Specialized law enforcement agents who assist in keeping animals safe are called Animal Cops or Animal Control Workers. Their job duties include monitoring pet shops, prosecuting abusers, and rescuing neglected animals. If you are interested in joining this field, then read this article on how to become an Animal Cop in New Jersey.

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New Jersey, also called the ‘Garden State’ offers some great job opportunities for Animal Cops. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Animal Control Workers employed in New Jersey earned an annual mean pay of $52,410 in 2022, which was higher than the national average of $43,780

Should I Become an Animal Cop in New Jersey?

Are you someone who loves animals? If yes, then a job as an Animal Cop might interest you.
Animal Control Workers have to meet certain training and certification requirements, which have been discussed in the table below. Education

  • Education Required
  • Training
  • Licenses/Certifications
  • Key Skills/Qualities
  • Annual Mean Salary (2022)-National
  • Job Outlook(2021-2031)
  • Annual Mean Salary (2022)-New Jersey
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Candidates might have to complete on-the-job training.
  • Different for every State
  • Service Oriented, Active Listening, Speaking Skills, Critical Thinking, and Reading Comprehension.
  • $43,780 (Animal Control Workers – BLS)
  • 29%-6%
  • $52,410 (Animal Control Workers – BLS)

Career Outlook

The career outlook data available on BLS reveals that the demand for Animal Care and Service Workers is expected to increase between 29% in the future between 2021 and 2031.

Steps to Become an Animal Cop in New Jersey

If you want to find out how to become an Animal Cop in New Jersey, then go through this section thoroughly. It lists down the steps involved in joining this exciting profession.

Complete Your Education

After getting a high school diploma, you have the option of either obtaining an Associate’s degree, a Certificate, or a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Management, Animal Science, or Law Enforcement. The curriculum of these programs incorporates several modules such as Animal Biology, Animal Health Skills, Disaster Preparedness for Animals, and Animal Care.

Meet Certification Requirements Set By the State

After completing yourdegree, you will have to enroll in an Animal Control Officer course which has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Healthand Senior Services. In order to get certified, you will have to complete a classroom component in addition to a training component.
The course will also introduce you to various topics such as:

  • New Jersey rules governing the control of wildlife and domestic animals.
  • Animal disease recognition.
  • Inspection procedures.
  • Principles for the handling and capture of wildlife and stray animals.

Start the Job Hunt

Once you have cleared the course, you can start searching for work. Do keep in mind that your employer might require you to undertake some months of on-the-job training in order to teach you what the job entails and how the work is done.

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

It can take anywhere between two to four years to start a career in this field. All you need is a high school diploma, followed by an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field. If you decide to pursue the Associate of Science (A.S) degree, then you will have to invest two years but if you decide to pursue a Bachelor’s program, then you will have to spend four years to complete your education. After completing the education requirements, you will have to meet the certification requirements set by the state. Once you are certified, you can start looking for relevant positions.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming an Animal Cop in New Jersey?

In order to be eligible to work as an Animal Cop in New Jersey, you will have to fulfill certain requirements.

  • You will have to obtain a GED or a High School Diploma. Moreover, it is advised that you earn an Associate’s degree or a Diploma in a relevant discipline.
  • You will have to be state certified.

How Much Does an Animal Cop Earn in New Jersey?

Occupational data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Animal Cops working in New Jersey made a lucrative yearly mean pay of $52,410 in 2022.

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