Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts

Certification Course for Massachusetts Animal Control Officers

This course is provided by the Animal Control Officers’ Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM) with the support of the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Massachusetts Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Humane Society Of the United States, and numerous individual ACOs and others who give their resources, time and expertise to this course.

The ACOAM Certification Course has grown since 1987 into the most thorough, well - rounded program of its kind available in this region, and one of the finest Animal Control education programs in the country. This is an intensive course designed to pack as much vital information as possible into a limited time. Subjects taught in this course include Equipment Handling, Animal Capture Techniques and Strategies, Livestock and Exotic Animal Handling, Wildlife Issues, Dog Bite Prevention, Animal Health Inspector Duties, Rabies Protocol, Conducting Selectmen’s Hearings, Record Keeping and Report Writing, Courtroom Procedures, Crime Scene Investigations, 4th Amendment & Exceptions to the Warrant, Cruelty Statutes and Investigating Cruelty Complaints, O.C. Spray certification plus much more.

The Certification Course for Animal Control Officers in Massachusetts begins in March. The course totals 80 hours over ten weeks, on Thursday of each week from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cost of $300.00 includes the NACA Training Guide, capstun certification, numerous informative handouts for future reference, and one year’s membership in ACOAM and NACA (National Animal Control Association). Current members of ACOAM who attend will have their membership extended by a year. A polo style ACO shirt will be provided for each student on the first day of class and will be worn by all students during class. A group graduation picture will be taken. The cost for each 8 x 10 picture is $10.00.

In order to keep the limited class space available to those who will benefit the most, applicants who are currently employed by a city or town in Massachusetts, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, or the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be given priority.

Complete the application form and return before March 1. Full payment for the course is expected on or before the first day of class. Some scholarships are available, see attached applications.

Download Application

If you have questions please call Cheryl Rudolph at crudolph1@aol.com  or by phone at 508-922-3610