How to Become an Animal Cruelty Investigator

An animal cruelty investigator is part of a special task force that works to detect animal abuse and makes sure the perpetrators pay for their crime. Once an ignored area of the law, animal cruelty is now considered a good indicator of future criminal activity against humans and penalized harshly by the law.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide which area you want to work on. Some investigators work with animal shelters, while others are considered part of the local law enforcement. Depending on what area you want to specialize in (general investigation or arrests), you may have to carry a gun.

2. Take college courses in psychology and sociology, since you will be working with people and trying to understand the motivations behind their actions. Studying natural sciences and criminal justice can also help further your career. Some colleges now offer special courses on animal cruelty investigation, which can prepare you for the field quicker than if you do it on your own.

3. Get involved in law enforcement. This is essential to understanding the laws governing animal cruelty cases and how far your rights and responsibilities as an investigator go. Some police units offer chances to join their animal cruelty investigation unit as a volunteer to help people learn the field and decide if they want to pursue it as a career.

4. Volunteer at a local animal rescue shelter to learn how to deal with scared and traumatized animals. There is also no more powerful push to help you jump full-on into the profession than seeing how much of a difference you can make in the life of an animal.

Tips & Warnings

• The local Humane Society is one of the best places to get started. Many of the local chapters offer courses on how to become an investigator or can guide you as to what you should study to join the field.

• Each state has its own rules as to what is required from somebody wishing to become an animal cruelty investigator. Again, the local ASPCA can guide you on the requirements for your region.

• Make sure you are ready for what the job entails. Once you become an animal cruelty investigator, you may be exposed to difficult sights, including animals that can't be saved and people who are not ready to take responsibility for their brutal actions. The toll on your emotions can be high.

Resources

• Humane Society of the United States
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals