Animal control
officers typically work for local municipalities in the public safety sector. While there are no specific degrees required to become an animal control officer, a prospect should be comfortable around animals and be prepared to handle dangerous situations. Animal control officers investigate mistreatment claims, follow up on abandoned animals and capture rabid and stray animals.
Instructions
1. Get a two-year associate's degree to be fully prepared to step into the role of animal control officer and increase your credibility with hiring managers. Associate's degrees that would be best for the position include law enforcement or veterinary studies. Relevant courses should include legal studies in animal cruelty and animal control laws, common diseases in domestic animals and basic standards of animal care.
2. Expect to start as a rookie and receive extensive on-the-job training. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most animal control officer training programs are undertaken while recruits are in the position. Communication skills and knowledge of required paperwork and bureaucratic operations are honed in the early stages of a career in animal control.
3. Attend training courses available through the National Animal Control Association that provide two levels of certification. The instruction covers issues such as animal behavior, euthanasia, capture techniques and officer safety. Certification training can add additional information such as stress management, legal liability training, self-defense and capture of large animals.
4. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or through the Humane Society of the United States to add some experience to your resume when considering a job as an animal control officer. Develop your skills working with animals while applying for paying jobs.
5. Take a course in animal cruelty investigations from the local police academy. Check with your state association of animal control officers to find when classes are being offered. Many municipalities will send animal control officers already on the job to courses to hone their skills and increase their knowledge of the laws and the latest control techniques.
Tags: animal control, control officer, control officers, animal control, animal control officer