In 2006 I was 20 years old, unemployed, and looking for a job. I did not have much working experience at that point, just cashier and stocker type positions, so I was kind of limited in what I could find. One afternoon my father called me to tell me about an Animal Control Officer position that was entry level in the County he worked for. I submitted an application on a long shot, and have turned it into a rewarding career.
I am still an Animal Control Officer today, and I now have many years of experience under my belt. There is so much about my job that keeps me here, and I enjoy so much of it.
I think the number one thing any Animal Control Officer loves about their job is helping animals. My number one priority is helping people with and protecting them from animals, but helping animals in trouble is by far the most rewarding. Animals do not have a voice to speak for themselves, they cannot ask for help, and are unable to help themselves in some circumstances.
That’s where I come in, I am the voice for these animals, and I know what they need and what is right for them. I can take sick or injured animals to the veterinarian, I make sure stray animals get home, and I protect animals from people who may be harming them.
There is no better feeling than being able to help the helpless and that is what I do every day.
Even though helping animals is my number one favorite part of being an Animal Control Officer, I still rank helping people second on my list. Sometimes I am the hero that saves someone’s animal from harm, sometimes I am the shoulder to cry on during a tough decision, or even the voice of reason that someone needed to put them on the right path.
Some of my most profound memories as an Animal Control Officer are from some of the natural disasters I have worked. My department sets up evacuation shelters for animals so evacuees can still be close to their cherished pets. I have also traveled into raging fires with the fire department to rescue animals from the flames. When the other agencies were shorthanded I have traveled door to door in fire areas to make sure the people inside are ok, and get them aid if needed.
My job is extremely engaging; I get to travel all day long, talk to all sorts of people, see sights that others would never see, and help. That is basically it, I help, it may not seem like it to everyone, but I am there to help you, your neighbors, and your animals. It is 2012 and I am now 26 years old, have a great career, and love being an Animal Control Officer.
