Animal Control Officer Courses By Outside Sources

Includes courses that are approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to meet training requirements set forth in Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 829, Animal Control Officer Training and for which the course sponsor has requested posting; however, they are conducted by outside sponsors, NOT the DSHS.  It is the responsibility of each animal control officer to fulfill these mandated training requirements, keep accurate records of their DSHS-approved training, and have this documentation available for review by facility inspectors.  In the chart below, call the number provided or click on a contact name for the course for which you would like to register to ask questions about a particular course.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Withdrawal/Termination of Training Waivers Issued by the Office of the Governor

Background: On May 14, 2020, the Office of the Governor issued a waiver pertaining to the temporary suspension of Chapter 829 training requirements for animal control officers (ACOs) and a waiver pertaining to the temporary suspension of Chapter 821 (and associated Texas Administrative Code) training requirements for euthanasia technicians as a result of the March 13, 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disaster declaration.  Extensions to these waivers were granted on August 10, 2020, and would be in effect until terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the March 13, 2020, disaster declaration was lifted or expired. 

Update – below is the notice issued on July 19, 2021, pertaining to the withdrawal/termination of training waivers from the Office of the Governor:

  • Effective 12:01 AM on September 1, 2021 withdrawal of waivers (These are the animal control officer and euthanasia technician trainings)
    • 25 TAC § 169.84(g), extension approved on August 10, 2020
    • Texas Health and Safety Code § 821.055(a) and (d), extension approved on August 10, 2020
    • Texas Health and Safety Code § 829.002(1)(A) and (2)(A), extension approved on August 10, 2020
    • Texas Health and Safety Code § 829.004(a) and (b), extension approved on August 10, 2020

Update on Online Continuing Education (CE) Policy 

Background: Chapter 829 of the Texas Health and Safety Code mandates that 30 hours of required CE training for ACOs approved by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) be completed every 3 years.  Of these, DSHS policy has been that a maximum of 10 hours per 3-year period can be obtained via satisfactory completion of DSHS-approved online/virtual training.  However, due to the number of course cancellations and the limitations on travel created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the following temporary exception to this limit was implemented: for ACOs whose 3-year period ends between March 15, 2020, and March 15, 2021 (inclusive), up to 30 of the required CE hours can be earned via satisfactory completion of DSHS-approved online/virtual training.  With the continuance of this disaster, DSHS extended the CE exception period to coincide with the dates of the ACO training waiver issued by the Office of the Governor, as mentioned above.  This CE exception period is effective from March 13, 2020, until the training waiver is terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the March 13, 2020, disaster declaration is lifted or expires.  Please note that certificates of completion from sponsors of online/virtual courses sponsors may still include the statement about the 10-hour limit; that does not mean that this temporary exception does not apply.

Update: Although the training waivers will be terminated by the Office of the Governor effective September 1, 2021, due to continued issues associated with COVID as described above, DSHS has temporarily extended for one year from the waiver effective date (September 1, 2021 - August 31, 2022) the policy that up to 30 hours of required CE can be earned via satisfactory completion of a DSHS-approved online/virtual training. 

Please be advised that the outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in cancellation of many Animal Control Officer Basic Training and continuing education courses.  Contact the course sponsor to determine if a course you plan to attend will still be conducted.

The ACO Basic training course does NOT count toward an ACO’s CE hours.

Before attending a non-DSHS course, an ACO should request verification from the course sponsor that a specific course, including title, date, and location, has been pre-approved by the DSHS for meeting Chapter 829 ACO training requirements.  Upon completion of training, an ACO may request a new certificate from the course sponsor if the one that is issued does not contain the following information:  course title, participant’s name, whether the course is Basic or continuing education (CE), course date and location, length of course in DSHS-approved hours, a statement that the course was approved by DSHS, and the course sponsor’s name and contact information.

Disclaimer: The approval of an animal control course by the Department of State Health Services pertains only to the approval of the course curriculum, instructors, length, date, and location as provided by the course sponsor. During the current COVID disaster declaration, it is the responsibility of the course sponsor to determine if there are any applicable restrictions in place to which they must adhere, including those associated with an emergency declaration(s) or a local order condition(s). 

Date   Type*   Title Location   Contact(s) Phone
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for details)
Continuing 
Education
Euthanasia Training
Course (Review)
(Online)
Animal Care
Training Website:
www.sheltertraining.
com (Note: this is
online training
approved as a
review-level course 
only,  it is not an
initial-level course) 
info@4act.com 800-357-3182
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand
Webinar
Recording 
Optimal Staffing
for Shelter
Medical Departments
& Clinics 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648
extension 107 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording
Taking the CRISIS
out of Crisis
Communications 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org 
888-600-3648
extension 107 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)  
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Reduce Fear,
Anxiety & Stress
in Shelter Animals
with Fear Free 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)  
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Reducing Infection:
Updates
in Feline
URI Management 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)  
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Going through Hell?
Keep Going! 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)  
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Population Medicine
and Effective Animal
Disaster Response
& Recovery 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas

The Association 
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org

888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)  
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Urgent Transport:
Moving Large
Numbers of Animals
by Air and Land 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas  The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Medical Aspects of
Companion Animal
Transport Programs 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
How to Implement
Transport Best
Practices 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
The Leadership
Challenge: Nobody
in Vet School Told
Me I Had to Lead
to Succeed 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)  
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Updated Animal
Transportation
Best Practices 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)  
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Foundations for Behavioral
Well-Being 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Come Together:
Why & How
We Need to Think
About Mergers
and Consolidations 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Getting to Model Shelter:
One Shelter’s Journey to
Completion of the ASV
Guidelines 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
High-Performing
Communications
Team: Taking Your
Team to the
Next Level 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Measuring the
Effectiveness of
Your Communications
Work 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
The Power of
Perspective: Finding
the Silver Lining
When It’s Raining
Cats & Dogs 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Managing and
Overcoming
Resistance to Change 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Internal
Communications:
Informing and
Engaging Your
Staff & Board 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
 Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Innovative Annual
Reports that Provide
Value to Constituents 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Thought Leadership
for Nonprofits:
Marketing to Build
Authority &
Share Expertise 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
How Healthy Is
Your Organization? 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Decisions, Decisions -
All the Tools You
Need to Make
the Tough Calls 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Your Data Counts!  learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Big Impact: An Intro
to Social Change 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Outcomes and
Continuum
of Care in the
Animal Shelter 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Streamlining and
Enhancing
Veterinary Care
in the Shelter 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Veterinary Decision
Making in
Animal Welfare 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Completing the
Adoption,
Post-adoption
& Returns 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Groundwork for
Adoptions 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
Assessing Your
Adoption Program 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 
There’s no “I” in TEAM:
Coaching & Motivating
for Maximum Impact 
learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
On Demand 
Webinar 
Recording 

The Certificate in
Organizational
Leadership

learning.theaawa.org/Texas The Association
for Animal Welfare
Advancement
learning@theaawa.org
888-600-3648 
extension 107
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details) 
Continuing 
Education
Investigating Animal
Abuse for
Law Enforcement
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program
www.aspcapro.org
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 1:
Rescuing Animals
from Cruelty and
Disasters
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 2:
Joining the ASPCA
Field Investigations
and Response Team 
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 3:
The ASPCA Disaster
Response Program
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 4:
Large Scale Animal
Cruelty and
Natural Disasters
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 5:
Investigating and
Prosecuting
Bloodsports
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn  704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 6:
Animal Crime Scenes
and Evidence Collection
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn  704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 7:
Veterinary Forensics
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 8:
Field Sheltering and
Temporary Shelters
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 9:
Fundamentals of
Emergency Sheltering
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for details)
Continuing 
Education
FIR 10:
Emergency Shelter
Medicine
ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty 
Online Course Program 
www.aspcapro.org  
Madelinne Krenn 704-572-1010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Basic   Basic Animal
Control Officer
Training Course
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Animal Cruelty
Investigation
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/  
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Chemical Capture
and Restraint
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/ 
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Dangerous
Vicious Dog
and Bite
Investigation
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Euthanasia
Training
Course (Initial)
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/ 
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Euthanasia
Training
Course (Review)
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/  
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Large Animal
Breed
Recognition
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/ 
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Officer Safety
and Survival
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/ 
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Herpetology
Familiarization
and Handling
Texas Academy of
Animal Control
Officers
https://txacademyaco
.com/ 
TAACO
info@txacademyaco.com
979-542-5010
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Basic Course Animal Control
Officer
Basic Training
Various 
(contact sponsor for
more information)
Jay Sabatucci 682-241-0905
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Euthanasia Training
Course 
www.Pet-TACTICAL.org Keane Menefee
KMenefee@
Pet-Tactical.org
817-996-1452
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Administrative Animal Control Officer Training Course www.Pet-TACTICAL.org Keane Menefee
KMenefee@
Pet-Tactical.org
817-996-1452
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Advanced Animal Control Officer Training Course www.Pet-TACTICAL.org Keane Menefee
KMenefee@
Pet-Tactical.org
817-996-1452
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Animal Cruelty/Blood Sport Training Course  www.Pet-TACTICAL.org Keane Menefee
KMenefee@
Pet-Tactical.org
817-996-1452
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Canine Behavior, OC Spray, Bite Stick & Chemical Capture Training Course www.Pet-TACTICAL.org Keane Menefee
KMenefee@
Pet-Tactical.org
817-996-1452
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Stress Management & Compassion Fatigue Training Course www.Pet-TACTICAL.org Keane Menefee
KMenefee@
Pet-Tactical.org
817-996-1452
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Local Rabies Control Officer (LRCA) Training Course www.Pet-TACTICAL.org Keane Menefee
KMenefee@
Pet-Tactical.org
817-996-1452
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Euthanasia
Technician
Course 
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com 
 
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Interpersonal
Communication 
Hutto - Humane 
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com

 

512-221-5464

Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Report Writing  Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Making The Case Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Common
Mammals
of Texas
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Zoonotic Diseases Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Public Education Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Public Relations
for ACOs
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
Bohemian Tahitian
Daneapuggle-
doodle:
A Guide to Dog
and Cat Breeds
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates) 
Continuing 
Education
Dangerous Dog
(HSC 822)
and Rabies Law
(HSC 826)
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing 
Education
PetSaver: Pet CPR,
First Aid and Care
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com 
512-221-5464
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
Basic Animal Control
Officer Training
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
Advanced Animal
Control Officer Training
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates) 
Continuing
Education 
Building and Managing
an Effective Team 
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates) 
Continuing
Education 
Situational Awareness &
Bite Stick Training for the
Animal Control Officer 
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates) 
Continuing
Education 
Shelter Standards &
Management 

Hutto - Humane
Educators 

Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates) 
Continuing
Education 
Rabies Case
Investigator  
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
Animal Control
Administrator
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
Basic
Kennel Technician
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
(FTO) Field Training
Officer for the ACO
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
Animal Health
Technician
Hutto - Humane
Educators 
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
Introduction to
Animal Behavior 
Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education 
Dotting 'T's and
Crossing 'I's 
Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education
Local Rabies
Control Authority
Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com 
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education
Herpetology
Familiarization
Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education
Crime Scene
Management for the
Animal Control Officer 
Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor 
for specific dates)
Continuing
Education
Animal Cruelty
Investigations 101 
Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Compassion Fatigue and the Animal Welfare Worker Hutto - Humane
Educators
Kelly Thyssen
info@humane
educators
oftexas.com
512-221-5464

Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)

Basic Course  Animal Control Officer
Basic Training
The Act
www.humane
academy
theact.com
Dr. Melissa
Draper
Info@Humane
Academy
TheAct.com
361-247-0444
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations) 
 
Continuing
Education 
Euthanasia Training
Course 
The Act
www.humane
academy
theact.com
Dr. Melissa
Draper
Info@Humane
Academy
TheAct.com
361-247-0444
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations) 
Continuing
Education 
Animal Services
Controlled Substances
Compliance and
Management  

www.
xpdtraining.
com 

Heather Hedrick
xpdtraining@
yahoo.com 
940-577-4396 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education 
Management and
Leadership – Animal

Services New Supervisor
Course

www.
xpdtraining.
com
Heather Hedrick
xpdtraining@
yahoo.com
940-577-4396 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations) 
Continuing
Education 
Fundamentals of Report
Writing for Animal Services
Personnel  
www.
xpdtraining.
com
Heather Hedrick
xpdtraining@
yahoo.com
940-577-4396 
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Service Call Standards https://www.udemy.com/
course/acoservicecallstandards/
Rebekah Chiarello/Jacqueline Escalante
acetrainingacademy1@gmail.com
361-673-3909/361-777-8145
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Dog Population Dynamics for the Animal Control Officer https://www.udemy.com/
course/acoservicecallstandards/
Rebekah Chiarello/Jacqueline Escalante
acetrainingacademy1@gmail.com
361-673-3909/361-777-8145
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Introduction to Bat Rehabilitation TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Considerations for Euthanasia in Wildlife TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Bat Rehabilitation: Common Injuries in Insectivorous Bats TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Rehabilitation of Rabies Reservoir Species TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Bat Basics for Animal Care and Control TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Math Matters: Critical Calculations for Wildlife Rehabilitators TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Essentials of Wildlife Nutrition TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Bat Rehabilitation Essentials: Caring for Mothers and Pups TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Rehabilitation Skills Workshop: Creative Enrichment on a Shoestring TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Rabies Risk Assessment TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Feeding Your Habit: Strategies for Successful Fundraising TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Care in Veterinary Practice TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Planning and Executing Successful Outreach Events TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Effective Personnel Management TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Pharmacology TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Rehabilitation Basics: Well Baby Care TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Rehabilitation Basics: Advanced Topics TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Rehabilitation Skills Workshop: Raccoon Care TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Rehabilitation Skills Workshop: Opossum Care TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Introduction: Squirrels Introducing Native Texas Wildlife and Best Practices TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
One-Day Bat Rehabilitation Workshop TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Advanced Bat Rehabilitation Workshop TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653
Ongoing
(contact sponsor
for specific dates
and locations)
Continuing
Education
Wildlife Management: Developing Effective SOPs for Animal Shelters TBD Kate Rugroden
bwmidcities@
batworld.org
817-229-5653

3/28/2024-
3/29/2024

Basic

ACO Basic Training Course

Arlington

Jay Sabatucci
JaysBasicClass@gmail.com

682-241-0905

4/26/2024-
4/27/2024
Basic ACO Basic Training Course Austin Texas Unites for Animals
rlangevin@operationkindness.org
469-289-0687

*Schedule for Non-DSHS ACO Courses
These courses are approved by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to meet training requirements set forth in Texas Health and Safety Code, Ch. 829, Animal Control Officer Training.  Additionally the euthanasia training courses have been approved to meet training requirements set forth in Texas Health and Safety Code Ch. 821, Treatment and Disposition of Animals. All of these courses are conducted by outside sponsors, NOT the DSHS.  You need to get in touch with the contact(s) listed for a course to obtain details about it.

Disclaimer: The approval of an animal control course by the Department of State Health Services pertains only to the approval of the course curriculum, instructors, length, date, and location as provided by the course sponsor. During the current COVID disaster declaration, it is the responsibility of the course sponsor to determine if there are any applicable restrictions in place to which they must adhere, including those associated with an emergency declaration(s) or a local order condition(s).