- Protect public health: Animal control officers play a vital role in protecting public health by enforcing laws and regulations that protect people from animals, such as rabies control and leash laws. They also investigate animal bites and other animal-related incidents.
- Help animals: Animal control officers also help animals by responding to calls about stray animals, investigating animal cruelty cases, and providing shelter for animals in need.
- Variety of career options: There are many different career options available to animal control officers. They can work for local and state agencies, or private animal shelters. They can also work in a variety of settings, such as health departments, local law enforcement agencies, animal control facilities, animal shelters, and humane societies.
- Education Pathway: Graduation from high school or completion of GED supplemented by additional training in animal control, and some work experience involving contact with animals. In most cases, Animal Control Officers have to be sworn Law Enforcment, which requires completion of Basic Law Enforcment training, as well as completion of BLET state exam. As it relates to public health, an animal control officer has to be able to exercise initiative and independent judgement in applying local and state laws and ordinances, as well as complete reporting requirements to all applicable agencies.
- Opportunities for growth and advancement: With the right skills and experience, animal control officers can move into leadership positions or specialize in a particular area of animal control.
- Work-life balance: Animal control officers typically work regular hours, with options of available shift work that could include weekends and nighttime hours, with some overtime required. This can be a good option for people who want a good work-life balance.
Here are some of the tasks that animal control officers do:
- Enforce laws and regulations that protect people from animals
- Investigate animal bites and other animal-related incidents
- Respond to calls about stray animals
- Provide shelter for animals in need
- Investigate animal cruelty cases
- Promote responsible pet ownership
If you are interested in a career that combines animal welfare, public health, and law enforcement, then an animal control career may be a good fit for you. It is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of people and animals.
Here are some of the skills that are essential for animal control officers:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of animal behavior
- Knowledge of animal laws and regulations
- Ability to use firearms and other weapons
