CAACO Certification

The following information is for The Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers ceritification test. The certification test is given twice a year during the Spring Training Conference and again, at the Fall Training Conference.

Certification Test
Pre-Requirements

You must have the following requirements to take the Certification Test.

  1. Have a high school diploma or GED.
  2. You must be currently employed by an animal control/care agency or facility within the State of Colorado.
  3. Have at least six months experience in animal control/humane work.
  4. On Department Letterhead and signed by an immediate supervisor - Bring proof of the successful completion of a minimum of 30 hours of formal training in animal control/humane officer related topics that has been successfully completed within the last two years.
    In lieu of 30 hours of formal training, you may substitute or intermix (1) year of on the job experience for (5) hours of training.
    • Example: 25 hours of training and 1 year of on the job training = 30 hours OR
      6 years of on the job experience and no formal training = 30 hours
  5. Submit a pre-paid fee of $25.00

If you do not meet all of the above requirements, you will not be allowed to take the test.
Upon successful completion of testing, a certificate will be mailed to the applicant.

AREAS THAT NEED TO BE STUDIED FOR THE STATE CERTIFICATION TEST:

Breed Identification
State Laws
Search and Seizure Law
Amendments :4th,6th, and 14th
Courtroom Behavior
Investigation
Canine Behavior
Small and Large Animal Capture & Restraint
Chemical Capture
Euthanasia
Zoonoses
Sanitation
Vehicles & Equipment
Report Writing & Record Keeping
Animal First Aid
Dog Fighting
Disaster Planning
PAFCA– Pet Animal & Care Facility Act

Sources for Certification Test:

NACA Training Guide-obtained through NACA or CAACO
AKC– The Complete Dog Book-obtain through local bookstore
C.R.S.– Colorado Peace Officer Handbook-obtained through a police equipment supply store
Illegal Animal Fighting– obtain through HSUS or CAACO
Simon & Schuster’s Guide to Dogs- obtain through local bookstore
PACFA Rules & Regulations– obtained through the Dept of Agriculture
Rabies Prevention & Control Policy– obtained through the Colorado Dept. of Health
**Please contact the CAACO President or Vice President for any additional study resources for the certification test.
NACA Training Guides are available for $35.00 each for those of you preparing to take the Colorado State ACO Certification test. Send $35.00 with order to: CAACO, P.O. Box 1921, Longmont, CO 80502 or order from NACA

 

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