Curriculum
The 2024 program will be delivered online via 72 hours of instructional time:
- Part One: Self-directed as guided by the online program via video and exercises; approx. 30 hrs of recorded content.
- Part Two: Instructor-led, live online Zoom sessions with a variety of industry leaders; 25 hours of in-class sessions.
- Additional time for homework and study is expected, time will vary depending on the student, however we suggest budgeting approximately 17-20 additional hours over the course of the program.
- The program is evaluated on a number of measures, including review of content, attendance during the live sessions, and some assignments/quizzes and an exam.
- A Short Certificate credential is granted upon successful completion.
- Number of online hours may vary.
Content: Developed in consultation with experts in bylaw enforcement and animal care and control and facilitated by current practitioners in this field. Training delivery flows to meet the needs of BC's many diverse municipalities while providing consistent emphasis on provincially, federal and municipal legislation. Intended for all levels of enforcement with a focus on expansion of knowledge, team sharing of current best practices, broadening of current skills, and as an introduction or refresher. Practical and theoretical academic competency skills and knowledge in this program includes:
Enforcement Measures
- Legislation and regulations for bylaw and animal control officers as it relates to animal control: Understanding the application of the law as it pertains to your role, key issues and challenges, legislation, legal authority, powers, duties, individual rights, local government regulatory context, enforcement options including in and out of court, regulatory landscape including the role of partners such as the BC SPCA, personal safety
Investigative Skills for Animal Control Officers
- Evidence collection and documentation, note-taking, interview techniques, rules of collection including admissibility, use of expert witness testimony,
Specific Animal Control Activities
- Identification of different species and breeds, discussion on relevance of breed specific legislation and examples of applicability, avenues of bylaw construction to encourage responsible pet ownership, introduction of animal behaviour, resources for and implications of identifying aggression, modification research and discussion, tools and techniques for capture and restraint of dogs and cats, officer safety as related to human and animal subjects,
Communication skills
- Emotional intelligence, cultural barriers, communicating in conflict, de-escalation, awareness and support of interactions with diverse communities including cultural, mental health, homelessness, understanding the impact of social media and the public’s desire for transparency, trends and issues in the bylaw field of practice, professionalism and ethics, collaborating with community agencies, manage personal safety and the safety of others, and become more aware of community issues.