Becoming an Animal Cop- qualifications and such?

Question

Not neccessarilly an animal control officer, because I'm more interested in preventing animal abuse and such. I'm only 14, however, I am really serious about becoming an animal cop.

So, I would like to know what steps I need to take to get involved in the animal cops business.

Also, I have heard that you need to be a patrol officer for at least 2-3 years and go through law enforcement school. Is this true? And if so, could I get into this line of work by going to college at the University of Florida?

Serious answers, please.

Answer 1

College will help you in any law enforcement position. Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com

Answer 2

It depends on where you want to work. Some cities have different requirements, especially if they use a private company for animal abuse enforcement. Most agencies wont hire people without experience in law enforcement. The best thing to do would be getting hired on by a normal police department and go through their academy, work a few years and then apply for the animal enforcement department that you want to work at. They do this so they wont have to pay for you to go into the academy and you will already have experience and certifications, all they will have to do is give you a modified training academy. Some places may be different in that they will hire you as a normal animal control officer and once they have invested some time into you they will consider you for the police position. As an animal cop you will have police powers, you will be under the same classification as the sheriffs,police and highway patrol but you will just have different duties. You are still young so just stay out of trouble, join your local police departments explorer post, and you could even try to volunteer at your local animal shelter.

Answer 3

The steps you need to take are:

1. Go to you cities humane society and volunteer to get use to of helping animals.

2. Try to job shadow a animal cop.

3. Graduate high school.

4. Go to U of F and get a degree in animal care or veterinary technician.

5. When fully ready go back to the humane society and get a interview and with a great resume and good degrees you should be perfect for the job.

Answer 4

Volunteer at an animal rights organization.