A dog catcher, or animal control officer, is responsible for handling loose animals and responding to reports of sick or rabid animals. They prefer to be called animal control officers and may carry supplies and tranquilizer guns. To become one, a test and education may be required. The job requires skill, compassion, and physical fitness, and can be emotionally demanding.
A dog catcher or animal control officer is a government employee responsible for handling reports of loose animals in his or her community. The term “dog catcher” is generally viewed as pejorative by people in this profession, who prefer “animal control officer,” as it suggests that the position has a much broader scope than simply catching mavericks. A large municipality will have a full-time dog catcher, while smaller cities may rely on members of the police force to carry out this important job.
Mavericks, in particular, are considered a social menace because they can be dangerous or carry disease. As a result, the dog catcher profession is actually quite ancient; people have filled some form of the position since at least the 1600s. A dog catcher will also respond to reports of sick or rabid animals or any species, and will generally assist with other animal-related issues, such as loose livestock.
Most people recognize a dog catcher by his distinctive van. A dog catcher usually drives a truck with several built-in cages for the animals he collects. Additionally, the truck is used to carry an assortment of needed supplies such as food, water, leashes, blankets, basic first aid tools, and tranquilizer guns. In some areas, an animal control officer is also licensed to destroy dangerous animals and may carry a shotgun to handle animals too dangerous to approach, such as rabies dogs.
Typically, to become an animal control officer, someone must take a test administered by the municipality where they live. In some areas, an animal control officer must also have some education and training so that they understand how to handle animals. Many dog catchers are very fond of animals and work in animal care and animal control to ensure that the animals in their community receive the best care possible. Once qualified, a dog catcher can work in the field or at an animal shelter, processing captured and delivered animals.
Being a dog catcher is hard work. It requires skill and compassion, as animals handled by a dog catcher are often fearful and distressed, which can cause unusual behavior. A dog catcher is generally physically fit, so they can chase and handle large animals. It can also be emotionally demanding to work in the animal control profession, as many unwanted animals are severely mistreated and being a dog catcher often exposes one to the worst side of humanity and animals alike.
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