The next Academy will be held in March 2024 (enrollment will open Winter 2023/2024). Students must enroll and pay through CJTC’s website.

 

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.

 

Topics Covered in 80-Hour Course:

Animal Control and Care:

  • Capture & Restraint
  • Animal Behavior and Breed Identification
  • Wildlife Identification & Handling
  • State & Local Animal Laws
  • Animal cruelty investigations
  • Dangerous dog law
  • Animal Diseases and First Aid
  • Blood Sports

Traditional Law Enforcement:

  • Court Room Procedures
  • Ethics
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Criminal Law
  • Search & Seizure
  • Warrants
  • Basic evidence collection
  • Report writing

Relevant Animal Control Codes in Washington State

RCW Chapter 16.52 – Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Sections:

RCW 16.52.011 – Definitions and Principles of Liability

RCW 16.52.015 – Enforcement—Law enforcement agencies and animal care and control agencies.

RCW 16.52.025 – Humane societies—Animal control officers.

RCW 16.52.80 – Transporting or confining in unsafe manner—Penalty.

RCW 16.52.85 – Removal of animals for feeding and care—Examination—Notice—Euthanasia.

RCW 16.52.100 – Confinement without food or water-–Intervention by others.

RCW 16.52.200 –Sentences—Forfeiture of animals—Liability for costs—Penalty—Education, Counseling.

RCW 16.52.300 – Dogs or cats used as bait—Seizure—Limitation.

RCW 16.52.340 – Leave or confine any animal in unattended motor vehicle or enclosed space—Class 2 civil infraction—Officers’ authority to reasonably remove animal.

Photos From 2022 Class