Securing stray dogs is only part of an animal control officer's responsibilities.
Animal control officers are now expected to be more than just dog catchers, running shelters and enforcing state and local laws pertaining to animals. To become the best animal control officer you can be in this increasingly competitive field, there are a number of avenues to pursue.
Instructions
1. Get certified or licensed in the state of your choice and contact authorities for those requirements, since these vary by state. You will have to check with either your police or health department, local animal shelter, humane society or your state animal control officer association.
2. Don't just settle for state-mandated training. Take all the courses and get all the certifications you can. The American Red Cross offers an Animal First Aid and CPR certification. Taking that course will add to your First Responder appeal. Many animal advocacy organizations also offer various courses and certifications.
3. Be a scout. Be prepared. Disaster preparedness and response is a hot topic. Many courses are offered through various animal advocacy organizations as well as state, local and federal government. FEMA has a free, two-part online course specifically geared toward animals and will issue a certificate upon completion. Many states also have animal working groups or animal response teams as part of their disaster response plans. For information, call your local Office of Emergency Management.
4. Study heavily. Visit such sites as Animalsheltering.org or Americanhumane.org and see what's new in the field. Both sites have sections geared specifically toward animal control officers and animal sheltering. The more you learn, the more you can educate the public.
5. Know your equipment. Learn about what equipment an animal control officer uses and learn properly and safely use all. Visit web sites that sell the equipment and ask for demos.
6. Talk to a reputable, seasoned officer. See if you can arrange a ride-along with a local officer so you can observe him in action. Join acofunstop.com, a website specifically for animal control officers to network. Often, it helps to get tips and advice from people who have already been through it all.
7. Establish a relationship with a local veterinarian and see if you can intern. This will give you an understanding of animal anatomy and physiology and teach you animal handling techniques.
8. Become a certified cruelty officer, investigator or humane agent. Even if you are unable to practice in your job, you will gain excellent skills.
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