What does an Animal Control Officer do?
Published 3 min read
An Animal Control Officer typically works for a city or county government, and is responsible for enforcing animal-related laws and regulations. This may include investigating reports of animal cruelty, capturing stray or dangerous animals, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership.
Animal Control Officer job duties include:
- Investigate complaints of animal cruelty, abandonment, and neglect
- Enforce local and state animal control laws and ordinances
- Respond to calls for service involving stray, dangerous, or aggressive animals
- Capture and impound stray, dangerous, or aggressive animals
- Transport captured animals to animal shelter or veterinary clinic
- Investigate dog bites and quarantines potentially rabid animals
- Educate the public about responsible pet ownership and animal control laws
- Maintain records of animal control activities
- Prepare reports on animal control activities
- Perform routine maintenance on animal control equipment
Animal Control Officer Job Requirements
Most Animal Control Officers have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and many officers receive on-the-job training. Some states require certification for animal control officers. Certification requirements vary by state, but they typically include completing a certain number of hours of training and passing an exam. Many Animal Control Officers have previous experience working with animals in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or kennel.
Animal Control Officer Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Strong Stomach
- Good Physical Shape
- Animal Handling
- Restraint
- Catching
- Transporting
- Investigating
- Reporting
- Enforcing
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How to become an Animal Control Officer
Animal control officers play an important role in keeping communities safe by enforcing laws and regulations related to animals. They also work to protect animals from abuse and neglect. If you are interested in becoming an animal control officer, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you will need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent. Many animal control officer positions also require some college coursework, so consider taking some classes related to animal science or law enforcement.
Next, you will need to complete on-the-job training. This training will teach you how to safely handle animals, how to use the equipment needed to do your job, and how to investigate complaints of animal abuse or neglect.
Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a state-level exam in order to become certified as an animal control officer. Once you are certified, you will be able to apply for jobs with animal control agencies at the local, state, or federal level.
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