Animal Control

Animal Control Committee

The purpose of the Animal Control Committee is to:

  • Advance professionalism by providing quality education and training opportunities that are specific and unique to animal control officers
  • Represent animal control issues and concerns in organizational
    advocacy efforts
  • Foster a culture of collaboration to support animal control agencies throughout Colorado

State ACO Test Payment

AWAC manages the animal control officer test process for the state of Colorado. Officers do not have to be AWAC members but do need to pass tests and renew their credentials every two years. The original test costs $45 and renewal costs $25.

Colorado Study Guide

Colorado state animal control officers are required to maintain their credentials every two years – basically 10 hours each year. Training opportunities for animal control officers are not limited. There is a broad selection of classes offered. If in-person training opportunities cannot be located because of the COVID pandemic, there are other ways to obtain training credits.

Numerous online training and webinars are offered through several organizations. Officers may also find related training in their own agencies. The training hours will not be waived at this time because of the availability of training. If any officer needs help in locating online training, please reach out to Kelli Jelen at [email protected]

Resources

Below are resources to assist animal control officers in meeting the challenges and managing the cases they encounter each day.

Animal Control Encounters Guidebook and Video

PACFA – Pet Animal Care Facilities Act
View PACFA

US Constitutional Amendments
View Amendments

iSpeakDog (Dog Behavior)
View iSpeakdog

Breed Identification – Practice Quiz
Take The Quiz

National Canine Research Council
View The Council

ADA Service Animals
View Service Animals

National Rabies Compendium
View The National Rabies Compendium Website

View the Dog Protection Act Training here:
Dog Protection Act Training

AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines

Colorado Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Animal Protection)
View Bureau Of Animal Protection

Colorado Public Health and Environment
Rabies

Colorado Revised Statutes
View Revised Statutes

FEMA
View FEMA’s Website

American Kennel Club – Breeds
View American Kennel Club

National Link Coalition-Animal abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse
View National Link Coalition

Wildlife Management Solutions
View Solutions

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Rabies
View Rabies Prevention

Colorado Animal Control Officers
Dog saved by colorado animal control officer
Colorado Animal Control Officers

Investigation Resources

DNA for Animal Cases

Ginger Clark MS Forensic DNA Analyst
UF Veterinary Forensic Program
W.R. Maples Center for Forensic Medicine
University of Florida
[email protected]
352-294-4487

Mailing Address:
4800 SW 35th Drive
Gainesville, FL 32608

Physical Address:
2015 SW 16th Drive
Gainesville, FL 32610

“Drugs of Abuse” Test – Hair Samples

Industrial Laboratories
6116 E. Warren
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 287-9691
www.industriallabs.net
Contact – Petra Hartman