Certification
To become an animal health inspector, you should have the following education and experience:
Academia: Most job postings for animal health inspector positions call for applicants to hold an associate degree at minimum, though most candidates chosen for inspector roles will hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as zoology, veterinary medicine, or animal science. Some inspectors have also earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees and are licensed veterinarians. Individual states may have additional requirements of their own—for example, New York requires that inspectors must be licensed as veterinary technicians. Experience: Most inspectors have extensive practical animal experience, particularly working in a veterinary or livestock management setting, before formally pursuing this career path. Laboratory and computer skills are also useful.
Animal health inspectors must also be very familiar with all legal directives relating to the humane treatment of animals, particularly the Animal Welfare Act. Local, state, and federal regulations may be applicable to the animal health casework completed by the inspector.
Animal health inspectors with advanced degrees, such as those who have a DVM, or those who have advanced to a managerial or supervisory role, will likely earn much higher levels of compensation commensurate with experience.
Animal Health Inspector Skills & Competencies
The skills necessary to perform this job effectively include:
Physical Stamina: The ability to properly handle large, frightened, or sick animals, for example, when collecting samples or transferring animals to a diagnostic facilityKnowledge of Animal Welfare Issues: The ability to consider animal welfare issues when performing an inspectionVerbal and Written Communication Skills: The ability to write and present reports, communicate state laws and regulations to those responsible for an animal’s welfare, and testify in courtInterpersonal Skills: The ability to work as a team with others such as veterinarians, pet owners, and animal business ownersEvaluation and Assessment Skills: The ability to assess the condition of the animal and its environment to confirm that it is in compliance with all local and state laws and regulationsOrganization Skills: The ability to organize all inspection findings and lab results to prepare reports and other evidence that may be required when testifying in court
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of agricultural inspector positions are with the federal government, state government, or slaughtering and processing facilities. States with large farming or agriculture industries are likely to have the highest number of job opportunities.
Animal health inspectors may readily transition to a variety of animal law enforcement positions, including wildlife inspector roles.
Work Environment
Animal health inspectors are usually required to travel extensively throughout their designated territory to investigate agricultural facilities, so it is not uncommon for the position to be a combination of fieldwork and office work, frequently during non-business hours when situations warrant.
It is important that animal health inspectors carefully follow proper safety precautions when working around animals or inspecting facilities, as there is always a chance of injury when working with unpredictable animals that may be under extreme stress.
Work Schedule
Animal health inspectors work in offices, laboratories, and in the field. Work hours may vary according to when situations require a visit.
How to Get the Job
APPLY Look at resources such as Indeed, jobsgalore, and jobrapido for the latest job postings. These sites may also provide tips for resume and cover letter writing, as well as techniques for landing and mastering an interview. GET EXPERIENCE The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers training programs to qualified applicants. Also, many U.S. states have animal health inspector programs, such as the Municipal Animal Inspector Program in Massachusetts.
Comparing Similar Jobs
People interested in a career as an animal health inspector may also want to consider these similar jobs, along with their median annual salary:
Veterinarian: $93,830 Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker: $27,540 Veterinary Technician and Technologist: $34,420 Agricultural Inspector: $45,970 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: $69,370 Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist: $63,420
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Animal health inspectors ensure that animals are kept in safe environments where they’re not being abused or neglected. Their primary goal is to ensure that all facilities are operating in compliance with state and federal laws regarding animal health, safety, and welfare. All areas housing or processing animals must meet stringent requirements.
Animal Health Inspector Duties & Responsibilities
Animal health inspectors are responsible for the following:
Inspecting various facilities including livestock markets, hatcheries, pet dealers, animal shelters, production facilities, research laboratories, feedlots, and quarantine facilitiesAssessing and evaluating the animals and their environment to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations such as sanitation standards and disease lawsDelivering quarantines issued by state veterinarians on animals that are diseased or not in compliance with health standardsWorking with state veterinarians in testing animalsExplaining, both verbally and in writing, laws and regulations to those involved in raising, selling, transporting, and caring of livestock and other animalsPreparing and maintaining reports, files, and written correspondenceTestifying at hearings related to violations of state and federal lawsParticipating in training other animal health inspectors
Inspectors are generally assigned to monitor cases in a particular region. They issue licenses to breeders, pet stores, and rescue groups in that area. They are also involved with investigating and shutting down any unlicensed or otherwise illegal animal operations that are found to be conducting business in their territory.
Just like health inspectors for human facilities coordinate with healthcare providers, animal health inspectors coordinate with veterinarians. They assist with disease testing on animal populations at inspected facilities and may be involved with the collection of a variety of samples for the testing process including blood, milk, body fluids, and tissue. Animal health inspectors also give recommendations to animal facilities to improve their biosecurity measures and reduce the incidence of disease.
Animal Health Inspector Salary
There is no specific salary information for an animal health inspector. However, Payscale provides the salary for a health inspector as follows:
Median Annual Salary: $42,994 ($20.38/hour)Top 10% Annual Salary: $67,000 ($35.16/hour)Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $30,000 ($14.79/hour)
Source: Payscale, 2019
Education, Training, & Certification
To become an animal health inspector, you should have the following education and experience:
Academia: Most job postings for animal health inspector positions call for applicants to hold an associate degree at minimum, though most candidates chosen for inspector roles will hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as zoology, veterinary medicine, or animal science. Some inspectors have also earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees and are licensed veterinarians. Individual states may have additional requirements of their own—for example, New York requires that inspectors must be licensed as veterinary technicians. Experience: Most inspectors have extensive practical animal experience, particularly working in a veterinary or livestock management setting, before formally pursuing this career path. Laboratory and computer skills are also useful.
Animal health inspectors must also be very familiar with all legal directives relating to the humane treatment of animals, particularly the Animal Welfare Act. Local, state, and federal regulations may be applicable to the animal health casework completed by the inspector.
Animal health inspectors with advanced degrees, such as those who have a DVM, or those who have advanced to a managerial or supervisory role, will likely earn much higher levels of compensation commensurate with experience.
Animal Health Inspector Skills & Competencies
The skills necessary to perform this job effectively include:
Physical Stamina: The ability to properly handle large, frightened, or sick animals, for example, when collecting samples or transferring animals to a diagnostic facilityKnowledge of Animal Welfare Issues: The ability to consider animal welfare issues when performing an inspectionVerbal and Written Communication Skills: The ability to write and present reports, communicate state laws and regulations to those responsible for an animal’s welfare, and testify in courtInterpersonal Skills: The ability to work as a team with others such as veterinarians, pet owners, and animal business ownersEvaluation and Assessment Skills: The ability to assess the condition of the animal and its environment to confirm that it is in compliance with all local and state laws and regulationsOrganization Skills: The ability to organize all inspection findings and lab results to prepare reports and other evidence that may be required when testifying in court
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of agricultural inspector positions are with the federal government, state government, or slaughtering and processing facilities. States with large farming or agriculture industries are likely to have the highest number of job opportunities.
Animal health inspectors may readily transition to a variety of animal law enforcement positions, including wildlife inspector roles.
Work Environment
Animal health inspectors are usually required to travel extensively throughout their designated territory to investigate agricultural facilities, so it is not uncommon for the position to be a combination of fieldwork and office work, frequently during non-business hours when situations warrant.
It is important that animal health inspectors carefully follow proper safety precautions when working around animals or inspecting facilities, as there is always a chance of injury when working with unpredictable animals that may be under extreme stress.
Work Schedule
Animal health inspectors work in offices, laboratories, and in the field. Work hours may vary according to when situations require a visit.
How to Get the Job
APPLY Look at resources such as Indeed, jobsgalore, and jobrapido for the latest job postings. These sites may also provide tips for resume and cover letter writing, as well as techniques for landing and mastering an interview. GET EXPERIENCE The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers training programs to qualified applicants. Also, many U.S. states have animal health inspector programs, such as the Municipal Animal Inspector Program in Massachusetts.
Comparing Similar Jobs
People interested in a career as an animal health inspector may also want to consider these similar jobs, along with their median annual salary:
Veterinarian: $93,830 Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker: $27,540 Veterinary Technician and Technologist: $34,420 Agricultural Inspector: $45,970 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: $69,370 Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist: $63,420
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Animal health inspectors ensure that animals are kept in safe environments where they’re not being abused or neglected. Their primary goal is to ensure that all facilities are operating in compliance with state and federal laws regarding animal health, safety, and welfare. All areas housing or processing animals must meet stringent requirements.
Animal Health Inspector Duties & Responsibilities
Animal health inspectors are responsible for the following:
- Inspecting various facilities including livestock markets, hatcheries, pet dealers, animal shelters, production facilities, research laboratories, feedlots, and quarantine facilitiesAssessing and evaluating the animals and their environment to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations such as sanitation standards and disease lawsDelivering quarantines issued by state veterinarians on animals that are diseased or not in compliance with health standardsWorking with state veterinarians in testing animalsExplaining, both verbally and in writing, laws and regulations to those involved in raising, selling, transporting, and caring of livestock and other animalsPreparing and maintaining reports, files, and written correspondenceTestifying at hearings related to violations of state and federal lawsParticipating in training other animal health inspectors
Inspectors are generally assigned to monitor cases in a particular region. They issue licenses to breeders, pet stores, and rescue groups in that area. They are also involved with investigating and shutting down any unlicensed or otherwise illegal animal operations that are found to be conducting business in their territory.
Just like health inspectors for human facilities coordinate with healthcare providers, animal health inspectors coordinate with veterinarians. They assist with disease testing on animal populations at inspected facilities and may be involved with the collection of a variety of samples for the testing process including blood, milk, body fluids, and tissue. Animal health inspectors also give recommendations to animal facilities to improve their biosecurity measures and reduce the incidence of disease.
Animal Health Inspector Salary
There is no specific salary information for an animal health inspector. However, Payscale provides the salary for a health inspector as follows:
- Median Annual Salary: $42,994 ($20.38/hour)Top 10% Annual Salary: $67,000 ($35.16/hour)Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $30,000 ($14.79/hour)
Source: Payscale, 2019
Education, Training, & Certification
To become an animal health inspector, you should have the following education and experience:
- Academia: Most job postings for animal health inspector positions call for applicants to hold an associate degree at minimum, though most candidates chosen for inspector roles will hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as zoology, veterinary medicine, or animal science. Some inspectors have also earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees and are licensed veterinarians. Individual states may have additional requirements of their own—for example, New York requires that inspectors must be licensed as veterinary technicians.
- Experience: Most inspectors have extensive practical animal experience, particularly working in a veterinary or livestock management setting, before formally pursuing this career path. Laboratory and computer skills are also useful.
Animal health inspectors must also be very familiar with all legal directives relating to the humane treatment of animals, particularly the Animal Welfare Act. Local, state, and federal regulations may be applicable to the animal health casework completed by the inspector.
Animal health inspectors with advanced degrees, such as those who have a DVM, or those who have advanced to a managerial or supervisory role, will likely earn much higher levels of compensation commensurate with experience.
Animal Health Inspector Skills & Competencies
The skills necessary to perform this job effectively include:
- Physical Stamina: The ability to properly handle large, frightened, or sick animals, for example, when collecting samples or transferring animals to a diagnostic facilityKnowledge of Animal Welfare Issues: The ability to consider animal welfare issues when performing an inspectionVerbal and Written Communication Skills: The ability to write and present reports, communicate state laws and regulations to those responsible for an animal’s welfare, and testify in courtInterpersonal Skills: The ability to work as a team with others such as veterinarians, pet owners, and animal business ownersEvaluation and Assessment Skills: The ability to assess the condition of the animal and its environment to confirm that it is in compliance with all local and state laws and regulationsOrganization Skills: The ability to organize all inspection findings and lab results to prepare reports and other evidence that may be required when testifying in court
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of agricultural inspector positions are with the federal government, state government, or slaughtering and processing facilities. States with large farming or agriculture industries are likely to have the highest number of job opportunities.
Animal health inspectors may readily transition to a variety of animal law enforcement positions, including wildlife inspector roles.
Work Environment
Animal health inspectors are usually required to travel extensively throughout their designated territory to investigate agricultural facilities, so it is not uncommon for the position to be a combination of fieldwork and office work, frequently during non-business hours when situations warrant.
It is important that animal health inspectors carefully follow proper safety precautions when working around animals or inspecting facilities, as there is always a chance of injury when working with unpredictable animals that may be under extreme stress.
Work Schedule
Animal health inspectors work in offices, laboratories, and in the field. Work hours may vary according to when situations require a visit.
How to Get the Job
APPLY Look at resources such as Indeed, jobsgalore, and jobrapido for the latest job postings. These sites may also provide tips for resume and cover letter writing, as well as techniques for landing and mastering an interview. GET EXPERIENCE The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers training programs to qualified applicants. Also, many U.S. states have animal health inspector programs, such as the Municipal Animal Inspector Program in Massachusetts.
Comparing Similar Jobs
People interested in a career as an animal health inspector may also want to consider these similar jobs, along with their median annual salary:
How to Get the Job
APPLY Look at resources such as Indeed, jobsgalore, and jobrapido for the latest job postings. These sites may also provide tips for resume and cover letter writing, as well as techniques for landing and mastering an interview. GET EXPERIENCE The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers training programs to qualified applicants. Also, many U.S. states have animal health inspector programs, such as the Municipal Animal Inspector Program in Massachusetts.
APPLY
Look at resources such as Indeed, jobsgalore, and jobrapido for the latest job postings. These sites may also provide tips for resume and cover letter writing, as well as techniques for landing and mastering an interview.
GET EXPERIENCE
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers training programs to qualified applicants. Also, many U.S. states have animal health inspector programs, such as the Municipal Animal Inspector Program in Massachusetts.
- Veterinarian: $93,830
- Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker: $27,540
- Veterinary Technician and Technologist: $34,420
- Agricultural Inspector: $45,970
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: $69,370
- Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist: $63,420
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
