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Events Calendar/ Course Schedule

The Basic ACO training course consists of lectures and demonstrations of selected topics by TDH personnel and guest speakers. A video on head removal and shipping is a part of all Basic courses. Student participation is encouraged.

Basic students are responsible for material covered in the demonstrations, the video, and the manual's Basic Chapters and Legal Summaries section.

Basic Course Prerequisites - Enrollment will be based on space availability.

Basic testing consists of 1) two written multiple choice tests containing general and legal questions and 2) a practical test which will require the student to know how to pack and submit a rabies specimen, identify types of dog ears and tails, and demonstrate proper techniques for handling dogs and cats.

Basic students must achieve a passing grade of 70 or greater on each of the written tests and on the practical test.

ADVANCED TRAINING COURSE

The Advanced ACO training course is primarily taught by the students. Prior to the course, students are assigned two topics to research and prepare for presentation to the class. Class participation is mandatory.

Advanced students are responsible for knowing the information in the manual's Basic and Advanced Chapters as well as the full set of laws.

Advanced Course Prerequisites - A person must provide a recommendation from their supervisor to include a statement that the ACO meets the following prerequisites for course attendance: an ACO must have successfully completed a Basic ACO training course and, subsequently, have worked or volunteered in animal shelter/animal control activities for at least 2,000 hours.

Advanced testing consists of 1) two written tests containing general and legal multiple choice questions and 2) a practical test which will require the student to identify dog breeds and groups, cat breeds, wildlife by common name and scientific order, and give 2 presentations. Presentations are graded on 5 criteria: typed outline, references, visual aid(s), accuracy of content, and a 9-11 minute time limit.

Advanced students must achieve a passing grade of 70 or greater on each of the written tests and on the practical test.

ADMINISTRATIVE TRAINING COURSE

An Administrative ACO training course is also available through TDH. This course includes instruction in supervisory and management skills needed to implement concepts taught in the Basic and Advanced training courses.

Administrative training courses will be held on an as needed basis. Contact your regional ZCD office if you are qualified and wish to attend an Administrative course.

Administrative Course Prerequisites: A person must provide a recommendation from their supervisor to include a statement that the person meets one of the following prerequisites for course attendance: satisfactorily completed an Advanced ACO training course; worked in an administrative position for two years; OR completed 60 hours of college credit.

There is no Administrative test. Students will pass or fail based on their course assignment and class participation.

The following topics are covered in the manual and the Basic and Advanced training courses.

• History and Philosophy
• Animal Identification
• Capture and Restraint
• Animal Transportation
• Animal Impoundment
• Disposition of Animals
• Shelter Safety
• Sanitation
• Health
• Rabies
• Records and Forms
• Public Relations
• Laws