Animal cops rescue pets from unsafe homes.
Animal cops work as animal control officers or as a dedicated unit within a police department. The National Animal Control Association, or NACA, states that animal cops help promote health and safety, protect animals and enforce animal-related laws with educational and intervention techniques. In addition to dealing with traditional household pets like dogs and cats, animal cops also need to know handle exotic animal species and their owners.
First Aid and Safety
In addition to knowing resuscitate and treat human wounds, an animal cop must also know animal first aid and safety techniques. Some community centers and colleges teach individuals about animal-specific first aid and safety.
Education
NACA states that an aspiring animal cop, at minimum, must have a high school diploma or a GED. However, a law enforcement department may require candidates to have a bachelor's or associate's degree in an animal- or law enforcement-related field. Examples of appropriate degrees include criminal justice, zoology, psychology or biology. While pursuing a postsecondary degree, you should take classes related to criminal investigation and animal welfare.
Work Experience
Depending on the job position, a police department may require an individual who wishes to work as an animal cop to have experience in law enforcement and/or working with animals. In addition to working as a police or reserve officer, an individual can gain experience by working at a kennel, as a park ranger, at an animal rescue center or in a veterinary office. While gaining work experience, you should aim to learn about problem solving, communications, laws regarding animal rights and handle stressful situations.
Departmental Requirements
The requirements to become an animal cop vary by state and department, so you should learn about the specific qualifications from a police department or local humane law enforcement division. For example, the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania state that an individual only needs experience working at an animal welfare program to become an animal cop. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, of New York states that an individual must also meet the qualifications to certify as a peace officer.
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