AWAC Spring Training

Join us April 21-22, 2026
Westminster Police Department
9110 Yates St, Westminster, CO 80031
 

Tuesday, April 21

7:30 a.m. Registration/Check-in Opens

7:50 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Chaos to Control
Eric “Odie” Roth, Rebel Camp Emergency Services

This course is designed specifically for Animal Control Officers and focuses on the immediate care of injured or critically ill dogs in the field. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on training, participants will learn practical protocols for rapid assessment, bleeding control, canine CPR, and airway management including intubation. The course emphasizes decision-making under stress and real-world application, culminating in mock scenarios that mirror the environments and situations Animal Control Officers routinely face. The goal is simple: build confidence, reinforce fundamentals, and ensure officers are prepared to act decisively to save a dog’s life before veterinary care is available.

Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch: Generously provided by Revital

1 – 2:45 p.m. Reptile Husbandry & Handling
AE Nash, Colorado Reptile Humane Society

Explore the unique needs and concerns of reptiles and amphibians in our communities including species identification, habitat requirements, common tools, health assessments, and state, county, and municipal regulations. Discover and assess aspects of the reptile pet trade that affect animal welfare considerations. Get hands-on experience with live reptiles – and even handle them if you’d like!

3 – 4:45 p.m. MAMCO Case Study
Kyle Pendleton, Erie Police Department & Taylor Foley, Colorado Department of Public Health

Join Officer Pendleton and Taylor Foley for an in-depth look at the MAMCO Case, exploring the challenges of a rabies situation from the perspective of an animal control officer and epidemiologist. Gain insight into real-world decision-making, field challenges, and strategies for managing complex cases.

Wednesday, April 22

7:30 a.m.  Registration/Check-in Opens

7:50 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

8 – 9:45 a.m. Bat Basics: Identification, Behavior, & Handling
Chris Branigan, Colorado Bat Crew

Learn from experts about bat identification, behavior, and common injuries, plus best practices for rehabilitation, humane euthanasia, and safe handling. This session is designed for animal control officers and other animal welfare professionals looking to build confidence and expertise in working with bats.

10 – 11:45 a.m. Large Scale Animal Hoarding Cases: A Coordinated Response
Kim Gardner-Graff, Leeann Pendland, Bobbi Priestly, & Kayte Wolf, Humane Colorado

With over 40 years of combined experience in animal cruelty investigations, Humane Colorado’s Animal Protection Team is excited to present a training focused on large-scale impoundments and animal collection cases, combining classroom presentation with practical, hands-on learning. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of planning, processes, and procedures, including evidence collection, effective documentation, and organization of complex case files. The training also covers shelter intake and in-custody processes, required paperwork, follow-up responsibilities, cost of care, and restitution documentation and guidelines. A facilitated tabletop exercise will allow attendees to work through a realistic large-scale case scenario, applying these skills in real time to build strong, defensible cases that support successful prosecutions.

Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch

1 – 2:45 p.m.  Field Safety: Interacting With & Handling Aggressive Dogs
Janeé Boswell, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office & Kelli Jelen, Westminster Police Department

This presentation provides essential safety training for professionals who may encounter aggressive or defensive dogs during fieldwork. Through real-life body cam footage, participants will learn to recognize canine body language, identify warning signs of aggression, and apply practical techniques to reduce risk during encounters. The course emphasizes prevention, situational awareness, and humane handling practices that protect both individuals and animals.

3 p.m. ACO Certification Test