The ASPCA rescues animals from unsafe environments.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website, the New York Human Law Enforcement Division investigates up to 500 animal cruelty complaints per month, resulting in an average of 100 arrests annually. ASPCA animal cops are sworn police officers who receive specialized training and can make arrests, as well as investigate crime scenes.
Start Early
According to ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas, young people who want to work with the ASPCA as an animal cop should begin gaining experience working with animals by learning about them and doing volunteer work at a local shelter. Some animal shelters may have minimum age restrictions regarding youth volunteers. Lucas states that another good way for young people to learn about caring for animals is to own a pet.
Education
The ASPCA website states that aspiring animal cops should have a college degree in any field. However, the ASPCA recommends having a degree in animal sciences or criminology. Other degrees an individual can pursue to become an animal cop include criminal justice, veterinary medicine, zoology or psychology. According to the ASPCA, a college degree can make an individual an attractive job candidate when applying for a job as an animal cop.
Professional Experience
In addition to a college degree, professional experience in a law enforcement field can also benefit those who want to work as an ASPCA animal cop. Good work experience includes working as a park ranger, peace officer or police officer, according to the ASPCA. Peace officers are individuals who, according to respective state laws, may only enforce the law inside a facility, such as a prison. Professional experience helps an aspiring ASPCA animal cop learn important communication skills, use specialized gear, effectively work with the public and stay safe during potentially dangerous situations.
Qualify as a Peace or Police Officer
Depending on an individual's respective state, an individual may need to first qualify as a peace officer before becoming an ASPCA animal cop because the state's Criminal Justice Services program may run the humane law enforcement division. Each state has its own guidelines regarding an applicant's age, citizenship status, education level, criminal history and physical fitness level when it comes to certifying new officers.
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