How to Become an Animal Abuse Officer

An animal abuse officer dedicates his life to rescuing animals from abusive situations.

While the work of an animal abuse officer can be challenging, the reward of rescuing pets from unhealthy situations is a big draw for individuals with a strong love of animals and a desire for justice. Whether you decide to seek employment at a non-profit humane society or an animal shelter supported by the state, you will need to meet certain requirements before you can begin helping animals.

Things You'll Need

• High School Diploma
• Training certificate
• Driver's license

Instructions

1. Obtain a driver's license. Being an animal abuse officer requires driving to various locations to investigate the conditions of animals in their home or other environments and often requires transporting them back to a shelter or veterinary hospital.

2. Earn a high school diploma. According to the Humane Society University, this is the minimal degree needed to gain entry-level employment as an animal abuse officer. Hands-on, on-the-job training while being mentored by a superior is the way most officers learn about the day-to-day challenges of the job.

3. Study and master other areas that pertain to the job of animal abuse officer. Because you will be dealing with criminal matters and, at times, injured animals, areas to study and even receive certification in may include law enforcement, criminology and veterinary technology. Knowing how to deal effectively with the behavior of both animals and humans and how to communicate effectively when trying to resolve a cruelty-related matter are other required skills.

4. Volunteer with a local animal shelter to familiarize yourself with the process of interacting daily with animals that may be in distress. Being able to provide references from this type of volunteer work can help you secure a full-time position with either the same shelter or one in another municipality.

5. Contact local and state governments and municipalities or social advocacy organizations to inquire about open positions in this field. According to "Education Portal," employment as an animal officer is expected to grow over the next few years.

Tips & Warnings

• As an animal abuse officer you may encounter cases that involve a wide variety of animals, from domestic pets to wildlife. A general knowledge of animal behavior and of treating injuries across all species will be helpful.

• Animal abuse officers are exposed to heartbreaking cases of animal neglect on a regular basis. If you are not prepared to witness and deal with these cases, this may not be the right career path for you.

References

• Humane Society University: Animal Control Officer
• Education Portal: Animal Control Officer: Job Description and Requirements for Starting a Career As an Animal Control Officer

Resources

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Become and HLE Agent