TAACO Full Academy (TFA)

160 HRS/$4,250

The TAACO FULL ACADEMY (TFA) is the flagship course for the facility. This 4 week, (160 hour) complete Humane Law Enforcement training course is structured like a combination police academy and vocational school. The TFA has all the basic ACO, Shelter/Kennel and Vet Assistant training, but emphasizes the importance professionalism, ethics, discipline and general law enforcement training. Everything need to start a professional career in the ACC field is included in the TFA course. It affords 2 state certifications and 12 certificates of completion in all pertinent aspects of the ACC field.

View some TFA Letters of Appreciation

"Animal Cops" not just a job, but a career.

FOR MORE INFO view a Printable TFA Flyer.

The TFA course is a part of the Blinn College Workforce Education Program. The TFA and/or the VAC course, which now is included in the TFA. All students will receive continuing education credit from Blinn College upon successful completion of the course.

Animal Care Technician (ACT)
(NOW ALSO PART OF THE TFA COURSE)

16 HRS/$250

The ACT is an intense 16 Hr. (2 day) study into animal care, health, nutrition, and veterinary medicine. Familiarization with the equipment, tools and devices used in the field are taught. Recognition of the most common diseases and their treatments are covered in-depth. Anatomy of small and large animals is covered in-depth. Familiarization of Canine and Feline breeds, and markings are covered. The pharmacology of the drugs used to generally treat the most common diseases found in a kennel/shelter environment are included. Zoonosis, Parasitology, and an array of other subjects are covered in the intense animal care training course. Vaccinations, spay/neuter and other surgery procedures and wound care are also covered.

Shelter hygiene, sanitation and management are also covered.

(A GREAT COURSE FOR SHELTER TECHS)

Veterinarian Assistant (VAC)

24 HRS

The VAC is an intense 24 Hr. (3 day) study into animal care, health, nutrition, and veterinary medicine. Familiarization with the equipment, tools and devices used in the field is taught. Recognition of the most common diseases and their treatments are covered in-depth. Anatomy of small and large animals is covered in-depth. Familiarization of Canine and Feline breeds, and markings are covered. The pharmacology of the drugs used to generally treat the most common diseases found in a kennel/shelter environment is taught. Zoonosis, parasitology, and an array of other subjects are covered in the intense animal care training course. Radiology, orthopedics, dentistry, spay/neuter and surgery procedures and wound care are also covered.

The VAC course is now included in the TFA!

ACO Level 1/3 (SPECIAL)

32 HRS/$400

The ACO Level 1-3 is a unique course structured for the "Beginner" WORKING ACO/ACT. It Includes the NEW DSHS "BASIC" ACO COURSE (16 HRS), Professionalism & Ethics, Animal Cruelty Investigations, Officer Safety & Survival and the DSHS approved Certified Euthanasia Technician training course. This is everything a new hire officer needs, in one course. THE ACO LEVEL 1-3 prepares a new officer to do a better, safer and more professional job and more training for the dollar. (AVAILABLE ONLY TO EMPLOYED ACOs)

TAACO Basic ACO Training Course

12 HRS/$250

This TAACO BASIC ACO TRAINING COURSE is the (1st) level of 4 progressive training courses. This course is approved by DSHS and meets and/or exceeds the minimum training requirements set forth by DSHS-Zoonosis Control and Sec. 829 of the THSC.
(TACA WILL PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATION)

The tuition includes both the TAACO course manual and the DSHS BASIC COURSE MANUAL. A pre-course study packet will be sent to the student upon registration. Upon completion of the 16 Hour course, the Students will be issued a "letter of completion". This letter (with photo ID) must be presented at the State DSHS exam testing site. An exam date and time will be scheduled at the conclusion of the course. There is no cost to take the exam. There is a $100 charge for retake the Basic course.

In the event that the student fails the state exam, they will be required to take the entire 16 Hour course again

Requirements: Be currently employed by a City or County Animal Control Department.

NEW TAACO Advanced ACO Training Course

12 HRS/$250

This course is approved by TACA for certification and DSHS only as continuing education credit as per SEC 829 of the THSC. The ADVANCED ACO TRAINING COURSE is the (2nd) level of four levels of progressive training courses for ACOs.
(TACA WILL PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATION)
EARNS CE CREDIT ALSO

(AWESOME COURSE FOR BEGINNER ACTs or SHELTER PERSONNEL ALSO)

The course includes a great amount of animal health & nutrition, disease recognition and control and treatment, shelter protocol, shelter sanitation, rabies control.

Requirements: Complete the BASIC ACO course with a minimum 1 year of service as a Basic Certified ACO

NEW Administrative ACO Training Course

12 HRS/$250

This course is approved by TACA for certification and DSHS only as continuing education credit as per SEC 829 of the THSC.

The ADVANCED ACO COURSE is the next (3rd) level of training in the 4 progressive of training courses offered by TAACO

(TACA WILL PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATION)
EARNS CE CREDIT ALSO

This course deals primarily with ACO and Animal Shelter administrative duties. Subjects such as Shelter Management, budgeting, increasing adoptions in-house and off site, forming volunteers and foster groups, grant writing and dealing with governing bodies.

Requirements: Completed the Basic and Advanced ACO courses and a minimum of 2 full years service as a Certified ACO or ACT.

NEW Executive ACO Training Course

12 HRS/$250

This course is will only approved by DSHS for continuing education credit as per SEC 829 of the THSC.

The EXECUTIVE ACO COURSE is the final (4th) level of training in the 4 progressive training offered by TAACO. (Basic, Advanced, Administrative and Executive)
(TACA WILL PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATION)

This course includes a large amount of shelter management budgeting, familiarization with computer software, adoption procedures and volunteer services, general shelter operations.

Requirements: Completed the Basic, Advanced and Administrative ACO courses and a minimum of 3 years as a Certified ACO.

Advanced Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI)

12 HRS/$250

This ACI course is unique to any other. It not only contains all the Criminal and Civil law aspect of animal seizure and making a prosecutable criminal case, but is very in depth in small & large animal anatomy, health and nutrition. Animal condition scoring and medical evaluations are also taught.

TAACO Chief Alan Spence, a professional peace officer (25 years), and experienced criminal investigator, is the instructor. This course is very informative especially those that have limited knowledge in Equine and Bovine or farm animals.

This course is highly recommended for ACOs, POs, Prosecutors, and Judges that deal with animal cruelty cases. From the civil seizure to the criminal prosecution, the course covers it all. This course is like no other.

All the correct and necessary documents, such as affidavits, warrants, case preparation and dispositions orders are thoroughly covered.

This is TAACO’s number two requested remote course, due to the increase in the number of cruelty cases arising, and the quality of this course. (Ask about group rates?)

Officer Safety, Bite Stick (ASP) & Pepper Spray

8 HRS/$125

This course is designed to teach the ACO how to better recognize danger and how possibly to avoid and/or deal with when necessary. Times are changing and the duties of the e ACO are getting more dangerous in many ways. Officer safety should be priority # 1. Learn to use your mind as a weapon.

The Bite Stick (ASP) portion of the training is a combination of the penal law, and SOP's regarding the possession and use. Segments on the proper way to use these tools to protect yourself against an aggressive animal and possibly an aggressive persons, in the line of duty. Dog bite prevention is also a part of this course.

The Pepper (OC) Spray portion, deals with the use and effects of OC spray on animals as well as humans. The chemistry, law and proper use and decontamination are taught.

If your department allows you, and you choose to carry these tools in your duties as an ACO, this training is a valuable asset from the liability standpoint as well as officer safety.

TAACO does not condone the use of these weapons without proper professional training. There are major differences in the ASP training for Peace Officers using this tool for protection or to gain compliance during an arrest. Animal Control Officers would use the too in defensive of an animal or possible human attacker.

This course also earns 8 hours of in-service credit, not to mention save a life.

Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET)

12 Hrs/$250

The TAACO course is a 2-day (12-14 Hour) course. TAACO teaches the curriculum as prescribed and approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis Control Division. The TAACO CET has the required classroom curriculum and an extensive hands-on practical block of instruction on performing euthanasia. It also includes a rabies decap and necropsy demonstration. Drug licensing, ordering, safety and security are also taught.

Generally offered the first week, Thursday and Friday of each month and the third week as part of the ACO Level 1-3.

Certified Euthanasia Re-certification

8 Hrs/$150

This 8 hour course meets the requirements of the state of Texas for anyone re-certifying as a euthanasia technician. This course is available at remote locations upon request. Group rates are available.

It is unlawful to practice animal euthanasia without proper and current certification.

(Good for 3 years) In the event you have let your previous EU certificate expire no more than 90 days you will need to register for the full CET.

Shelter Management (SM)

12 HRS/$20

Coming January 2010

Chemical Capture & Restraint (CCR)

8 HRS/$250

The methods of delivery (Equipment) as used particularly in the ACO field are taught. This course is heavy in the legal requirements, pharmacology, security, safety and the legality/liability of the drugs used in CCR.

Methods used to properly sedate or immobilize an animal for medical or safety reasons. All the drugs that are commonly used in CCR are taught.

Stages of sedation and recovery are reviewed, along with what drug is used for a certain animal or procedures. The practical hands on with the equipment and safety are stressed. This course is great for anyone desiring to safely and correctly use chemical capture as a means to deal with wild domestic, wildlife or nuisance animals.

OFFERED MONTHLY AT TAACO AND REMOTE CLASSES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Equine Recognition & Familiarization

12 HRS/$225

This is a new in-service course never before offered. It contains a vast amount of information on large animal, particularly equine. Extensive anatomy, husbandry, health and nutrition, along with behavior, handling, colors and markings are taught. This is a great course for those whose knowledge in limited in Equine.

Everything you ever wanted to know about a horse and more.

Parasitology

8 HRS/$125

This 8 hour course includes Parasite identification, Microscope use & Parasite treatment options. Our main objective is to give each student the basic understanding of parasites, their affect on animals and treatment options. The basic working knowledge to test for parasites and the basic knowledge to prevent and treat for parasite infestation.

Internal, external and ecto parasites are covered.

This is a great course for the beginner or experienced ACT.

*Rodent, Reptile & Bat Identification (RRB)

8 Hrs/$100

*Wildlife Recognition & Laws

*Equine/Bovine Anatomy Health & Nutrition (EBH)

*Lrg Animal Capture, Restraint & Transport (LAC)

*In-Service courses for CE Credit.

Call for information on any Continuing Education courses listed here but not on the schedule page of this site. All the TAACO course afford TACA CE credit for all working ACO and TACA MEMBERS. If you are not already a member, we urge you to join this professional group. It has many benefits for all the Animal Care and control field.