ACO Academy
March 16th – 27th, 2026

Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center
19010 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98148
Classes are held Monday – Friday
0800 – 1700 hours with a few adjustments on certain days.

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) and Washington Animal Control Association (WACA) have partnered together to offer the Animal Control Officer Academy. This 80-hour intensive course is held at the WSCJTC center in Burien, Washington and is specifically designed for Animal Control Officers. Instructors consist of WACA personnel who will cover a variety of topics to satisfy Washington state’s Animal Control Officer requirements.

Dress Code:

Your agency issued uniform or training BDU’s and a WACA provided T-shirt. For the 4 hour gym portion March 18th, you may wear appropriate gym clothing and tennis shoes. Graduation will be held Friday March 27th at 3pm. Please wear your class A’s or agency issued uniform.

Topics Covered in the 80-Hour Course:

Ethics £ Professionalism
Basic Nutrition
Breed Identification
Dog & Cat Body Language/Behavior
Dangerous Dogs
Capture & Restraint
Wildlife
Snakes 101
Equine & Livestock
Pocket Pets £ Exotics
State & Local Animal Law
Zoonotic Diseases & PPE
Animal Hoarding
Animal Fighting
Animal Sex Crimes
Animal Cruelty Investigations
Lesion Identification
Body Condition Scoring & Vet Testimony
Court Room Procedure
Crisis Intervention & Deescalation
Officer Safety & Protection
Search & Seizure
Evidence Collection
Search Warrants & Affidavits
Reporting Writing
Interview Techniques
Crimescene Photography
The ADA & Services Animals
Compassion Fatigue

We are paperless!

Please bring a laptop from your agency to use a flashdrive/USB provided by CJTC with all class materials!