ACO Training & Education
Rescheduled from August to November!
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March 2027 ACOA
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The next Academy will be held in March 2027 (enrollment will open Winter 2026). Students must enroll and pay through our website.
The Washington Animal Control Association (WACA) offers the Animal Control Officer Academy. This 80-hour intensive course will be held at the Lake Stevens Police Department March 8th – 12th, 2027 and March 15th – 19th from 8am-5pm. This training is specifically designed for Animal Control Officers. Instructors consist of WACA personnel and field experts who will cover a variety of topics to satisfy Washington state’s Animal Control Officer requirements. Topics included, but limited to:
- ADA & Service Animals
- Animal Cruelty Investigations
- Animal Hoarding
- Basic Nutrition of Dogs & Cats
- Body Condition Scoring & Vet Testimony
- Capture & Restraint
- Compassion Fatigue
- Courtroom Procedures
- Crime Scene Photography
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Dangerous Dog Law
- Dog & Cat Behavior
- Dog & Cat Identification
- Interview Techniques
- Equine & Livestock
- Evidence Collection & Handling
- Mock Scenes
- Mock Trial
- Officer Safety & Protection
- Professionalism & Ethics
- Report Writing
- Search & Seizure
- Small Animal & Avian
- Snakes & Reptiles
- State & Local Law
- Wildlife
- Zoonotic Diseases & PPE
Lodging
Need help with lodging? Please email us at info@washingtonanimalcontrolassociation.org if you are interested in assistance with travel/lodging. We are considering reserving a 6 bedroom house for several of our out of town instructors and could house two-three students as well! This is thanks to a scholarship from NACA this year. We are very thankful for our relationship with NACA and their support of our fantastic state program!
Two hotels in Everett have offered reduced hotel fees for ACOs attending the 2027 ACOA. To make a reservation with them, please book directly:
- Breakfast and dinner available for purchase at the onsite restaurant, The Bistro
- Indoor fitness center, pool and whirlpool
- Features a Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, flat-screen TVs and work desk
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Secured parking garage – complimentary
- Centrally located in Downtown Everett with beautiful views of the Puget Sound
- Within walking distance of many local restaurants and shops
Photos from previous years…..
