CREATED BY: PAETON CASH Animal Cruelty Investigator

What is an animal cruelty investigator?  An animal cruelty investigator is someone who carefully researches and examines reports about animal welfare concerns to decide if a crime has been committed. They handle incidents involving unattended, abandoned and potentially dangerous animals, including “exotic” animals, aside from mistreatment cases.

Tips on how to become an animal cruelty investigator! The best animal cruelty investigators are the people with a broad range of abilities, from strong communication skills to criminal justice training to professional animal care experience. Decide which area you want to work on. Depending on what area you want to specialize in, you may have to carry a gun. Take college courses in psychology and sociology, since you will be working with people and trying to understand the motivations behind their actions.

Common Requirements Degree Level: No degree required, but college coursework is often useful. Fields of study: Criminal Justice, Criminology, Animal Science Certification: Certification as a basic police officer, or humane officer; voluntary certification is also available. Experience: Experience working with animals (especially dogs and cats); experience in law enforcement is commonly preferred. Key Skills: Good communication and problem-solving skills Additional Requirements: Know local animal control and related ordinances.

Popular Schools & Program Information Penn Foster Career School; Non-Degree: Certificate in Natural Health Care for Pets, Pet Grooming, Dog Obedience Trainer/Instructor Ashworth College; Career Diploma-Veterinary Assisting Sanford-Brown: AAS in Veterinary Technology The University of Montana; Non-Degree: Coursework, Agriculture, Animal Services, Equine Studies

Salary HIGHEST PAYING Animal Control workers have the highest average income in the following states: Nevada  $48,910 California  $46,130 Alaska  $41,150 Minnesota  $40,560 Washington  $39,530 Oregon  $38,900 Maryland  $38,440  An Animal Control worker/investigator will usually earn an average pay level between 24,000 and 36,000 based on seniority. The workers receive salaries of 30,600 annually.  Higher salaries are common for those who investigate animal cruelty as a law enforcement.

Did you know ? 1. More American households have pets more than they have children. 2. A child growing up in the U.S. is more likely to have a pet than a live-at-home father. 3. Pets live most frequently in homes with children: 64.1% of homes with children under age 6, and 74.8% of homes with children over age 6, have pets. 4. Pets may suffer unexplained injuries, health problems, permanent disabilities at the hands of abusers, or disappear from home. 5. For many battered women, pets are sources of comfort providing strong emotional support: 98% of Americans consider pets to be companions or members of the family.