The Animal Control Officer (ACO) course is approved by the New Jersey Department of Health for state certification. Successful completion of this course meets the requirements of the N.J.A.C. 8:23A-2.2 for appointment as an ACO by a New Jersey Municipality. Additionally, this is the only Certified ACO course whose graduates receive certification by the Emergency Care and Safety Institute for Pet First Aid and Incident Command Systems 100 and National Incident Management 700 by the National Wildlife Fire Coordinating Group.

Animal control officers enforce animal licensing laws and regulations. Animal control officers are generally employed by a county or the federal government and require handling all kinds of animals from pets to wildlife. This is your opportunity to begin a career as a paid municipal officer or as a volunteer working with animals as a part of a rescue group, shelter, or other animal welfare organization. Topics include:

• Capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals
• Investigating cases of animal cruelty
• Enforcing licensing laws and other state, county, and city laws and regulations of that are applicable to the animal control program
• Providing expert testimony in court cases
• Rescuing trapped animals

Textbooks, materials, ID card and exam fees are not included, course texts are located in the college library for student use.

Prerequisites: A high school diploma, or High School Equivalency is required

Total Program Hours: 50 hours

Required Textbook: The Animal Control Officer course binder will be delivered by mail 2 – 3 days prior to the course start date. Please enter your accurate mailing address to receive the binder when you register. 

Field Training: In addition to the classroom component, students must arrange for and complete a 20-hour field training component in order to receive certification.