ASPCA careers are appealing options for people who love animals. The nonprofit organization has its headquarters in New York City but those looking for careers in other areas may benefit from exploring the ASPCA.
What Is the ASPCA?
The ASPCA is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a humane society founded by Henry Bergh founded in 1866. Bergh believed that animals should be treated humanely and they have a right to be protected by law. The animal welfare organization has a strong anti-cruelty mission that has garnered the support of millions of people in the United States. The organization has three areas of focus:
- Pet care and caretaker support
- Helping at-risk animals
- Helping victims of animal cruelty
Many services arise out of the needs of the three respective areas and employment opportunities for people interested in working with animals have been developed. ASPCA jobs offer a wide variety of options including hands-on services and animal advocacy.
ASPCA Careers
ASPCA careers can be very rewarding and the nonprofit organization has both part-time and full-time positions for qualified candidates. The organization offers the following benefits to full-time employees:
- Dental insurance
- Medical insurance
- Vision insurance
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Training seminars
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k)
- Transit checks
Employees have company holiday, personal, vacation and sick time. ASPCA careers range from traditional animal careers such as veterinarians to nontraditional positions such as Animal Behaviorist.
Humane Law Enforcement Division
Among the most recognizable ASPCA careers is in its Humane Law Enforcement Division (HLE). This division has caught the attention of television viewers who watch the Animal Planet's Animal Precinct, which aired from 2001 to 2008. The position of HLE Officer is a popular choice and the ASPCA occasionally has openings for the position of HLC Agent. Qualified candidates should:
- Live in the state of New York
- Be eligible for New York State Peace Officer certification
The position does not require any specific education degrees but taking classes in animal sciences and criminology is extremely helpful. Prior experience in one or more of the following make candidates stand out:
- Park ranger
- Peace officer
- Police officer
The Humane Law Enforcement Division is part of the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty Group.
Anti-Cruelty Group
The ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group is dedicated to the organization's mission of stopping and preventing animal cruelty. In addition to the Humane Law Enforcement Division, the ASPCA has:
- Field Services is an educational effort that provides training and resources for prosecuting crimes against animals. Veterinary forensics is a specialty of this division.
- Government Relations is a department that works to establish public policies against cruel treatment of animals. Staff members in this division work with legislators and they are active in advocacy and litigation.
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach branch of the ASPCA has many programs that employ a number of different professionals in the field of animal care.
- Veterinarians
- Animal behaviorists
- Animal care technicians
- Animal welfare
- Animal adoption
- Humane educators
- Dog trainers
Employees may work in the organization's adoption centers or mobile adoption centers. They may also work in other ASPCA Community Outreach programs.
Animal Health Services
The Animal Health Services branch of the ASPCA includes services to promote animals' physical and mental health. Programs include:
- Veterinary Outreach
- Animal Poison Control Center
- Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital
- Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic Outreach
- Animal Behavior Center (located in Urbana, Illinois)
- Pet Loss Hotline
Find specific ASPCA jobs in New York City and Urbana, Illinois on the organization's website. Those looking for work in other regions can still find guidance through the ASPCA.
Animal Welfare Jobs
The ASPCA has an extensive list of animal shelters across the United States. Visitors can explore employment options in their states by finding local shelters. In addition, the National Animal Control Association is a great resource for people who are interested in humane law enforcement.
Explore other animal-related careers:
ASPCA careers can be a great source of inspiration, even for candidates who are not in close proximity to the organization's headquarters and branches. Local shelters, zoos and other animal-centered agencies offer employment. Employees can always support the nonprofit organization by becoming ASPCA Guardians.
