ACO Training & Education
Code 3 Module EAST - September 14th - 18th
Essential Animal Services Training (EAST)
Credentialed Animal Control & Cruelty Investigations Training
Module C ‐ September 14-18, 2026 ‐ Bothell, WA
Essential Animal Services Training (EAST) is intended for a wide variety of professionals, including animal cruelty investigators, animal control officers, veterinary professionals, animal welfare workers, members of animal rescue groups & others who are responsible for the care and control of animals and the investigation of animal cruelty cases. The EAST curriculum consists of three 40 hour modules, each providing instruction in all aspects of animal control and animal cruelty investigations. We recommend Module A be taken first, and modules B and C may be taken in any order.
Upon successful completion of this curriculum (cumulative average score of 80% or above) students will receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply for continuing education credits (CEUs) from Colorado State University. Veterinary professionals are eligible to apply for CEUs from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
MODULE C includes
- Herpetology Familiarization, with hands-on opportunity
- Animal Cruelty – Reptiles
- Hazardous Environments Awareness
- Animal Responder Safety
- Introduction to Veterinary Forensics
- Red Flags of Non-accidental Injury vs Accidental Injury
- Heatstroke Management
- Animal Assessments in the Field
- Working with Veterinarians
- Animal Sexual Abuse
- Biological Evidence Collection
- Evaluating Animal Facilities
- Ritualistic Animal Crimes
- Dealing with Wildlife
- Investigating Poultry Complaints
- Strategies to Combat Complacency
- Reptile Husbandry
Tuition, Registration & Payment
Essential Animal Services Training Academy Modules A, B, and C tuition is $565 per module.
Texas LEO’s will receive TCOLE credit for this training, also approved by TXDSHS.
Colorado Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Protection Agents fulfill training requirements for this training, and the training is approved for continuing education credits.
Full payment is due by the first day of class.
Training participants will be assessed a 25% fee on any cancellation made two weeks or less prior to class date, no refunds will be issued if the cancellation is made 0-5 days prior to the training. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances and/or credits could be applied to future Code 3 training, please contact us regarding all cancellations. You may bring payment with you to class or send a check through the mail, or you may pay by credit card. Payment by credit card includes a 3% processing fee. If you prefer to pay by check, we will invoice you. Once class attendance meets minimum requirements, invoices will be automatically sent.
Please email us, info@code3associates.org, with any questions.
Location and Lodging
Essential Animal Services Training (EAST) Academy Module C will be held September 14-18, 2026 in Bothell, WA. The class is hosted by the Bothell Police Department and will be held at their facility, 18410 101st Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011. There are numerous lodging options near the campus, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about a 30-40 minute drive from the classroom, depending on traffic.
One Day Wildlife Conference with WDFW!
WDFW and WACA are partnering to bring you a one-day FREE wildlfie conference. Date and Location TBD. Stand by for more…..
Equine Training with S.A.F.E.
Join us at S.A.F.E.’s NEW Snohomish location for a day of fun with horses! This training will be FREE. More to come on date and time…
The next Academy will be held in March 2027 (enrollment will open Winter 2026/2027). 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
