4 answers
Hannah
Student
Box Elder, South Dakota
11
Questions
Updated
749 views
What job would go well with being an animal control officer? Also what schooling do you need?
I want to work with animals, because I love them so much. I am thinking about being an animal control officer but would like to learn more about it.
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4 answers
Grady Spoonamore
Veterinary Technician
5
Answers
Youngsville, North Carolina
Updated
Grady’s Answer
I agree with everyone above, but most importantly: get experience elsewhere with animal handling first, even if it's just shadowing. Just doing that may show you that it is not something you want to do. Animal Control and shelter work are very necessary and it takes special people to do those jobs. I have the utmost respect. You will find rewarding things, but, in those types of roles, you will see a darker side of humanity. You see it in private practices as well, which is pretty rough. The neglect and abuse cases are traumatizing to witness and deal with.
I am not trying to discourage you, by any means, but I want to make sure that you know that loving animals is a great trait to have, and can really help you to deal with that dark side. For some, it empowers them to continue doing that, as an advocate for the animals. I hope I'm not being too negative here.
I've been in vet med for 30 years & worked in almost every aspect of it. Definitely go talk to the local officers too & get their experiences & opinions. Maybe you can do a ride along. It's a very exciting thing to be starting off in the field though! I still remember it vividly & can still feel the elation & excitement of it. I envy you for that!
I am not trying to discourage you, by any means, but I want to make sure that you know that loving animals is a great trait to have, and can really help you to deal with that dark side. For some, it empowers them to continue doing that, as an advocate for the animals. I hope I'm not being too negative here.
I've been in vet med for 30 years & worked in almost every aspect of it. Definitely go talk to the local officers too & get their experiences & opinions. Maybe you can do a ride along. It's a very exciting thing to be starting off in the field though! I still remember it vividly & can still feel the elation & excitement of it. I envy you for that!
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
265
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
An animal control officer can work as:
Park Ranger
Zoologist
Animal Welfare Officer
Farm or Poultry Manager
Education is required for animal managers in:
Zoology
Animal Care
Animal Science
Agriculture
Wildlife and Conservation
Park Ranger
Zoologist
Animal Welfare Officer
Farm or Poultry Manager
Education is required for animal managers in:
Zoology
Animal Care
Animal Science
Agriculture
Wildlife and Conservation
Reema Patel
sales associate
86
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
If you're an animal control officer, consider broadening your skill set by also working as a veterinary technician or assistant. This role will allow you to gain hands-on experience with animals, assist in medical procedures, and deepen your understanding of animal behavior and health—all of which are crucial skills for animal control work.
Similarly, the role of a wildlife rehabilitator can provide you with practical experience in rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned wildlife, a key aspect of animal control.
Working in an animal shelter, either as a manager or a worker, can also be beneficial. Here, you'll be involved in the care and management of stray or unwanted animals, which is closely related to the work of an animal control officer.
If you have a passion for education, consider becoming a humane educator. This role will allow you to raise public awareness about animal care, behavior, and laws, thereby helping to prevent the issues that animal control officers frequently deal with.
To step into these roles, you may need different levels of education, ranging from certifications to degrees in fields such as veterinary technology, animal science, or related areas.
Similarly, the role of a wildlife rehabilitator can provide you with practical experience in rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned wildlife, a key aspect of animal control.
Working in an animal shelter, either as a manager or a worker, can also be beneficial. Here, you'll be involved in the care and management of stray or unwanted animals, which is closely related to the work of an animal control officer.
If you have a passion for education, consider becoming a humane educator. This role will allow you to raise public awareness about animal care, behavior, and laws, thereby helping to prevent the issues that animal control officers frequently deal with.
To step into these roles, you may need different levels of education, ranging from certifications to degrees in fields such as veterinary technology, animal science, or related areas.
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
70
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
An animal control officer typically works to enforce laws related to the care and control of animals, investigate cases of animal cruelty, and capture stray or dangerous animals. It's a rewarding job for someone who loves animals and wants to ensure their safety and well-being.
Complementary Jobs:
1. Veterinary Technician/Assistant: Assisting veterinarians in the care of animals can provide hands-on experience and enhance your understanding of animal health.
2. Wildlife Rehabilitator: Working with injured or orphaned wildlife to prepare them for return to their natural habitats.
3. Animal Shelter Worker/Manager: Managing or working in animal shelters to care for abandoned or rescued animals.
4. Humane Educator: Teaching the public, especially children, about humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.
5. Animal Trainer: Training animals for obedience, performance, or service roles.
Schooling and Requirements:
1. High School Diploma or GED: Basic educational requirement.
2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree (Optional but beneficial): Degrees in fields like animal science, criminal justice, or biology can be helpful.
3. Training Programs: Many animal control officers receive on-the-job training. Some may attend specific training programs offered by organizations like the National Animal Control Association (NACA).
4. Certification: Some regions require certification, which can be obtained through organizations like NACA.
5. Experience with Animals: Volunteering or working in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or similar settings can provide valuable experience.
Steps to Becoming an Animal Control Officer:
1. Research Local Requirements: Requirements can vary by location, so check the specific requirements for animal control officers in your area.
2. Gain Relevant Experience: Volunteering or working with animals in any capacity will be beneficial.
3. Complete Necessary Education/Training: Depending on local requirements, this could include completing a degree, attending training programs, or both.
4. Apply for Positions: Look for job openings in your local government or animal control agencies.
Working as an animal control officer can be both challenging and fulfilling, especially for someone passionate about animal welfare.
Complementary Jobs:
1. Veterinary Technician/Assistant: Assisting veterinarians in the care of animals can provide hands-on experience and enhance your understanding of animal health.
2. Wildlife Rehabilitator: Working with injured or orphaned wildlife to prepare them for return to their natural habitats.
3. Animal Shelter Worker/Manager: Managing or working in animal shelters to care for abandoned or rescued animals.
4. Humane Educator: Teaching the public, especially children, about humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.
5. Animal Trainer: Training animals for obedience, performance, or service roles.
Schooling and Requirements:
1. High School Diploma or GED: Basic educational requirement.
2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree (Optional but beneficial): Degrees in fields like animal science, criminal justice, or biology can be helpful.
3. Training Programs: Many animal control officers receive on-the-job training. Some may attend specific training programs offered by organizations like the National Animal Control Association (NACA).
4. Certification: Some regions require certification, which can be obtained through organizations like NACA.
5. Experience with Animals: Volunteering or working in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or similar settings can provide valuable experience.
Steps to Becoming an Animal Control Officer:
1. Research Local Requirements: Requirements can vary by location, so check the specific requirements for animal control officers in your area.
2. Gain Relevant Experience: Volunteering or working with animals in any capacity will be beneficial.
3. Complete Necessary Education/Training: Depending on local requirements, this could include completing a degree, attending training programs, or both.
4. Apply for Positions: Look for job openings in your local government or animal control agencies.
Working as an animal control officer can be both challenging and fulfilling, especially for someone passionate about animal welfare.