Animal Control is often perceived in a negative light. Like many professions, the bad deeds of a few often affect the public perception of the entire group. In some large cities, many years ago, “dog catchers” were often paid based on the number of dogs they brought in. It did not matter how the dogs were caught. Dogs not reclaimed were often euthanized by drowning, or by attaching a hose to the truck’s exhaust system, overcoming the animals with carbon monoxide.

 Politicians make fun of their rivals by exclaiming they couldn’t even get elected as “Dog Catcher”! And most Hollywood portrayals of Animal Control Officers tend to emphasize comical ineptness.

Fast forward to the 21st Century. Animal Control Officers are NOT “dog catchers.” We are trained law enforcement officers. Some of us work for an animal control department, while other officers work under the direction of a police department, county sheriff, or health department.

Animal Control Officers enforce local statutes and state laws which provide guidelines for responsible pet ownership. Our actions are aimed at educating people about their responsibilities, and in some cases, taking legal action to protect abused or neglected animals.

I have been certified by the National Animal Control Association. To achieve this goal, I had to attend 80 hours of training, covering such topics as constitutional law, crime scenes, animal fighting, and zoonotic diseases. At the end of each 40 hr. unit of training, you must pass an exam with a minimum test score of 80%. I have also been certified by the American Humane Association in chemical capture, i.e. tranquilizing. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Luther College, and I know several animal control professionals that possess Master’s Degrees. States such as Virginia and Texas have mandatory state certifications for all Animal Control Officers.

Animal Control Officers spend much of their time picking up stray pets; however, our main concern is reuniting them with their owners. Many officers have microchip scanners in their vehicles and laptop computers. We investigate cases of animal cruelty, which finds us working a crime scene like CSI. Exotic animals provide us with exciting opportunities to learn. I have caught an emu, impounded a tiger, handled several alligators, and an 18 ft. python. I never know what the next case will bring, and that makes animal control an adventure!

Photo Credit:

Marx Brothers Photo of Harpo as a Dog Catcher, 1932 - moderndogmagazine.com

Edited by Julie Bradford