Animal welfare consultant

What does an animal protection officer do? – Tasks and work environment

An animal protection officer works to ensure that animal husbandry complies with applicable laws and regulations. The role often involves inspections of farms, animal shelters, and other facilities where animals are kept, to verify that animal welfare is maintained. They also provide advice and support to animal owners, inform about legislation, and work preventively to prevent animal cruelty or neglect. The work environment can vary between field visits, office work, and educational efforts aimed at the public and professionals in animal care. The work is often conducted in close collaboration with authorities such as the County Administrative Board or municipal environmental and health offices.

Salary development over time

Salaries for animal protection officers have shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,000 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it increased to 39 900 SEK, representing a growth of approximately 5%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 41 000 SEK, indicating a continued increase of around 2.8% from the previous year. This development reflects an increased demand for expertise in animal protection and a growing focus on animal welfare in society. The salary increase can also be linked to higher educational requirements and specialized skills in the field, as well as employers’ desire to retain experienced staff in a profession where recruitment is balanced. The trend indicates that the profession is valued increasingly highly, which can benefit both current and future animal protection officers.

Animal protection officer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (male, public sector)
• Highest salary: 48,700 SEK/month (male, private sector)
• Hourly wage: 246 SEK/hour
• Women: 40 700 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 41 800 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Varies depending on employer and county

Education and qualifications

To work as an animal protection officer, a university degree in agronomy, biology, animal science, or environmental and health protection is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience in animal husbandry and good knowledge of animal protection legislation. Additional training and certifications in animal protection can be advantageous. Internships during or after studies provide valuable insight into the profession and increase employability.

• Formal education: University degree (3–5 years) in agronomy, biology, or environmental and health protection
• Specialized courses: Animal protection, animal husbandry, legislation
• Internship: Recommended during or after studies
• Prerequisites: Science-based upper secondary education
• Certifications: Meritorious but not always required

Common benefits and compensations

Animal protection officers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, flexitime, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations include travel allowances, work clothing, and professional development through courses and seminars. Employees in the public sector may also receive extra vacation days and favorable insurance solutions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an animal protection officer is moderate, with a nationally balanced recruitment situation. The job market includes both private and public employers, but most positions are within the public sector. Challenges in the profession can include managing complex cases, meeting animal owners in difficult situations, and interpreting legislation accurately. The mental strain can be high, especially during interventions or inspections where animals are in distress. Skills in communication and conflict resolution are therefore highly valuable. Another challenge is staying updated on constantly changing rules and recommendations in the field.

Tips for aspiring animal protection officers

To succeed as an animal protection officer, it is helpful to be meticulous and have a genuine commitment to animal welfare. Analytical skills facilitate the interpretation and application of legislation, while communication skills are crucial for effective advice and educational efforts. Resilience and empathy are important when meeting animal owners in difficult situations, and it is wise to seek internships or summer jobs related to animal care or environmental and health protection during your studies. Continuing education and staying updated on new research and laws give you an advantage in the job market. Building a network within the industry and participating in relevant seminars can also provide valuable contacts.

Key facts about animal protection officers

• Education level: University degree (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Varies between field visits and office work
• Typical employer: Public sector (County Administrative Board, municipality)
• Demand: Moderate, 143 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Animal protection legislation, communication

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years as an animal protection officer, career opportunities include specialist roles in animal welfare, managerial positions within authorities, or transition to work with policy and legislation. Some choose to further their education as environmental or health inspectors or work in research and education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand for animal protection officers and related roles is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a recruitment situation characterized by balance. There are a total of 143 available jobs in the profession, indicating a stable market for new and experienced officers.

Frequently asked questions about animal protection officers

• What does an animal protection officer earn?
  - The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and region.
• What education is required to become an animal protection officer?
  - A university degree in agronomy, biology, environmental and health protection, or similar is usually required.
• Are there many job openings for animal protection officers?
  - Yes, currently there are 143 available jobs within the profession of environmental and health inspectors.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is assessed as moderate and the job market is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the gender distribution and salary difference?
  - Women earn 97% of what men do within the profession, with an average salary of 40 700 SEK for women and 41 800 SEK for men.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for an animal protection officer?
  - The highest salary is 48,700 SEK (male, private sector), the lowest is 34,000 SEK (male, public sector).