Protecting Animals and People as an Animal Control Officer
If you love animals and are interested in careers in criminal justice, an animal control officer may be the perfect job for you. An animal control officer is a law enforcement officer who works to stop animal abuse as well as protecting the public from dangerous animals.
Animal control officers act as a voice for the rights of animals, who are unable to speak for themselves. Read on to learn more about this exciting career that combines many roles including:
- animal care
- animal protection
- animal rescue
- educating the public
- protecting people from dangerous wild animals.
Job Description
Animal control officers are an important part of law enforcement. Officers may work for state or county governments, be employed by police divisions or work in animal services departments.
The job of animal control officer involves working both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions at all hours. Some of the many varied responsibilities of an animal control officer include:
- appearing in court and giving testimony
- capturing diseased wild animals that are a danger to people
- carefully documenting evidence of abuse
- caring for rescued adult or baby animals
- educating the public about animal rights
- enforcing bylaws with subpoenas, summonses and tickets
- helping to find new homes for abused animals
- investigating animal abuse claims
- issuing fines for animal abuse and taking abusers to court
- preparing legal documents
- rescuing abused pets from homes
- working with communities to protect both domestic and wild animals.
While helping animals is extremely rewarding, the job of animal control officer also carries some risk. Since animal control officers often are exposed to animals who are diseased, starving or wild, they may be bitten and develop infections. Animal control officers should also understand that they may be asked to work shifts including holiday, weekend or overnight hours.
Salary Guide
Salary for an animal control officer varies with employer and location. The average starting salary for an animal control officer is $12,750, with an average maximum salary of $27,851. The overall average salary for an animal control officer is $17,077.
Education, Training and Work Experience
Animal control officers have to love animals, and be healthy and strong. They also generally have to be at least 21 years of age.
Many different educational and career paths can lead to the job of animal control officer. National certification is one way to achieve experience and respect in this field. Training and certification is offered by the National Animal Control Association.
Paid and volunteer positions working with animals are another way to gain valuable experience. Many animal control officers begin by volunteering at animal shelters, or working in kennels or veterinary offices.
Although some people are lucky enough to get started with little or no experience, a college degree or related coursework is also helpful. Some areas of study to help you get started as an animal control officer include:
- animal science
- criminal justice
- law
- security.
All animal control officers must learn to capture and handle many different types of animals including exotics, marine animals and wild animals. Advanced officers must get training and certification in:
- animal behavior evaluation
- chemical immobilization
- CPR
- cruelty investigation
- disaster sheltering
- euthanasia
- first aid
- large animal capture.
Career Advancement
Many options for advancement are available to animal control officers. Some rise to supervisor and manager positions, or work with the police force. Others go on to law or veterinary school. Another path for animal control officers is to become animal rights activists.
Related Associations and Groups
For more information about animal control officer careers, you may want to contact:
- Humane Society
- National Animal Control Association
- SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).