investigations

How can I become an animal cruelty investigator?

An Animal Cruelty Investigator is a person who carefully researches and examines reports about animal welfare concerns to determine if a crime has been committed.

Qualities of a good Investigator:

Objective, open-minded
Diplomatic
Understanding
Knowledgeable: about the law, about animals, about human behavior
Compassionate
Ethical
Physically Fit

How do I become an Animal Cruelty Investigator?
The best Animal Cruelty Investigators are people with a broad range of abilities, from strong communication skills to criminal justice training to professional animal care experience. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, the following activities, classes, and trainings may help you along the way:

Communications classes: both verbal and written communication skills are essential to this type of position.
Criminal Justice courses through your local Community College: learning how the criminal justice system works will help you understand your role as an investigator.
Work at an animal shelter: learning how to care for animals, not just pets, will give you a broader understanding of a variety of animal care issues, diseases, and solutions.
Work in a veterinary clinic: even as a receptionist or animal care technician, working in a vet clinic can give you important skills and knowledge that would help you as an investigator.
Attend formal animal cruelty investigations training: formal training specific to animal cruelty investigations is available in various locations across the United States. Usually offered in one-week segments at a cost of around $500, this training is often required after employment and would give you an advantage in the hiring process.
Pursue any type of law enforcement experience you can find: park ranger, animal control officer, police reserves, sheriff's posse, etc. There are many aspects of these jobs that are similar to the skills and experiences you would apply to being an Animal Cruelty Investigator.

In addition to any local resources you may find in your own community, the following national organizations often sponsor trainings that would be relevant to this career: The National Animal Control Association (NACA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Humane Society University, and the Oregon Animal Control Council (OACC).

Frequently Asked Questions



	investigations back to Investigations How can I become an animal cruelty investigator? An Animal Cruelty Investigator is a person who carefully researches and examines reports about animal welfare concerns to determine if a crime has been committed. Qualities of a good Investigator: Objective, open-minded Diplomatic Understanding Knowledgeable: about the law, about animals, about human behavior Compassionate Ethical Physically Fit How do I become an Animal Cruelty Investigator? The best Animal Cruelty Investigators are people with a broad range of abilities, from strong communication skills to criminal justice training to professional animal care experience. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, the following activities, classes, and trainings may help you along the way: Communications classes: both verbal and written communication skills are essential to this type of position. Criminal Justice courses through your local Community College: learning how the criminal justice system works will help you understand your role as an investigator. Work at an animal shelter: learning how to care for animals, not just pets, will give you a broader understanding of a variety of animal care issues, diseases, and solutions. Work in a veterinary clinic: even as a receptionist or animal care technician, working in a vet clinic can give you important skills and knowledge that would help you as an investigator. Attend formal animal cruelty investigations training: formal training specific to animal cruelty investigations is available in various locations across the United States. Usually offered in one-week segments at a cost of around $500, this training is often required after employment and would give you an advantage in the hiring process. Pursue any type of law enforcement experience you can find: park ranger, animal control officer, police reserves, sheriff's posse, etc. There are many aspects of these jobs that are similar to the skills and experiences you would apply to being an Animal Cruelty Investigator. In addition to any local resources you may find in your own community, the following national organizations often sponsor trainings that would be relevant to this career: The National Animal Control Association (NACA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Humane Society University, and the Oregon Animal Control Council (OACC). Frequently Asked Questions How do I report animal neglect or cruelty? What written resources can I get about animal cruelty? How can I help prevent animal cruelty? Help! I've lost my pet. What do I do? I want to volunteer to be an animal rescuer. Animal Hoarding Fact Sheet Dog Fighting Fact Sheet FAQs about OHS's cruelty investigators Bonsai Kitty web site is a hoax. Home \| Search \| Site Map \| Contact Us \| Shop Online \| Donate Now! Oregon Humane Society \| Email OHS shelter location: 1067 NE Columbia Blvd. mailing address: PO Box 11364, Portland, OR 97211-0364 voice (503) 285-7722, fax (503) 285-0838 hours for viewing: Mon - Sat 10 - 9, Sun 10 - 7 hours for adoptions: Mon - Sat 10 - 8:30, Sun 10 - 6:30 © 2008 Oregon Humane Society \| Privacy Policy