Animal Control Training

This course provides an introduction to the role of an animal control enforcement official, including a historical perspective, the current role and responsibilities of an Animal Control Officer, and what is required to effectively execute this role.

Students will become familiar with significant animal identifiers to assist in descriptive writing for reports, record keeping, and impoundment. This course will cover the implication of providing incorrect information of animal designations, including those thought to be a dangerous breeds. Learn about the various methods of animal identification currently in use, the pros and cons of each, and how to use these systems to determine pet ownership and to assist you in your work.

This course provides an introduction to understanding and interpreting animal behaviour. Students will learn about typical, difficult and aggressive behaviours demonstrated by both dogs and cats. Topics will cover an examination of animal signals and actions; behavioural identifiers; common stressors; environmental influences; the human/pet relationship; and the assumptions of behaviour based on breed perceptions, living situations, and pet ownership.

This course will review effective animal management not only for public health and safety, but also for the welfare of the animals themselves. Students will hear of the The Five Freedoms; what role the SPCA plays in communities and municipalities; and the importance for collaboration. Topics will include the care and welfare of animals during capture, transport, impoundment, and euthanasia; identifying animal abuse and distress and the ability of community enforcement to intervene; and providing guidance on responsible pet care.

This course will cover the requirements of an officer to prepare for and present information as evidence in public hearings or court trials. Content is woven throughout the program with daily practical work and case studies incorporated into the curriculum. Reinforcement of the skills needed including basic the interview; how to collect, document, catalogue, and analyze evidence; make appropriate case recommendations, decisions, or referrals; record management; the requirement for follow-up; and possible enforcement options. Examples will be provided with reference to common complaints of noisy and dangerous dogs, animal welfare, animal bites, and animals at large.

This course will involve an analysis of legislation that governs animals and animal control in BC. You will interpret legislation and discuss associated issues and evidence. Emphasis will be placed on animal complaints such as noisy and dangerous dogs, and animal abuse and the options you have to enforce within the legal system. Also covered are laws which may impact your dealings with the public including understanding of rights, conducting investigations, entering private property, clarity of law enforcement powers, burden of proof, and dangerous dog legislation.

Animal control enforcement officials face daily challenges and dangers related to this profession including dealing with aggressive and dangerous animals to assertive and hostile people. This course covers the types of activities that may occur and techniques to mitigate these hazards including personal, public, and animal safety.

This practical course will provide procedures and tactics for capturing, handling, and restraining stray and aggressive domestic and feral animals. Students will learn how to apply the theories taught in previous units covering animal behaviour and personal safety, to the capture and restraint of animals. Tactics and tools to protect the individual including the use of protective equipment, self-defence techniques, conflict control, disengagement, and defensive tactics will be incorporated into this training. You will learn about when to seek assistance from other law enforcement groups and what their scope of authority covers.

Officers have a strong presence in the community creating an environment of cooperation and education about responsible pet ownership. This course provides guidance on how to balance your role of enforcement with that of positive public engagement. Students will explore conflict avoidance, and crisis management as well as ethics and public opinion. This course is an online course, to be completed after the in-class component, and will be graded based on a project submission. Students have approximately 6 weeks after in-class program completion to submit.

Students enrolled in the Animal Control Basic Training certificate program must write and successfully complete a two hour exam based on both the in-class training, and the required pre-class preparation. Students must receive a minimum passing grade of 70%. An optional 2 hour study block is included in this course. Students may write the exam in-class, or arrange for an invigilator at their place of employment.

This one day intensive workshop is designed for those planning to pursue a career in animal control and/or bylaw, and for those with a general interest in animals. On the surface, you may think that Animal Control Officers (ACO) deal mainly with barking dogs or loose animals, but there is so much more to their role. Learn about the training, recommended certification, job skills and experience required for starting a career in animal control. Hear from experts in the field about a day in the life of an ACO, what qualities are needed to be successful, and what you need to know to secure a job in this industry. NOTE: Students who successfully pass this course may apply this as a required pre-requisites for entry into the Animal Control Basic Training Program.