Continued Education & Resources
Below are resources for Training Opportunities and local Groups who may be able to assist you during your career as an ACO!
CT Animal Control Academy
All CT ACOs must complete the CT Department of Agriculture 96 hours ACO Academy.
The academy is held once a year, usually September, in Hartford, CT.
To become an ACO in CT, you must first be hired and appointed as one within CT. You will then need to create an account on Elicense with your Hire Date and Official Appointment Letter. You will receive a probationary certificate until you complete and pass the Academy.
All CT ACOs are required to submit 6 CEUs every year to hold an Active Certification
The National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) was formed in 1978 to provide resources, standardized training, and support for animal care and control professionals across the United States.
The Animal Control & Care Academy provides quality, affordable courses that have been highly rated by Animal Control workers. ACCA plays a vital role in the education and development of ACO's, administrators, shelter workers and staff, helping them to maintain and enhance the skills they need to serve citizens and protect animals. ACCA offers a variety of basic, advanced and specialized Animal Control-related training classes.
Animal Care & Control Academy
Animal Welfare University is a free training hosted by the Connecticut Humane Society for Animal Control Officers (ACOs), human service providers and first responders.
Keep an eye out on our Upcoming Trainings Page
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Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society Unites States) provides training and online resources for Animal Control Officers and Shelter Workers.
Click their logo to check out what they can offer!
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ASPCApro provides training, research and resources to help animal welfare professionals save more lives. Training may include animal shelter, behavior, and veterinary care.
ASPCA also provides grant opportunities.
Click the logo to access their website
Maddie's offers free, self-paced courses, instructor-led courses, on-demand presentations and live presentations. All courses and presentations are all approved by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) for continuing education. Click the logo to access their website
Code 3 Associates offers a diverse and informative set of animal welfare academies and courses focused on animal cruelty training for investigators and certified animal rescue classes. They also offer the Essential Animal Services Training (EAST), Equine Investigations Academy (EIA) and continued education virtual series in partnership with Colorado State University
Click their logo to access their website
Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates awarded CMACOA Volunteer of the Year in 2024
Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is a group of volunteer citizens who work together to better the lives of animals.
In addition to tracking animal cruelty cases, notifying approved advocates of cases, attending courts throughout Connecticut, and educating the public on the connection between animal cruelty, domestic and social violence, or other predatory acts, Desmond's Army also:
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Provide municipalities with funding for necropsies or DNA results that will aid in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases
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Help pay medical expenses for victims of animal cruelty when there is an open investigation.
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Provide reward funds for information leading to the positive identification of a person(s) responsible for abandonment/cruelty to an animal(s).
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Pay the first month's boarding costs for pets of domestic violence victims entering a licensed safe facility.
CT Dog Gone Recovery
CT Dog Gone Recovery Volunteers has a variety of Services that they offer to help you locate lost dogs.
Volunteers work closely with local ACOs and will assist with setting up traps - Founder, Carol, also offers classes in partnership with CMACOA throughout the year to help teach ACOs the best way to catch and trap loose dogs.
