Undercover Investigators: Becoming a Behind-the-Scenes Hero for Animals

Undercover investigators undoubtedly fulfill one of the most crucial roles in the animal rights movement. Paul McCartney has said, "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian"; however, industries that profit from animal suffering operate behind tightly locked doors, making it essential for animal advocates to bravely infiltrate these industries in order to document the behind-the-scenes lives and deaths of the animals being held there. As a result of documentation gathered during groundbreaking undercover investigations, PETA is able to expose the cruel day-to-day realities for animals used for food, clothing, experimentation, and entertainment through the "glass walls" of the television screen.

Since photographic and video documentation do not lie, undercover investigations generate the most compelling evidence of animal suffering possible and thereby demonstrate the necessity of animal rights. For this reason, many of PETA's best-known campaigns and victories for animals have originated as a result of undercover investigations.

While being a stealthy spy for animals may sound glamorous, the job of an undercover investigator is—simply put—grueling. Here are just some of the qualities necessary to perform well in this critical position:

Unshakable work ethic. Investigators essentially work two fulltime jobs, as their days are spent laboring at a job where animals are used and often abused, and their nights are spent reviewing documentation that was gathered on the job (i.e., logging photos and watching video) and generating log notes detailing every aspect of the day's events.
Ability to travel. Investigators must have a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants attitude with regard to undercover assignments and travel. Investigators spend months on end on the road and on location for undercover jobs, which is a clear area of conflict for those who have families, significant others, or animal companions.
Confidentiality. An investigator's ability to remain undercover is the most critical aspect of any investigation, which means that investigators can tell no one that they work for PETA. This factor, coupled with the geographic distance from friends and family, makes the job of an undercover investigator very isolating.
Strong writing skills. Investigators must draft log notes detailing everything that they experience on the job with coherence and accuracy and without editorializing.
Team-player mentality. Investigators must develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers at their undercover jobs. Additionally, investigators work closely with the senior vice president of PETA's Research & Investigations Department and must follow instructions and communicate openly and honestly.
Emotional management skills. Investigators witness immense animal suffering and must find a healthy balance between masking emotions at their undercover jobs and acknowledging and working through those emotions after hours. Investigators cannot share their on-the-job difficulties with friends and family but do have access to former and current investigators who can relate to the emotional hardships of the job and offer advice or simply an understanding ear.
Ability to focus on the big picture. Investigations are intended to document the conditions that the animals would be forced to endure even if PETA were not there. The forceful objections or aggressive actions of a single investigator would probably not do much to help animals—the investigator would merely be fired and thereby unable to continue documenting the lives and deaths of the animals behind the scenes. As a result of investigators' documentation, however, the shocking reality of animal suffering is exposed to the world, campaigns are born, and change is effected for the greatest number of animals possible.
Investigative mind. Investigators must pay close attention to—and retain—details and be proactive in their efforts to document conditions for animals.
Common sense. Investigators must work autonomously, make sound decisions under pressure, and push through inevitable fear and paranoia while constantly operating under a shield of caution.
Familiarity with animal rights issues. Investigators need not be hardcore animal rights activists from the start, but it is essential that they have a general understanding of animal rights issues and theory, as well as policy and legislation affecting animals.

Think you're cut out to be a behind-the-scenes hero for animals? If so, PETA's Research & Investigations Department would love for you to apply for a full-time position as an undercover investigator!

To apply, please submit your résumé and a cover letter describing your experience with animal rights and your interest in the position, as well the skills you possess that would benefit you in this job. If you are interested in applying for the position but need more information, please contact PETA with your questions, and tell us a little bit about yourself.

Want to help but don't think undercover work is for you? Please consider sponsoring our investigations by becoming one of our monthly supporters.

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