What Does an Animal Control Worker Do?
A worker for animal control helps to take in animals who could cause harm themselves or other creatures. They assist stray or abandoned pets as well as those who are neglected and mistreated. Occasionally, they might even capture wild animals that escape their natural habitats into populated areas. Animal control professionals employ various techniques to capture these creatures safely.
How to Become an Animal Control Worker
Although formal education may not be necessary to become an animal control professional, some employers may require some formal qualifications and the equivalent of a high school degree. Most states are subject to laws which specify what type of certification or training may be needed. Training can be obtained through various institutions like community colleges, local agencies and even national associations. One such organization is the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA). Their training institute offers three certifications that you can apply for; you must be 18 years or older with no previous experience to enroll. You have your choice of taking the course either in-person or via internet – however you must meet eligibility requirements beforehand.
Understanding the fundamentals of animal identification, transport handling and protection can be extremely helpful in the field of animal handling. A higher education at college level might include certification or associate degrees that focus on animal management and care as well as pet behavior and veterinary science – even police officer training!
No matter which path you take, proper training is necessary due to the nature of the work and potential risk to yourself or your pet. Therefore, it’s essential that you maintain calm in difficult situations and be able to think clearly. Good communication skills will also come in handy when dealing with those searching for missing pets or those injured by animals. Furthermore, make sure you are familiar with local laws regarding animal welfare and control in your state.
Job Description of an Animal Control Worker
Animal control workers perform a variety of tasks each day, not knowing which kind of reptile or animal they will be working with. They offer assistance to pet owners who might be losing their pets, investigate allegations of abuse against animals and assist with abandoned pets. If it appears that an animal may have been mistreated or abused, they can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence and speak to witnesses to the cruelty. If necessary, they’ll obtain the animal, document their findings in reports, and may even attend court proceedings to present evidence in court proceedings.
Animal control personnel may be needed to provide care for animals. Once placed under their care, they provide food and water while making sure the environment remains secure. Furthermore, they have the authority to request veterinary assistance for those animals in need of medical attention. Animal control officers regularly educate the public on pet laws and require licensing in order to guarantee city or community adherence. Furthermore, they take animals in various ways in order to transport them to an animal sanctuary. Shelters typically perform medical examinations and treat animals when deemed suitable for adoption, with the hope of finding them a loving home. Unfortunately, animals that pose risks to others or have been injured or sick might need to be euthanized.
Animal Control Worker Career Video Transcript
Dogcatchers in villages often get a bad rap, but in reality animal control workers are more like social workers than villains. A passion for animals can be an excellent starting point, but to become an effective animal control professional you’ll need the right skills and discipline. In addition to caring for and transporting the animals they take care of those who have been neglected, unlicensed or maltreated; some might even need euthanization due to severe injury or those whose owners cannot be reached. Their duties also encompass making arrangements for medical care as well as pet adoption too!
As an animal control professional, you must demonstrate an unwavering dedication to both animal and human welfare as well as exude great courtesy and confidence. Animal control employees may be employed by your local police department, an independent agency, or even a private company. They investigate reports of cruelty to animals and complaints about attacks by other animals on humans. They must speak to those responsible, collect evidence and then write reports. Typically, they’re called in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. Employers usually prefer applicants with a high school education. Training for animal control personnel typically occurs on the job, though some career schools and police Academies provide related courses. The most rewarding reward for those working in animal control is knowing they are doing something to protect those creatures who are vulnerable within our midst.