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What does it take to be a BC SPCA Animal Protection Officer?

It takes a lot more than loving animals to be a BC SPCA Animal Protection Officer. All of our investigators have lots of training in understanding animal welfare and animal behaviour. But one more thing sets them apart: they are also Special Provincial Constables (SPCs). 

Only SPCs can enforce cruelty laws. SPCs are sworn in under the Police Act making them a special type of police officer. An SPC can enforce provincial laws, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and federal cruelty to animals laws.

Skills and Education
To be an Animal Protection Officer, you must have the following qualifications:

- Minimum grade 12 education
- Post-secondary education (preferred), this means a College Diploma or University degree
- Must be a Special Provincial Constable
- Must complete with a high passing grade the BC SPCA Animal Protection Officer Examination
- Require the completion of a minimum of 6 Justice  Institute Courses (the Justice Institute is where police officers are trained). Examples include:
   - Introduction to investigative skills and processes;
   - Investigative interviewing;
   - Report writing;
   - Application and execution of search warrants (so that animals can be seized);
   - Incident scene documentation;
   - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
   - Forensic photography
- Complete the BC SPCA Euthanasia course so that, if necessary, you can humanely euthanize a suffering animal when no veterinarian can attend the scene (such as a car accident or in remote country)
- A valid BC driver's license, "G" class
- A continuous clear criminal record
- A demonstrated knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations regarding animals, animal welfare and related activities
- A demonstrated knowledge of animals, their breeds, characteristics and more common diseases
- Superior communication and organizational skills

Experience
You need lots of experience working and handling all sorts of animals: farm animals, pets and even wildlife. In fact, many of our Animal Protection Officers begin by working at shelters building more and more experience working with all sorts of animals and taking courses in the evenings and on weekends. Some of our officers have come from policing backgrounds and dedicate their lives to helping animals.

Regardless of the route you take, the one very important quality of an Animal Protection Officer is a concern for animals and their welfare and the ability to share these values with others. After all, most of the work an Animal Protection Officer does is to educate others in the appropriate care of animals.