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Duties
Although the job title varies in different communities, the animal control officer, humane officer, animal services officer, and humane investigator all work to protect stray, injured, abused, and unwanted animals. The challenges and rewards of protecting the health and safety of animals and humans are many. They include opportunities to rescue animals and prosecute individuals who abuse them, provide impounded animals with humane care at the shelter until they may be reunited with their owner or adopted, educate the public about the realities of pet overpopulation and responsible pet ownership, or grant a humane and dignified death to surplus, unwanted, or diseased animals.
Animal control professionals may be employed by municipally-funded animal shelters or non-profit humane societies. Animal control officers may find themselves in dangerous situations controlling stray animals and rescuing injured animals or dealing with irate or irrational animal owners. Their job of protecting animals and the community may involve educating pet owners about responsible ownership and local animal laws, making presentations to groups of school children, or working with social service or law enforcement agencies to protect people and pets in a family.
Animal control officers are not only concerned with an animal’s well-being but with the safety of the community. They usually wear uniforms and in a few states are licensed to carry firearms and certified to enforce state and local laws relating to the mistreatment of animals.
Animal control officers must effectively communicate with animals and people. A large part of the job involves talking to and dealing with people to resolve problems. They may inspect animal-related businesses to be sure that animals are receiving adequate care, rescue trapped or injured animals, investigate animal bites and cruelty complaints, issue citations and file for prosecution of people who violate laws concerning animals. In addition to helping pets and pet owners, animal control officers also work with wildlife.
Education and Background
To accomplish all this, animal control officers require knowledge of anti-cruelty and control laws, proper animal care standards, common animal diseases and treatments, and basic rules of criminal procedure. A high school diploma may be adequate for entry-level positions, with on-the-job training a common condition of employment for novice animal control officers. Desirable backgrounds include study in criminology, law enforcement, veterinary technology, or animal science/behavior.
You need good physical health, emotional stability, and an understanding of and concern for all kinds of animals.
Salary
Salaries in this field may vary in accordance with geographic regions, community size, and budgets. There is potential for job advancement and higher earnings in supervisory positions as chief investigators, assistant shelter managers, shelter managers, or executive directors. The National Animal Control Association’s 2000 salary survey of animal control officers reported a starting yearly range from $13,236 - $44,149. Animal control is one of the fastest growing professions in the country. Smaller communities are usually limited in positions and advancement opportunities. Mid-sized and larger cities offer the most variety and opportunities for advancement within the Animal Control structure.
Professional Development
Visit National Animal Control Association for much more information, including a jobs board and a salary survey you can order.
Consider taking courses in Humane Society University's new Humane Law Enforcement Online Academy (coming Fall 2006). The first course, The Animal Control Profession, will be open to anyone considering a career in animal control; the other courses are open only to working or experienced animal control officers.
Sample Job Description
ACO Fact Sheet
Learn more about combating illegal animal fighting.
Learn more about Animal Sheltering and Pet Care:
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Animal Control Officer
