Go to Page Section:
- Job Description
- Salary
- U.S. Average Salary: $48,150
- Salary Information by State
- How to Become an Animal Cruelty Investigator: Step-by-Step
- Education
- Licensing and Certification
- Animal Cruelty Investigator Requirements by State
- Job Outlook
- Should You Become an Animal Cruelty Investigator?
- Personal Skills Needed
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do you have to go to school to become an animal cruelty investigator?
- How much money does an animal cruelty investigator make a year?
- What skills do you need to have to be an animal cruelty investigator?
- Are animal cruelty investigators in high demand?
- What kind of education do you need to become an animal cruelty investigator?
Animal cruelty investigators have specialized duties that require comprehensive knowledge of the job requirements, the education, training, and skills that are needed for this career.
People who are animal lovers, pet owners, who operate pet rescue centers, or who have an interest in preventing animal cruelty may make good animal cruelty investigators.
It is not enough to have a desire to protect animals from cruelty and neglect.
Animal cruelty investigators may be required to have a license and to earn a degree.
There are several steps to becoming an animal cruelty investigator.
Following this step-by-step guide gives aspiring animal cruelty investigators the knowledge that they need to pursue this career or advance their current career.
Knowing the salary and the job outlook is also helpful to people who want to consider becoming animal cruelty investigators.
Job Description
Animal cruelty investigators may be known by other titles in some areas.
The people who investigate animal neglect and cruelty in some areas may be the county or local humane society officers.
Knowing the job title for the specific area where they want to work is one important aspect of learning about the job.
One primary duty of animal cruelty investigators is to ensure that animals are treated humanely and that those who commit acts of abuse or neglect are held accountable for their actions.
Some primary duties of animal cruelty investigators include:
- Responding to reports of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect
- Investigating allegations of animal cruelty
- Examining the animals who are allegedly subjects of abuse, neglect, or cruelty
- Collecting physical evidence related to animal cruelty
- Documenting findings after responding to complaints
- Building cases against people who commit acts of animal cruelty or neglect
- Some other duties of animal cruelty investigators include:
- Rescuing animals who are being kept in dangerous or unsanitary conditions
- Conducting interviews with pet owners
- Conducting interviews with witnesses, neighbors, or other people who reported animal cruelty or neglect
- Arresting those who are suspected of animal cruelty
- Working closely with law enforcement agencies and animal welfare organizations
- Testifying at court proceedings
Animal cruelty investigators also engage in follow-up visits after animal cruelty allegations and may provide additional services.
They may also provide public education events related to the proper care of animals and how to report animal cruelty.
Salary
The average annual salary for animal cruelty investigators varies, based on things like education, experience, and job setting.
The location where they work can also affect the salary of animal cruelty investigators.
Different websites also vary on what they indicate is the average salary of animal cruelty investigators.
Comparably indicates that the average annual salary for animal cruelty investigators in the U.S. is $68,740.
Some people who work in this career earn more than $300,000 per year.
Other sites indicate that the average salary for animal cruelty investigators ranges from around $40,000 to nearly $53,000 a year.
U.S. Average Salary: $48,150
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 250 | $36,770 | $17.68 | $49,730 | $26,410 |
| Arizona | 200 | $42,710 | $20.53 | $54,160 | $33,470 |
| Arkansas | 180 | $32,520 | $15.63 | $40,080 | $23,970 |
| California | 1,010 | $62,670 | $30.13 | $83,780 | $44,330 |
| Colorado | 170 | $53,590 | $25.76 | $69,100 | $36,670 |
| Connecticut | 250 | $58,820 | $28.28 | $85,850 | $34,770 |
| Florida | 470 | $43,520 | $20.92 | $54,610 | $31,000 |
| Georgia | 450 | $38,720 | $18.62 | $48,630 | $30,310 |
| Idaho | 70 | $43,510 | $20.92 | $50,430 | $28,370 |
| Illinois | 520 | $40,440 | $19.44 | $61,110 | $29,120 |
| Indiana | 290 | $41,610 | $20.00 | $59,540 | $28,000 |
| Iowa | 180 | $48,550 | $23.34 | $62,370 | $36,400 |
| Kansas | 130 | $42,020 | $20.20 | $56,960 | $31,640 |
| Kentucky | 210 | $37,530 | $18.04 | $48,570 | $28,260 |
| Louisiana | 120 | $35,160 | $16.91 | $57,110 | $25,580 |
| Maine | 100 | $40,080 | $19.27 | $53,050 | $29,280 |
| Maryland | 150 | $50,610 | $24.33 | $70,980 | $35,940 |
| Massachusetts | 330 | $58,980 | $28.36 | $72,900 | $39,700 |
| Michigan | 240 | $43,740 | $21.03 | $55,940 | $30,820 |
| Minnesota | 40 | $47,720 | $22.94 | $70,560 | $27,960 |
| Mississippi | 140 | $33,570 | $16.14 | $43,530 | $23,460 |
| Missouri | 230 | $43,370 | $20.85 | $57,990 | $31,200 |
| Montana | 60 | $43,860 | $21.09 | $51,550 | $33,430 |
| Nebraska | 70 | $44,860 | $21.57 | $54,770 | $33,940 |
| Nevada | 90 | $60,740 | $29.20 | $75,680 | $41,970 |
| New Hampshire | 70 | $47,630 | $22.90 | $63,210 | $33,280 |
| New Jersey | 220 | $50,460 | $24.26 | $71,310 | $35,270 |
| New Mexico | 170 | $37,030 | $17.81 | $46,830 | $30,280 |
| New York | 1,030 | $75,030 | $36.07 | $136,880 | $35,260 |
| North Carolina | 450 | $40,950 | $19.69 | $51,290 | $32,090 |
| Ohio | 250 | $43,400 | $20.87 | $60,070 | $29,710 |
| Oklahoma | 320 | $37,440 | $18.00 | $48,700 | $28,370 |
| Oregon | 50 | $61,520 | $29.58 | $70,450 | $52,710 |
| Pennsylvania | 90 | $53,420 | $25.68 | $67,180 | $43,380 |
| Rhode Island | 70 | $51,680 | $24.85 | $62,190 | $34,930 |
| South Carolina | 150 | $38,370 | $18.45 | $47,860 | $29,030 |
| Tennessee | 270 | $38,000 | $18.27 | $47,670 | $27,650 |
| Texas | 1,330 | $40,870 | $19.65 | $51,060 | $31,200 |
| Utah | 180 | $42,830 | $20.59 | $57,910 | $30,800 |
| Vermont | 60 | $40,730 | $19.58 | $56,570 | $30,670 |
| Virginia | 430 | $48,150 | $23.15 | $65,700 | $33,280 |
| Washington | 210 | $57,930 | $27.85 | $81,540 | $35,880 |
| West Virginia | 100 | $35,280 | $16.96 | $42,000 | $28,660 |
| Wisconsin | 70 | $51,380 | $24.70 | $71,810 | $29,140 |
| Wyoming | 40 | $49,470 | $23.78 | $60,530 | $38,340 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
New York tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $75,030.
These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Control Workers, OCC Code 33-9011, BLS.* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Become an Animal Cruelty Investigator: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Learn About the Career
Learning about the animal cruelty investigator’s career is the first step towards working in this field.
Some job duties vary based on jurisdiction or according to local and state laws.
Some jurisdictions consider animal cruelty investigators to be important law enforcement officers.
Other jurisdictions work with local humane societies to investigate and prosecute crimes that are related to animal cruelty.
A podcast transcript on police training, published on the site Police1, expresses how incidents of animal neglect and cruelty, and even dangerous wildlife, can catch even experienced officers off guard.
Law enforcement officers typically rely on training from the professionals at the Humane Society Law Enforcement Training Center.
The site states that animal-related incidents require specialized training and that getting that training from animal cruelty investigators is important for law enforcement officers.
Step 2: Graduate from High School
Earning a high school diploma or a GED is required of anyone who wants to become an animal cruelty investigator.
Take any classes that are related to the care of animals.
Some high school students may get jobs or volunteer at places that care for animals.
Try to find one that works with abused or neglected animals.
Step 3: Earn a Degree
Some employers may let workers start their careers with only a high school diploma, but it is likely to be just in smaller communities or perhaps in rural areas.
Most employers want job applicants to have an associate’s degree.
Many employers prefer to hire job applicants who have a bachelor’s degree when looking to hire animal cruelty investigators.
Earn a degree in a related area, such as criminal justice, law enforcement, or animal science.
Some schools offer good programs on campus, while others offer online programs.
Madonna University offers an undergraduate “Animal Cruelty Investigation: Certificate of Completion” program.
The school also offers a “Graduate Certificate: Animal Cruelty Investigations” program.
The University of New Haven also offers an online Animal Cruelty Investigation Graduate Certificate program.
Step 4: Gain an Understanding of Animal Welfare Laws
Animal welfare laws may vary somewhat by state or local jurisdiction.
Every state has its laws related to the proper care of animals, neglect, abuse, and cruelty to animals.
Learn the animal welfare laws for the state where you want to work.
The National Animal Care and Control Association accredits programs that are related to animal welfare.
Step 5: Complete a Training Program
Completing a training program provides people who want to become animal cruelty investigators with the specialized skills that they need for this career.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers various comprehensive training programs for professionals who work in several settings.
The training programs are geared towards law enforcement officers, prosecutors, veterinarians, animal shelters, and rescue organizations, in addition to animal cruelty investigators.
The ASPCA and some other organizations offer workshops that help animal cruelty investigators learn more about their careers.
The University of Missouri Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute offers training through its National Animal Cruelty Investigations School.
Step 6: Get Experience Working with Animals
Get a job at a local animal shelter, at a vet clinic or hospital, or any other place that gives you experience working with a variety of animals.
Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or at a rescue organization to gain experience if you cannot find a place that has a paid job opening.
Gaining the experience provides people with the opportunity to network with and learn from people who already work with abused or neglected animals.
Step 7: Apply for Animal Cruelty Investigator Jobs
People who complete the required education and training and who know the laws regarding the care and treatment of animals are ready to start applying for jobs.
Look for entry-level jobs at agencies, organizations, or law enforcement departments.
Be sure to include all required documentation, including proof of education, training, and certifications.
Apply for advanced positions after gaining experience.
Education
Most employers are likely to require that applicants for animal cruelty investigator positions have a bachelor’s degree.
Some people start their careers after earning only an associate’s degree, but many states or counties may require people to have a bachelor’s degree.
Many students complete graduate certificate programs to improve their chances of being hired for the best jobs.
Licensing and Certification
Most states do not require animal cruelty investigators to have a license or certification.
People who want to work in this field need to check the requirements for the state where they want to work.
Although the states may not require a license or a certification, most states have requirements for completing certain education or training.
Ohio requires its humane society agents to complete a minimum of 20 hours of training related to animal cruelty investigations.
Some states are stricter in their requirements.
The North Carolina Legislature requires that the counties appoint one or more people to serve as animal cruelty investigators.
They do not have to have a license, but they do have to take an oath of office.
Animal Cruelty Investigator Requirements by State
Below is a table listing the requirements to become an animal cruelty investigator in all 50 U.S. states:
| State | Education Requirements | Certification / Training | Experience / Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | High school diploma or GED | Law enforcement or animal control training preferred | May require prior law enforcement or animal control experience |
| Alaska | High school diploma | On-the-job training or law enforcement background | Valid driver’s license |
| Arizona | High school diploma; some agencies prefer associate degree | AZPOST certification or similar | Background check, physical fitness |
| Arkansas | High school diploma | Animal control officer training | May require firearm certification |
| California | Varies by county; often associate or bachelor’s degree in related field | CA Penal Code 832 training | May require peace officer status or animal control background |
| Colorado | High school diploma or equivalent | POST certification or animal control academy | Law enforcement or animal welfare experience preferred |
| Connecticut | High school diploma | State-mandated training for cruelty investigators | May be appointed by a humane society |
| Delaware | High school diploma | Animal Control Officer Certification | Background check |
| Florida | High school diploma or GED | FDLE certification for law enforcement; animal control training | Law enforcement or animal care experience preferred |
| Georgia | High school diploma | Basic law enforcement or animal control training | Criminal background check |
| Hawaii | High school diploma | Varies by employer | May require law enforcement certification |
| Idaho | High school diploma | Animal control training preferred | May require POST certification if part of law enforcement |
| Illinois | High school diploma | State-approved humane investigator training | Appointed by Department of Agriculture |
| Indiana | High school diploma | Basic law enforcement or animal control training | Some roles require law enforcement certification |
| Iowa | High school diploma | Animal cruelty investigation training preferred | May need law enforcement credentials |
| Kansas | High school diploma | Law enforcement certification (if applicable) | Animal control background preferred |
| Kentucky | High school diploma | Certification by Kentucky Animal Control Association | Local appointment often required |
| Louisiana | High school diploma or GED | Law enforcement or animal control training | Criminal background check, driver's license |
| Maine | High school diploma | State humane agent training | Appointed by Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry |
| Maryland | High school diploma | Animal cruelty training through MDA or other programs | Appointed as humane officer or police support role |
| Massachusetts | High school diploma | Certified as Special State Police Officer (if needed) | Employed by MSPCA or law enforcement |
| Michigan | High school diploma or equivalent | Animal control officer training | May need approval by county or local authorities |
| Minnesota | High school diploma | Training from state humane society or law enforcement | Often volunteer basis with state support |
| Mississippi | High school diploma | No standard training; varies by jurisdiction | May require law enforcement commission |
| Missouri | High school diploma | Animal cruelty investigation training | Law enforcement experience preferred |
| Montana | High school diploma | Law enforcement academy (if POST certified) | Background check, firearms training |
| Nebraska | High school diploma | Animal control/humane officer certification | May require law enforcement certification |
| Nevada | High school diploma | Law enforcement or animal control certification | May need to be a peace officer |
| New Hampshire | High school diploma | Certified as Animal Control Officer | May be deputized by local law enforcement |
| New Jersey | High school diploma | Humane Law Enforcement Officer training | Appointed by local humane societies or law enforcement |
| New Mexico | High school diploma | Animal control officer training | May require law enforcement or veterinary experience |
| New York | High school diploma | Peace officer or humane law enforcement certification | Employed by SPCA, ASPCA, or local government |
| North Carolina | High school diploma | Animal cruelty investigation course | Employed by local animal control or law enforcement |
| North Dakota | High school diploma | Limited formal requirements | May work under sheriff or local animal control |
| Ohio | High school diploma | Humane agent training approved by Dept. of Agriculture | Must be appointed by county humane society |
| Oklahoma | High school diploma | Law enforcement or animal control training | May require CLEET certification |
| Oregon | High school diploma | Oregon DPSST certification (if peace officer) | Experience in law enforcement or animal care preferred |
| Pennsylvania | High school diploma | Humane Society Police Officer certification | Appointed by court and employed by humane society |
| Rhode Island | High school diploma | Animal control officer certification | Appointed by local jurisdiction |
| South Carolina | High school diploma | Law enforcement training for certified officers | Employed by local sheriff’s office or animal control |
| South Dakota | High school diploma | Minimal formal requirements | May be volunteer or appointed role |
| Tennessee | High school diploma | Training through TACA or law enforcement | Often works through local government or sheriff’s office |
| Texas | High school diploma | Texas Basic ACO Certification | Background check and ongoing CE required |
| Utah | High school diploma | ACO or law enforcement training | May require POST certification |
| Vermont | High school diploma | Certified as humane officer | May be a volunteer position |
| Virginia | High school diploma | Department of Agriculture ACO training | May require law enforcement background |
| Washington | High school diploma | Animal control training; some require POST | Employed by local government or humane society |
| West Virginia | High school diploma | ACO training through state humane society | May be part of law enforcement or volunteer |
| Wisconsin | High school diploma | Humane officer training by DATCP | Certification needed for formal enforcement roles |
| Wyoming | High school diploma | Law enforcement or animal control training | Often part of sheriff’s department |
Note: This information may vary by county or city within each state. Always verify with local agencies for the most accurate requirements.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a separate category for animal cruelty investigators.
They include people who work with animals in the category of animal care workers.
There is a positive job outlook for anyone who works with animals for the next several years.
Several other sites report that there is positive job growth for animal cruelty investigators.
Aspiring animal cruelty investigators can expect to find job openings in various settings and locations.
Should You Become an Animal Cruelty Investigator?
Overall Satisfaction – High
Surveys that measure job satisfaction among animal cruelty investigators do not appear to have been done in recent years.
People who work in this career often report doing so because of the satisfaction of helping animals, performing public service, and having a variety of job duties.
Some other things that attract people to the career include collaborating with animal rights organizations and law enforcement agencies, witnessing the outcomes of their investigations and rescues, and receiving recognition for a job well done.
Average Salary – Medium
The information related to the average salary for animal cruelty investigators varies by source.
Most sites provide an annual salary range of between $40,000 to $55,000.
Some sites indicate that the average salary is more than $100,000 per year, with the opportunity to earn more with experience.
Job Growth Outlook – Medium
More people own pets and animals than in previous years.
Although the increase in animal ownership may sound nice, it also opens doors to potential animal abuse or neglect.
The positive job outlook for animal cruelty investigators for the next few years will help aspiring professionals in this field find a job at the location or agency where they want to work.
Expect average job growth for several years in this career.
Education Duration – 2 to 4 Years
People who want to become animal cruelty investigators are likely to be pleased to learn that they do not have to spend many years earning advanced degrees, certifications, or licensure.
Most employers are likely to hire people who have a bachelor’s degree over those who only have a high school diploma or an undergraduate certificate.
Personal Skills Needed
Animal cruelty investigators need to have several personal skills in addition to their other skills and qualifications for their career.
Some examples of the personal skills that are needed include:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Interviewing skills
- Observational skills
- Being detail-oriented
- Networking skills
- Being a team player
- Enjoying being around and working with animals
- Public Speaking Skills
- Time Management Skills
- Ability to work in stressful situations and environments
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become an animal cruelty investigator?
Many states do not indicate that animal cruelty investigators must have a certain level of education.
Yet, they indicate that they must complete a certain number of training hours.
Employers are likely to want animal cruelty investigators to have earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, animal science, or a related field.
Students should take courses in other related areas in addition to the requirements for their major.
The states that require training for animal cruelty investigators increase the time that students spend in school.
Some states require 20 hours of training or education courses, while other states may require earning a certification or a training certificate.
How much money does an animal cruelty investigator make a year?
The salary that animal cruelty investigators earn depends on several things.
People who have more education and training are likely to earn a higher salary, compared to someone who does not have a degree, certificate, or certification in the field.
The experience that animal cruelty investigators have affects their salary.
Those individuals who have more experience are likely to earn more money than someone just starting their first job.
Specializing in a particular area can increase earnings.
Aim to advance to supervisor positions, senior investigators, or a position that involves legislative advocacy regarding animal protection law.
What skills do you need to have to be an animal cruelty investigator?
People who want to become animal cruelty investigators need skills and knowledge that they get through education and training, as well as personal skills that are needed for their career.
Animal cruelty investigators need to understand animal welfare laws and regulations that relate to the mistreatment of animals.
They need to know this information about the state or county where they plan to work, if it is different from where they live now.
Investigation skills, communication skills, networking skills, and being detail-oriented are all requirements for the job.
Animal cruelty investigators need to know how to examine animals for signs of neglect and abuse, how to collect evidence, and how to build a case against people who commit acts of abuse or neglect.
They also need good time management skills and to enjoy working with various animals.
Are animal cruelty investigators in high demand?
Animal cruelty investigators are in high demand across the U.S.
They perform many duties that safeguard the health and well-being of animals and intervene when animals are abused or neglected.
Animal cruelty workers are trained in conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, removing neglected and abused animals, and arresting people who commit these acts.
They also sometimes provide expert testimony when cases related to the neglect or abuse of animals go to court.
What kind of education do you need to become an animal cruelty investigator?
People who want to become animal cruelty investigators do not need to spend many years in school.
Earning an undergraduate degree is the preferred education level for most employers who hire animal cruelty investigators.
Keep in mind that earning a graduate certificate or completing workshops may also increase the likelihood of being hired by employers.
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