Animal Control Officer (ACO) 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 
       
      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
      2/25/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Math Matters: Critical Calculations for Wildlife Rehabilitators Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-5653
      2/27/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Canine Behavior, OC Spray, Bite Stick & Chemical Capture Arlington Keane Menefee
      KMenefee@
      Pet-Tactical.org
      817-996-1452
      3/6/2023-
      3/7/2023
      Continuing
      Education
      Advanced Animal Control Officer Arlington Keane Menefee
      KMenefee@
      Pet-Tactical.org
      817-996-1452
      3/9/2023-
      3/10/2023
      Basic Course Animal Control
      Officer
      Basic Training
      Arlington Jay Sabatucci 682-241-0905
      3/11/2023-
      3/12/2023
      Continuing
      Education
      Wildlife Rehabilitation Basics: Well Baby Care Plano Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-5653
      3/20/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Local Rabies Control Authority Arlington Keane Menefee
      KMenefee@
      Pet-Tactical.org
      817-996-1452
      4/3/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Humane Euthanasia Technician Training Arlington Keane Menefee
      KMenefee@
      Pet-Tactical.org
      817-996-1452
      4/15/2023-
      4/16/2023
      Continuing
      Education
      Wildlife Rehabilitation Basics: Advanced Topics Plano Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      5/6/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Wildlife Rehabilitation Skills Plano Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      5/6/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Wildlife Rehabilitation Skills Workshop: Opossum Care Plano Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      5/20/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Bat Rehabilitation Essentials: Caring for Mothers and Pups Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      6/5/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Humane Euthanasia Technician Training Arlington Keane Menefee
      KMenefee@
      Pet-Tactical.org
      817-996-1452
      6/15/2023-
      6/16/2023
      Basic ACO Basic Training Course Arlington Jay Sabatucci 682-241-0905
      6/17/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Essentials of Wildlife Nutrition Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      7/8/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Wildlife Rehabilitation Skills Workshop: Creative Enrichment on a Shoestring Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      7/22/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      8/12/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Rabies Risk Assessment Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-565
      8/26/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Introduction to Bat Rehabilitation Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-5653
      9/16/2023 Continuing
      Education
      Bat Rehabilitation: Common Injuries in Insectivorous Bats Zoom Kate Rugroden
      bwmidcities@
      batworld.org
      817-229-5653

      *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).