Animal Cops, also referred to as Animal Control Workers, are responsible for investigating cases concerning animal cruelty and attacks. Their job duties include examining animals for malnutrition and injuries, removing them from undesirable conditions, giving them medical treatment and educating the public about animal control regulations and animal welfare. If you are interested in establishing a career in this field, then read this article on how to become an Animal Cop in Georgia.

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Popularly known as the ‘Peach State,’ Georgia offers some great career opportunities for individuals who want to join this line of work. According to the income figures shared by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Animal Control Workers working in Georgia made an annual mean salary of $33,540 in 2020.

Should I Become an Animal Cop in Georgia?

If you are caring and empathetic, then a career as an Animal Cop would be ideal for you.
In order to join this field, you will have to meet the following set of requirements, which have been highlighted below. The salary figures shared below have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The remaining details have been taken from O*NET.

  • Education Required
  • Training
  • Licenses/Certifications
  • Key Skills/Qualities
  • Annual Mean Salary (2022) – National
  • Annual Mean Salary (2022) – Georgia
  • Job Outlook (2020-30) – Georgia (O*Net Online)
  • Candidates have to obtain a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Getting an Associate’s degree or a Certificate is also recommended.
  • Candidates may receive on-the-job training.
  • Every U.S. state has its own certification requirements.
  • Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Active Learning, Critical Thinking Skills and Listening Skills.
  • $43,780 (Animal Control Workers – BLS)
  • $35,030 (Animal Control Workers – BLS)
  • 9%  (O*NET OnLine)

Career Outlook

According to O*NET, the job employment opportunities for Animal Control Workers will grow by 9% in the state of Georgia between 2020 and 2030. It is expected that there will be a creation of 50 new jobs in the field during this time.

Job Responsibilities of an Animal Cop in Georgia

As an Animal Control Officer, often referred to as an Animal Cop, your responsibilities can vary based on the specific region and jurisdiction. However, most Animal Control Officers across the U.S., including Georgia, share several core job responsibilities. Here is a general list of job duties that an Animal Cop in Georgia might have:

Enforcement of Animal Laws:

Enforce local and state laws relating to the care, treatment, control, and licensing of animals. This may include investigating reports of animal abuse or neglect and ensuring compliance with leash laws and licensing regulations.

Patrolling

Regularly patrol assigned areas to look for stray, injured, or dangerous animals.

Animal Rescue and Capture

Respond to calls involving stray, injured, or dangerous animals. This can involve safely capturing and transporting animals to shelters or veterinary clinics.

Investigations

Investigate allegations of animal cruelty or neglect, and conduct follow-up visits to ensure compliance with animal welfare laws.

Education and Outreach

Educate the public about local animal control laws and responsible pet ownership.

Reporting and Documentation

Document incidents and investigations, prepare reports, and maintain records of animal control activities.

Court Appearances

Provide testimony in court cases related to animal control violations or cruelty cases.

Quarantine Procedures

If an animal is suspected of having a disease (like rabies), an Animal Control Officer may need to quarantine the animal and monitor it.

Wildlife Management

This could include handling problems with wildlife in residential areas, from removing a raccoon from a garage to dealing with potentially dangerous animals like coyotes.

Euthanasia and Animal Disposal

In some cases, Animal Control Officers may be required to euthanize animals humanely or arrange for the disposal of deceased animals.

Communication

Officers often work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, shelters, and rescues, requiring good communication and cooperation skills.

It’s important to note that this role can be emotionally taxing and sometimes physically dangerous. Officers often deal with upset or confrontational pet owners, and they may need to capture scared or aggressive animals.
The role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare and a deep understanding of animal behavior and safety procedures. It’s also crucial for Animal Control Officers to be knowledgeable about the specific animal control laws in their jurisdiction.

Please check with local animal control departments or law enforcement agencies in Georgia for the most accurate job descriptions and requirements.

Steps to Become an Animal Cop in Georgia

If you wish to learn how to become an Animal Cop in Georgia, then keep reading! Now we will discuss the steps involved joining this line of work.

Complete the Required Education

You will have to obtain a GED or a High School Diploma in order to become an Animal Cop in Georgia. After completing high school, you might want to enroll in a Certificate Program or an Associate Program in Law Enforcement, Animal Management or Animal Science. These programs will cover a range of topics such as Nutrition, Animal Biology and Genetics.

Get Certified

You can get certified by the National Animal Control Association (NACA) in order to make your CV more attractive. It is also advised that you consult your local authorities to check whether there are any state-specific certification requirements.

Land a Job!

Once you have obtained a professional certification, you can start your job search. You have the option of working with the Department of Community Services’ Animal Welfare Division. Or you can also work with advocacy organizations.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Animal Cop in Georgia?

It can take anywhere between two to four years to become an Animal Cop in the state of Georgia. First of all, candidates have to complete their high school education. Then, they can enroll in a Diploma program, an Associate of Arts program, or a Bachelor’s program in a related discipline. The Associate’s degree typically takes two years to complete, while the Bachelor’s degree needs a commitment of four years of full-time study.
After graduating from college or university, you will have to obtain a professional certification in order to gain specialized knowledge and training. Once you are certified, you can begin your job search!

What Are the Requirements for Becoming an Animal Cop in Georgia?

In order to establish your career as an Animal Cop in Georgia, you will have to satisfy the conditions listed below. You will have to:

  • Obtain a High School Diploma/G.E.D. You can also top it up with an Associate’s degree or a Certificate in a relevant subject.
  • Obtain a valid and active Georgia driver’s license.

*Do visit the state pages to see whether there are any state-specific certification requirements.

How Much Does an Animal Cop Earn in Georgia?

As per the wage estimates reported by BLS, the annual mean pay of Animal Control Workers working in Georgia was $35,030 in May 2022. Below are the five highest paying states for this occupation in 2022.

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