Animal control
officers capture stray and dangerous animals, ensure that animal laws are enforced and inspect pet stores, kennels and circuses to ensure proper animal treatment. Animal control officers enforce federal, state and city laws involving animals, file charges when necessary and investigate potentially dangerous situations such as dogfighting rings. Positions for animal control officer jobs in the state of Washington can be extremely competitive.
Instructions
1. Gain experience in animal control. Animal control positions often require only a high school diploma or GED, but you will become a better candidate if you can demonstrate experience with animals. If necessary, volunteer at a local shelter or animal control department.
2. Contact your local municipality to find out the specific requirements for animal control officers. In general, you must be at least age 21 and physically fit without any felony convictions. You may need to pass an exam or take an agility exam. Animal control officer functions are often tied into other job positions. For example, the City of Marysville's animal control officer functions are the responsibility of the community services officer.
3. Take the required tests to become an animal control officer. For example, the city of Marysville requires you to take a written test through Public Safety Testing (see Resources).
4. Apply to your local municipality for a position.
Tags: animal control, animal control officer, control officer, control officers, your local municipality, Animal control