How to Become the Best Animal Control Officer

Today's animal control officers are expected to be more than just "dog catchers". Animal control officers are now an important law enforcement sector of every community. In many communities animal control officers rescue animals, run shelters and enforce state and local laws pertaining to animals. Below you will find important information on becoming the best animal control officer you can be in an increasingly competitive field.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Course Fees
• Computer for research
• The urge to help animals

1. 
    

   Decide which state you would like to be an Animal Control Officer in. Every state varies in what their certification requirements are. To find out how to become certified or licensed in your state contact your local police or health department, local animal shelter or humane society or your state Animal Control Officer association. To find a list of state associations please see the links listed below.

2. 
    

   Don't just settle for the state mandated training! Take all the courses you can and get all the certifications that you can under your belt. The American Red Cross offers an Animal First Aid and CPR certification. Taking that course as well as the human version of it will add to your "First Responder" appeal. There are many animal advocacy organizations that also offer various courses and certifications. Please see the links below.

3. 
    

   Be a scout. Be prepared! Disaster preparedness and response are a hot topic nowadays. Many courses are offered through various animal advocacy organizations as well as state, local and federal government. FEMA has a free, two part online course specifically geared towards animals and will issue a certificate upon completion. Many states also have animal working groups or animal response teams as part of their disaster response plans. For information call your local Office of Emergency Management. For more information on courses you can take please see the links below.

4. 
    

   Study, study, study! Go on sites such as Animalsheltering.org or Americanhumane.org and see what's new in the field. Both sites have sections geared specifically towards Animal Control Officers and animal sheltering. The more you learn the more you can educate the public.

5. 
    

   Know your equipment. Learn about what equipment an Animal Control Officer uses and learn how to properly and safely use it. Visit web sites that sell the equipment and ask for demos. (See links below)

6. 
    

   Talk to a reputable, seasoned officer. See if you can arrange a ride-along with a local officer and watch them work. Join acofunstop.com, a website specifically for Animal Control Officers to network. Often it helps to get tips and advice from people who have already been through it all!

7. 
    

   Establish a relationship with a local veterinarian and see if you can intern. This will give you an understanding of animal anatomy and physiology as well as teach you animal handling techniques.

8. 
    

   Become a certified cruelty officer, investigator, or humane agent. Even if you are unable to practice in your job it is an excellent skill to have. For information see the links below.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn your local laws and don't practice as an Animal Control Officer, Humane Officer or Animal Cruelty Investigator with out first getting certified.
• If you are interested in hiring a career consultant for this field please send me a message. As part of my services I will help you research and develop a game plan for your career in Animal Control or Cruelty Investigations. This service is great for new or experienced Officers.
• This can be an emotionally charged field. Being an Animal Control Officer, humane Officer or Animal Cruelty Investigator has it's rewards but you will be seeing a lot of difficult things. When you have a passion for animals and you see them in distress it can be emotionally draining. Know that you can handle this before going on the job.

Resources

• American Humane Association
• HSUS Animal Sheltering.org
• Humane Society University
• FEMA: IS-10 Animals in Disaster, Module A: Awareness and Preparedness
• FEMA: IS-11 Animals in Disaster, Module B: Community Planning
• United Animal Nations Animal Emergency Response Services (EARS)
• State Animal Control Associations List
• National Animal Control Association
• Animal Control Officer's Fun Stop
• Animal Control Equipment and Services
• Tomahawk Live Traps
• Ketch-all Equipment
• National Cruelty Investigation School
• Career Development Institute: Animal Control Officer/Animal Cruelty Investigator Training (NJ approved)
• National Animal Control Training (PA program and VA approved)

[tachic]

on 3/28/2009 Great info. It's nice to know people want this profession. =)

[diggitydogg]

on 12/7/2008 A lot of great advice. I applaud anyone who loves animals and enters this difficult field, which can also be rewarding.

[NEW2]

on 11/25/2008 i recently was appointed to animal control, I AM NOT SURE IF i would be able to hold this position with out a high school diploma, I live in a small comm. about 650 res. I have however completed a 6hr course in canine emergency first-aid/cpr,through humane society of Missouri,wich is the state I reside. I hope their is availability of certification,any response would be greatly appreciated,our small town is in desperate need of animal control, we are also in progress of a local pound. thanks

[brkaxl3]

on 11/20/2008 Hello, I was wondering if you might be able to help me or give some advice.. you had mentioned a career consultant? I have wanted to be an HLE officer since I was a kid, I have a great passion for animals and their welfare. I live in Chicago and have no idea how to get started in this field. Any advice? Where/how could I contact a career consultant?

[Psychstudent]

on 11/1/2008 great info, do you have links for requirements though? Thank again 5 stars