How to Become an Animal Cruelty Investigator: Requirements, Training, and Salary

Sad, hungry, thin and lonely dog in chain sitting outside dog house. Concept of animal abuse

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: $49240

$32.9KK
$36.2KK
$49.2KK
$54.2KK
$59.6KK
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%

Salary Information by State

State Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Alabama270$39,430$18.96$54,250$28,430
Alaska40$59,960$28.83$73,150$45,630
Arizona190$46,410$22.31$57,730$35,550
Arkansas210$34,270$16.48$44,200$24,300
California1,280$63,690$30.62$79,980$46,730
Connecticut200$60,120$28.91$83,720$36,610
Florida480$48,700$23.41$63,060$35,730
Georgia450$40,150$19.30$51,170$30,480
Idaho60$42,330$20.35$54,670$31,200
Illinois370$48,730$23.43$74,090$30,460
Indiana290$45,630$21.94$63,360$31,610
Iowa130$48,470$23.30$66,070$25,980
Kansas120$44,430$21.36$60,220$34,220
Kentucky240$35,520$17.08$49,010$22,880
Louisiana90$42,420$20.39$68,660$28,370
Maine130$45,860$22.05$57,460$32,180
Maryland160$56,000$26.92$82,410$39,480
Massachusetts310$60,470$29.07$77,940$41,370
Michigan260$48,050$23.10$60,910$36,490
Mississippi130$35,700$17.16$46,410$25,280
Missouri320$45,380$21.82$59,710$31,930
Montana60$46,240$22.23$56,560$35,500
Nevada80$61,230$29.44$77,330$41,810
New Hampshire60$51,390$24.71$65,400$35,830
New Jersey260$52,540$25.26$74,030$37,470
New Mexico270$38,550$18.54$46,250$31,420
New York930$61,190$29.42$99,250$35,390
North Carolina450$43,670$21.00$54,330$34,200
Ohio290$45,360$21.81$60,420$32,030
Oklahoma370$37,050$17.81$50,200$24,060
Oregon40$67,190$32.30$81,710$57,810
Pennsylvania110$54,360$26.13$69,460$46,800
Rhode Island70$54,610$26.26$65,860$38,060
South Carolina160$40,040$19.25$49,390$24,300
South Dakota40$52,140$25.07$62,230$39,590
Tennessee280$42,440$20.41$50,630$32,960
Texas1,380$43,240$20.79$55,380$33,510
Utah180$46,970$22.58$62,380$35,060
Vermont30$41,190$19.81$57,080$31,370
Virginia360$49,860$23.97$62,270$36,950
Washington190$64,130$30.83$86,370$41,610
West Virginia80$36,430$17.51$43,900$29,320
Wisconsin50$49,470$23.79$74,900$28,080
Wyoming40$51,370$24.70$60,840$40,870

Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States

Oregon tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $67,190.

These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:

Oregon - $67,190
Washington - $64,130
California - $63,690
Nevada - $61,230
New York - $61,190
Massachusetts - $60,470
Connecticut - $60,120
Alaska - $59,960
Maryland - $56,000
Rhode Island - $54,610
* Salary information based on the May 2024 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:

StateEducation RequirementsCertification / TrainingExperience / Other Requirements
AlabamaHigh school diploma or GEDLaw enforcement or animal control training preferredMay require prior law enforcement or animal control experience
AlaskaHigh school diplomaOn-the-job training or law enforcement backgroundValid driver’s license
ArizonaHigh school diploma; some agencies prefer associate degreeAZPOST certification or similarBackground check, physical fitness
ArkansasHigh school diplomaAnimal control officer trainingMay require firearm certification
CaliforniaVaries by county; often associate or bachelor’s degree in related fieldCA Penal Code 832 trainingMay require peace officer status or animal control background
ColoradoHigh school diploma or equivalentPOST certification or animal control academyLaw enforcement or animal welfare experience preferred
ConnecticutHigh school diplomaState-mandated training for cruelty investigatorsMay be appointed by a humane society
DelawareHigh school diplomaAnimal Control Officer CertificationBackground check
FloridaHigh school diploma or GEDFDLE certification for law enforcement; animal control trainingLaw enforcement or animal care experience preferred
GeorgiaHigh school diplomaBasic law enforcement or animal control trainingCriminal background check
HawaiiHigh school diplomaVaries by employerMay require law enforcement certification
IdahoHigh school diplomaAnimal control training preferredMay require POST certification if part of law enforcement
IllinoisHigh school diplomaState-approved humane investigator trainingAppointed by Department of Agriculture
IndianaHigh school diplomaBasic law enforcement or animal control trainingSome roles require law enforcement certification
IowaHigh school diplomaAnimal cruelty investigation training preferredMay need law enforcement credentials
KansasHigh school diplomaLaw enforcement certification (if applicable)Animal control background preferred
KentuckyHigh school diplomaCertification by Kentucky Animal Control AssociationLocal appointment often required
LouisianaHigh school diploma or GEDLaw enforcement or animal control trainingCriminal background check, driver's license
MaineHigh school diplomaState humane agent trainingAppointed by Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
MarylandHigh school diplomaAnimal cruelty training through MDA or other programsAppointed as humane officer or police support role
MassachusettsHigh school diplomaCertified as Special State Police Officer (if needed)Employed by MSPCA or law enforcement
MichiganHigh school diploma or equivalentAnimal control officer trainingMay need approval by county or local authorities
MinnesotaHigh school diplomaTraining from state humane society or law enforcementOften volunteer basis with state support
MississippiHigh school diplomaNo standard training; varies by jurisdictionMay require law enforcement commission
MissouriHigh school diplomaAnimal cruelty investigation trainingLaw enforcement experience preferred
MontanaHigh school diplomaLaw enforcement academy (if POST certified)Background check, firearms training
NebraskaHigh school diplomaAnimal control/humane officer certificationMay require law enforcement certification
NevadaHigh school diplomaLaw enforcement or animal control certificationMay need to be a peace officer
New HampshireHigh school diplomaCertified as Animal Control OfficerMay be deputized by local law enforcement
New JerseyHigh school diplomaHumane Law Enforcement Officer trainingAppointed by local humane societies or law enforcement
New MexicoHigh school diplomaAnimal control officer trainingMay require law enforcement or veterinary experience
New YorkHigh school diplomaPeace officer or humane law enforcement certificationEmployed by SPCA, ASPCA, or local government
North CarolinaHigh school diplomaAnimal cruelty investigation courseEmployed by local animal control or law enforcement
North DakotaHigh school diplomaLimited formal requirementsMay work under sheriff or local animal control
OhioHigh school diplomaHumane agent training approved by Dept. of AgricultureMust be appointed by county humane society
OklahomaHigh school diplomaLaw enforcement or animal control trainingMay require CLEET certification
OregonHigh school diplomaOregon DPSST certification (if peace officer)Experience in law enforcement or animal care preferred
PennsylvaniaHigh school diplomaHumane Society Police Officer certificationAppointed by court and employed by humane society
Rhode IslandHigh school diplomaAnimal control officer certificationAppointed by local jurisdiction
South CarolinaHigh school diplomaLaw enforcement training for certified officersEmployed by local sheriff’s office or animal control
South DakotaHigh school diplomaMinimal formal requirementsMay be volunteer or appointed role
TennesseeHigh school diplomaTraining through TACA or law enforcementOften works through local government or sheriff’s office
TexasHigh school diplomaTexas Basic ACO CertificationBackground check and ongoing CE required
UtahHigh school diplomaACO or law enforcement trainingMay require POST certification
VermontHigh school diplomaCertified as humane officerMay be a volunteer position
VirginiaHigh school diplomaDepartment of Agriculture ACO trainingMay require law enforcement background
WashingtonHigh school diplomaAnimal control training; some require POSTEmployed by local government or humane society
West VirginiaHigh school diplomaACO training through state humane societyMay be part of law enforcement or volunteer
WisconsinHigh school diplomaHumane officer training by DATCPCertification needed for formal enforcement roles
WyomingHigh school diplomaLaw enforcement or animal control trainingOften 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.

Chelsea Wilson
Chelsea Wilson is the Community Relations Manager for Washington University School of Law’s distance learning LLM degree program, which provides foreign trained attorneys with the opportunity to earn a Master of Laws degree from a top-tier American university from anywhere in the world.

Leave a Reply

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only.