ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
WHY SHOULD I BECOME AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER?
Are you interested in maintaining the public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and laws relating to the humane care of animals? If you are then a career as an Animal Control Officer (ACO) may be for you.
Animal control officers are responsible for capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals, investigating animal cruelty cases, enforcing licensing laws, providing testimony in court, rescuing animals in distress, writing reports, and providing humane care to animals.
HOW DO I BECOME AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER?
Florida State Statute 828.27 mandates that animal control officers successfully complete a 40 hour minimum standards training course. At this time, the Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) Animal Control Officer Certification course is the only course approved for this purpose in the state of Florida.
WILL I BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB AS AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER?
This course is open to the general public, including those students who hope to find job placement in the animal protection field. Most employers are looking for applicants with a combination of related education and animal handling experience. The successful completion of this course is one way to improve your chances of being hired. The subject matter is difficult to fully cover in 40 hours, therefore students are encouraged to purchase and review the current FACA ACO Training Guide in advance to help them prepare for the program.
WHY GULF COAST STATE COLLEGE?
Presently, there are only six colleges approved to offer the FACA approve Animal Control Officer Certification Course. Gulf Coast State College is one of the six colleges, and it is the only school in North Florida.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A COURSE?
To register for Animal Control Officer courses, complete the online registration form. In-person registration can be done through Enrollment Services located in the Administration Building at the Panama City Campus.
The course information needed to complete the registration can be found in the course listings below.
Animal Control Officer Certification
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Mon. - Thurs., May 11 - 14 , 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. |
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Chemical Immobilization Certification
| COURSE LISTINGS |
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Mon.-Tues., TBA, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. |
Contact:
Greg May
gmay@gulfcoast.edu
(850) 913-3297