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, Local Bylaws and Ordinances, 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, Self Defense and O.C. Spray certification and more. The course totals 80 hours over ten weeks, on Thursday of each week from 8:00
AM to 4:00 PM. The cost of $350.00 includes the NACA Training Guide, capstun certification, numerous informative handouts,
one year membership in ACOAM and NACA (National Animal Control Association), and a year subscription to Animal Sheltering
magazine. 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. 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 1st. Full
payment for the course is expected on or before the first day of class. Some scholarships
are available, see attached applications. If you have
questions please call Wendy LeSage at (413) 245-0302 or email at aco@sagedawg.com This e-mail address is being protected
from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Animal
Control Officers’ Association
of Massachusetts
P.O. Box 24
Easton, MA. 02356 | 
