Animal control officers protect animals from abuse and neglect while keeping the community safe from aggressive or stray animals.
Animal control facilities in Maryland are operated at the county level. For individuals seeking a career as an animal control officer, a comfort level in handling animals is essential. Maryland animal control officers are required to maintain an active driver's license. Entry-level officers are training on the job in state regulations and codes for animals as well as administrative and animal handling duties. Job candidates should begin looking through a municipal government website with job listings for agencies and services.
Instructions
1. Become familiar with handling and interacting with animals. Volunteer with animal shelters or pet rescue organizations in Maryland counties. The Animal Welfare League of Frederick County lists volunteer opportunities on its website that include free training in animal handling, care and management (see Resources). For a list of the animal shelters and control centers in the Western, Capital, Central, Southern or Eastern Shore regions, visit the Maryland Pet website (See Resources).
2. Get work experience in an animal shelter or veterinarian's office. With volunteer experience, you may be able to move into a part-time or full-time role at your local animal shelter if you demonstrate strong skills in animal care and safety. While jobs with a local veterinarian may require some vocational training, you may find employment opportunities in customer service or assisting with background and training as an animal shelter volunteer (See References).
3. Keep your driver's license in good standing. Animal control officers in most counties will be required to possess a Maryland license. You will be driving to locations where an animal needs to be contained and retrieved.
4. Maintain updated immunization and rabies shots. Officers can come in contact with animals carrying diseases such as rabies or other infections. For employment consideration and general safety on the job, keep your immunization schedule current.
5. Seek employment through the county agency responsible for animal control in your area. To seek employment, begin by searching county municipal websites in one of two sections. Some counties will feature animal control listings under a general human resources listing of all open positions. Others will list openings directly from an animal control information page on the county website (See References). You may also contact an animal control agency to inquire about current and future job openings.
Tags: animal shelter, control officers, animal control, animal control, animal handling, animal shelters