Do you want to know how to become an ASPCA Officer because you love animals and feel they deserve the utmost care and love and protection? Maybe you are in a related field and think your talents would be best suited for this line of work. Or maybe you'd like a career change and want to use your love of animals in your community. Whatever your reason, if you know how to become an ASPCA officer, you're chances of landing the job will increase.
What is an ASPCA Officer?
ASPCA stands for American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and it's their job to investigate complaints of animal abuse and suspicious of mistreating. An ASPCA officer has legal authority to arrest the offending person if there is evidence the animal is being mistreated.
As of this writing, New York is the only state you can get a job as an officer with the ASPCA because New York is the sole state that has a Humane Law Enforcement Division. The Division operates mainly within New York City, but can enforce humane laws throughout the state of New York.
Duties ASPCA officers are required to perform include writing detailed reports of complaints and investigations, interviewing potential suspects and witnesses, and even giving statements in a court room. At times, they may aso give speeches or teach children and other members of the community about stopping cruelty to animals.
Job Requirements
In order to be considered for employment as an ASPCA officer you need to be at least 21 years old, have at a high school diploma, be a legal citizen of the United States, a resident of New York, and have a current and valid driver's license issued by New York. You must also be able to pass a background check.
If you become an ASPCA Officer, you need to pass the New York State Peace Officer test and ultimately be able to obtain a license to carry firearms. Even though you may have an extreme love of animals, you will be required to take animal care and basic law enforcement classes. If you have a natural investigative skill set, then that is already a plus in your favor. Computer skills are also necessary.
How to Become an ASPCA Officer
So do you think you are ready to become an ASPCA Officer? Your first stop should be the job page as the ASPCA. Many of the jobs are administrative or other non-officer jobs, but don't be discouraged. Check daily because while you may not find the ASPCA Officer job, you might be just as happy working as a Dispatcher or as part of the Accounting department, especially if you have a background in Finance. Since you want to know how to become an ASPCA Officer, you are probably looking for that type of position.
If a specific Officer job isn't listed, you can try a different approach to at least get your resume and intentions to the ASPCA. Find a job that is listed under the Anti-Cruelty Division and fill out the appropriate fields. In your cover letter, state the job you wish to obtain, in this case an ASPCA Officer, and make sure to tell them to keep your cover letter and resume and file when and if this position becomes available. Paste your resume into the form and highlight any skills related to law enforcement.
New York is so Far Away
What if you live in Nevada, but still have the desire to become an ASPCA Officer? Besides moving to New York, check with your local government body-like the Chamber of Commerce-and see what similar options may be available in your area. While your local town or city may not have official ASPCA Officer jobs, there should be some form of anti-cruelty department you can apply to. Then, if you ever decide to move to New York, you'll have some experience to share on your job application to the ASPCA!
