Expert: Jack Toomey - 9/9/2009

Question
Hi, I'm a 16-year-old high school junior in Ohio. I have a passion for animals and am thinking about pursuing a career in animal protection. Someday I want to work in a wildlife animal sanctuary but I would also like to be an 'animal cop'. However, I have no clue where to start to get there! As part of the police force do you know what kind of schooling the animal police had to get to their positions? Anyone I hear of in that job didn't start out headed there. They started as police, park rangers, veterinarians, etc. So what do I do if I want to get straight there? Or should I start out on a different path in order to get the experience? Thanks ahead of time for any help and advice you can give me!

Answer
Caitlyn,

Your question is going to be very difficult to answer because it seems that almost every county has a different unit that handles animal abuse cases.  In one county the "animal cop" division might have the power of arrest and would handle the investigation from the start all the way to court.  Yet in the next county the animal unit might only respond to complaints about stray animals, barking dogs, and trapped animals (in sewers, etc).  In MY county the animal control unit recently became part of the police department yet the personnel do not have the power of arrest and need to call in the real police to make arrests and conduct investigations.

You mentioned that you want to work in an animal sanctuary but also become an "animal cop".  You can't be both.  An employee of an animal sanctuary is in the private sector meaning that the most likely work for someone who owns a sanctuary.  I would think that you would need a specialized degree if you are looking for a prominent job there. An animal officer works for a county or state government.

Since you are just now a high school junior you have plenty of time to pursue your goals.  Of course you should get a college degree but which degree is problematic for me to answer.  I have no experience dealing with animal control officers except occasionally meeting them on the street.  Your high school counselor should be a good resource for information on which colleges offer courses that are necessary.  I apologize for passing the buck to your counselor but I honestly do not know if specialized courses are necessary.  I do know that a college degree is necessary in the event that you change your mind.  Once you get to college you will have an advisor and he/she can advise you on the correct classes to take if that is necessary.