Animal Control Officers

Texas state law (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 829, Animal Control Officer Training) requires animal control officers (ACOs) to complete specific training (refer to links below). It is the responsibility of each ACO (as defined in Chapter 829) to fulfill these mandated training requirements, keep complete and accurate records of their DSHS-approved training, and have this documentation available for review by facility inspectors.

Before attending a non-DSHS ACO Basic Training course, ACOs should request verification from the course sponsor that the sponsor has been pre-approved by the DSHS for meeting Chapter 829 ACO training requirements. Upon completion of training, ACOs may request a new certificate from the course sponsor if the one that is issued does not contain the following information: course title, participant’s name, that it is a Basic course, course date and location, length of course in DSHS-approved hours, a statement that the course was approved by the DSHS, and the course sponsor’s name and contact information.

Animal Control Officer Training Courses

• Animal Control Officer Basic Training Course Requirements and Procedures
• Euthanasia Training Course Requirements and Procedures
• Animal Control Officer Continuing Education Training Course Requirements and Procedures
   

Additional Information

• Information on DSHS courses  
  Animal Control Officer (ACO) training course description, registration information, and course fee and course description.
   
• Mandated Training (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 829)  
  Animal control officer (ACO) mandated training, Texas law
   
• Manual
  Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Animal Control Officer Training Manual
   
• Schedule for non-DSHS ACO Courses
  ACO courses offered outside of DSHS, including euthanasia training courses for animal shelter personnel