Animal Control Officer (ACO) Certificate
At a Glance
Get Certified for an Exciting Future in Animal Control in Just 2 Weeks!
Maryland’s original ACO Academy! Since 2003, our East Coast Animal Control Academy has prepared new Animal Control Officers to serve their communities. This program delivers the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need to perform your duties safely and effectively and fulfills your state-mandated training requirements.
Duration
2 weeks (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Start Dates
Spring only—registration opens in January; check back for details
Program Cost:*
$1,570
Certification Earned
Workforce Training Certificate with CEUs awarded
Eligibility
Students must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED® and be currently employed in the animal control field. Proof of employment required.
Est. Hourly Wage:**
$23.15 per hour
What You’ll Learn
Our comprehensive ACO training covers everything from animal behavior and emergency response to legal procedures and ethical conduct.
- Interpersonal violence and animal cruelty
- Confined spaces animal rescue hazards
- Feline & canine characteristics and behavior
- Characteristics and behaviors of other species
- Blood sport
- Equine body scoring, teeth, observation, hoof care, animal behavior interpretation, handling and loading
- Animal disease recognition (rabies, zoonotic disease risk)
- Emergency first aid/mental health first aid
- ACO equipment and safety
- Animal hoarding
- Rituals with animals
- Humane slaughter
- Introduction to investigations
- Incident command, chain of command
- The law and due process
- Documentation, photography, and evidence
- Crime scene investigation and report writing
- Ethics and integrity
- Accommodations
Curriculum
The ACO Certificate Program coursework combines expert-led classroom instruction at Carroll’s Westminster campus with practical, field-based training. You’ll spend a full day at Days End Farm Horse Rescue, gaining firsthand experience with horse behavior, care, handling, and rescue operations.
Why Choose Carroll’s Animal Control Officer Training?
- Fulfills state requirements: We offer a comprehensive 2-week program that fulfills all legally mandated training requirements for new Animal Control Officers in Maryland, who must receive at least 80 hours of instruction within their first 12 months of employment.
- Learn from the best: Our instructors include experts in the law, incident investigation, interpersonal communication, and veterinary care, as well as experienced Animal Control workers.
- Trusted by professionals: East Coast Animal Control Academy is endorsed by the Professional Animal Workers of Maryland, Inc. (PAWS).
I learned a lot and really appreciated this course. I feel a lot more confident being an ACO.
The course was packed with lots of valuable/engaging information.
Career Outlook
As communities increasingly recognize the importance of humane animal management, the demand for trained Animal Control Officers is expected to grow. The role is essential in ensuring community health and safety, making for a stable and impactful career.
According to the the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the median annual wage for animal control workers was $43,170, with the top 10% earning over $67,930.
- Who is eligible for this training program?
Individuals who are currently employed as an Animal Control Officer may use this program to fulfill their training requirement. Proof of employment is required to enroll. - What is the daily schedule?
The Academy runs for two weeks, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., for a total of 80 hours of training. There is a half-hour lunch break each day at noon. - What lunch options are available?
The cost of the Academy includes a lunch voucher to the College Café each day. - Is lodging available?
Lodging is available for an additional cost at the Westminster Best Western. Call 410-857-1900 and ask for the Carroll Community College rate. - What is the dress code?
Students are welcome to wear their agency-issued uniforms or to dress in business casual attire. Students will also receive two East Coast Animal Control Academy collared shirts that they may wear to class. - Do you offer continuing education courses for Animal Control Officers?
We do not currently offer continuing education courses for ACOs, but we are looking to add to our ACO course offerings in the near future. Please reach out to program coordinator Ashley Halsey at ahalsey2@carrollcc.edu or 410-386-8120 with requests for specific continuing education topics. - Is there a discount for Carroll County or Maryland residents?
Carroll County residents deduct $10 from the program cost; non-Carroll County Maryland residents deduct $5.
Get Started Today
Ashley Halsey, Program Coordinator
410-386-8120 | ahalsey2@carrollcc.edu
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees, or prerequisite courses.
**Wages are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.