Animal Welfare Inspector

Animal Welfare Inspectors perform a vital function of monitoring and reporting animal health, treatment, and usage. Their careful investigation powers the decisions that keep animals in captivity safe, healthy, and protected, and ensure that we all may enjoy and benefit from animal life in ways that are sustainable and responsible. Some of the responsibilities of an Animal Welfare Inspector include ensuring that animals are free from distress—whether due to pain, disease, or environment, that all animals are properly fed and watered, and visited by a veterinarian annually, and that animals are not subject to improper confinement. Some of the industries that Animal Welfare Inspectors regulate are zoos, aquariums, research facilities, and all agricultural businesses.

Education and Skills

Many Animal Welfare Inspectors hold a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences, Veterinary Science, or Biology. Others may hold an associate’s degree in animal care, or may enter the field after working in animal care or other related fields. Strong candidates will have practical experience observing and understanding animal behavior, and will feel comfortable interacting with animals. They will also require excellent written and verbal communication skills, and must be comfortable working independently. Some Animal Welfare Inspectors achieve certification from Elanco, based in Indianapolis, and must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act—legislation initially passed in 1966.

Career Growth

Inspectors may take on positions of increasing responsibility, and can advance to leadership roles in teams of inspectors. Many simply prefer to do their work, and may investigate animal welfare concerns for many years, even as their skill and expertise grow. Animal Welfare Inspectors may also leverage their experience to switch to related careers in animal care, to become trained animal behaviorists, or perform other animal-related work.

Day-To-Day Work

Inspectors work at facilities all over the country, and have the opportunity to work with farm animals, companion animals, and wildlife. Their work typically involves visiting facilities, interviewing caretakers, inspecting animals for signs of distress, and assessing living areas to ensure that they are safe, sanitary, and appropriate for the animals’ well-being. Inspectors may also need to review records and paperwork to ensure that all animals are compliant with applicable guidelines. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and requires inspectors to be able to work in all types of weather, facilities, and sometimes dangerous conditions.

Challenges

Inspectors witness situations that can be heartbreaking and emotionally taxing. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and requires traveling and working in all types of weather, facilities, and sometimes dangerous conditions. Some inspectors may also have to interact with defensive or hostile caretakers or owners, and may be exposed to allergens and disease. It is vital that inspectors are able to remain composed and professional in the face of adversity.

Projects

Animal Welfare Inspectors often lead conversations with animal care professionals, working together with them to improve the lives and living conditions of animals. They may also lead individual projects that result in policy changes or facilitate specific improvements to animal care. Because inspectors are experts in their field, they may also be responsible for creating and updating policies, and recommending improvements to existing regulations.

Personal Growth

Becoming an Animal Welfare Inspector is a powerful step toward supporting a cause that is bigger than oneself, helping to ensure the protection of vulnerable creatures. The training and experience gained through this work can also lead to other animal-related and policy-minded professions, such as environmental advocacy and wildlife biology.

Suitability

People who excel in the role of Animal Welfare Inspector typically have deep compassion for animals, humanity, and the environment, combined with a passion for justice and social work. They are comfortable with the demands of the job, and are able to carry out their duties with the utmost respect for human and animal life. They will excel at this career if they are detail-oriented, objective, and have excellent communication skills. Inspectors must also be able to work independently, and to travel and work in a variety of sometimes challenging conditions.

Online Courses

Online courses can provide up-to-date, relevant training for this growing career, teaching you about many types of animal care, the legal requirements for animal welfare in various industries, how to inspect animals for signs of distress, and the criteria for safe and sanitary living conditions. Courses also teach about the contributions of animal science and other fields to veterinary medicine and agricultural practices, as well as the many fields in which an Animal Welfare Inspector may specialize.

Taking online courses can prepare you to enter this career by providing you with basic knowledge of animal care, and by familiarizing you with the various duties and challenges that inspectors face. While completing online courses is not in itself enough to guarantee your success in this field, it’s an excellent way to complement your education and experience, and set yourself apart as a highly qualified candidate. It’s important to remember that Animal Welfare Inspectors require real-world experience and may need to obtain specific certifications, and candidates should be prepared to network with professionals in the field and obtain hands-on experience.