Become a Humane Society Police Officer

In Pennsylvania, Humane Societies and SPCAs have the authority to employ Humane Society Police Officers who are trained and court appointed to enforce the Animal Cruelty Laws.

The training program is offered once a year in the spring and is divided into two parts; each part is four days long and culminates with a written test. Part one of the training program covers animal cruelty laws and is generally given in Harrisburg. Part two, which covers agricultural practices and animal husbandry, is given at Penn State. Tuition for each part costs $450, plus the costs for lodging, meals, etc. For more information go to http://www.humaneinpa.org.

The training is not restricted to people who are already employed by a Humane Society or SPCA, but those who take the training on their own may never find employment as a Humane Police Officer. An applicant must work for a Humane Society or another similar animal welfare organization before they can become a Humane Police Officer.