Animal control officers
help protect people and animals from dangerous situations.
In San Diego, animal control officers work as non-sworn peace officers, part of the Department of Animal Services. The position follows through on arrests and warrants issued for harming animals and tranquilizing and removing others that could be a danger to humans. Animal control officers do not work in animal shelters directly, but alongside animal attendants who do care for the animals directly. Upon completing the proper coursework, and obtaining certification and licensure, your application to become an animal control officer in San Diego will receive serious consideration.
Instructions
1. Acquire 30 semester units from an accredited college or university. Twelve units must be related to animal control, law enforcement or criminal justice. In lieu of this, an applicant may have 12 months of relevant experience in a veterinary clinic, kennel facility or animal hospital; 12 months as an animal control officer for a humane society; or 12 months as an Animal Care Attendant for San Diego County. The latter options all must have been within the last three years.
2. Complete a certified California Penal Code 832 course that includes training in arrests and firearms.
3. Obtain a firearms proficiency certificate to use a tranquilizer gun.
4. Obtain a Class C driver's license from the state of California. You will be expected to drive a radio-dispatched animal control vehicle. You may be able to use a personal vehicle if it matches the requirements for an animal control vehicle.
5. Fill out the online application. San Diego County only accepts online applications. If open positions are available, you will see a link to the application at the top of the job listing. If there are no open positions, you will instead see a link to email you when a position becomes available.
Tags: animal control, control officers, animal control, Animal control officers, animal control vehicle, control officer