Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

The Work

Dog wardens are responsible for the management of stray, abandoned and abused dogs. They collect them from whatever situation and transport them to the pound. They may also work at finding them new owners.  
 
Dog wardens are also responsible for checking that owners have a proper licence for their pet, that they have them under control, identified by a collar or tag and that they clean up after them. Dog wardens have the authority to issue on the spot fines.  
 
If an offender is taken to court for breach of rules, or neglect the dog warden may be required to prepare a report for the prosecution and appear in court.  
 
They may also have to maintain the cleanliness of the pound as well as keep up other pound duties such as taking the dogs to the vet. For day-to-day tasks they often have a kennel assistant to help them.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
• Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquiliser darts as necessary.
• Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
• Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
• Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
• Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
• Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
• Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
• Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
• Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Some previous experience of work with animals is essential; this may have been gained on a voluntary basis.  Volunteers are welcome by the ISPCA and other charities to help with such tasks as helping feed, clean and exercise animals. An understanding of animal handling is also necessary  Search Volunteering here. A current, clean driving licence is essential. Some experience of driving different types of vehicles will be an advantage.

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Animal care NFQ Level 5 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Animal care, Animal care & Management, companion & captive animal studies, Animal science & management at NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €42k

Salaries vary by employer (Private/ Public), location, role, duties, and experience. 

County Councils sometimes based on a sessional rate €13.20 per hour (up to 4 hour week).

Data Source(s):
Payscale.com/ Local Councils LGMA/ Indeed

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to work riders in the equestrian sector.

• Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

  • National Animal Centre, Derrylogher Lodge, Keenagh, Co. Longford
  • (043) 3325035
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Limerick Animal Welfare

  • Animal Welfare, 59 Parnell St. Limerick
  • (063) 91110
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here