A dogcatcher or animal control officer is a civil employee who is responsible for handling reports of loose animals in his or her community. The term “dogcatcher” is generally thought of as pejorative by people in this profession, who prefer “animal control officer,” since it suggests that the position has a much greater scope than just catching loose dogs. A large municipality will have a full-time dogcatcher, while smaller towns may rely on members of the police force to perform this important task.

Many people recognize a dogcatcher by his or her characteristic van. A dogcatcher usually drives a truck with several built in cages for the animals he or she picks up. In addition, the truck is used to carry an assortment of necessary supplies such as food, water, leashes, blankets, basic first aid tools, and tranquilizer guns. In some areas, an animal control officer is also authorized to destroy dangerous animals, and he or she may carry a shotgun for handling animals which are too dangerous to approach, such as dogs with rabies.