Animal Control

Most municipalities have a section of public health services that are devoted entirely to animal control. These animal control officers oversee the management of animal care and control in order to protect public health from threats such as dangerous or sick dogs. They often are charged with catching stray dogs and returning them to their owners or to the pound if they cannot be located.

Most of the training of animal control officers is done on the job, but the National Animal Control Association holds classes around the country in order to educate personnel on the latest animal control techniques.

These servants of the public are no longer simple "dog catchers" but rather specialized animal control officers who also educate people on how to manage and care for their dogs. Other aspects of their duties include removing dogs from dangerous or potentially damaging situations as well as removing dead animals from public places. Many animal care and control offices work in conjunction with Health Departments when these animals cause injury or harm to humans.

Animal control officers are often one of the professionals called to the scene of a dog attack. They help organize the situation and can prevent further harm to the victims and even to the animal in question, as regular law enforcement officers often lack the training and equipment to adequately deal with these conditions. Animal care and control officers are also responsible for transporting the dog in question to a holding facility if they have injured a person or other animal.