Texas Academy of Animal Control Officers

TEXAS ACADEMY of ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS
(TAACO)
MISSION STATEMENT

The TEXAS ACADEMY of ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS was established in January 2006. The primary reason for opening the TAACO facility was, to make available, the much needed, PROFESSIONAL, STANDARDIZED, UP TO DATE and QUALITY TRAINING for the persons now working in the Animal Care and Control / Humane Law Enforcement field. However, and most importantly, to provide this “FULL ACADEMY” training for the persons choosing to enter the rewarding and challenging ACO field as a career.

In the early 1980s Texas law enforcement began an evolution to change the professionalism, educational and training requirements for Peace Officers. Times do change and so must we. A Texas Peace Officer now must complete approximately 26 weeks of intense training and then successfully complete a state exam in order to begin work as a Peace Officer. Animal Control Officers, though most, not true Peace Officers, are enforcing law, and in some cases in very dangerous situations. TRAINING is the key to survival, safety and doing the job correctly. Animal Control is law enforcement; the officer is just not armed. The dedicated men and women that work in the animal care and control field; are doing a job that 90% of the population would not even attempt. The increasing number of abandoned and unwanted animals is growing daily. From the rural communities to metropolitan cities of millions, there is a pet over population problem. Shelters everywhere, are bursting at the seams and are constantly in need of trained personnel to staff them. The love for animals is a must, but it takes more than that to work in this field. Good training is essential too. The TAACO four-week (160 HR) “FULL ACADEMY” provides just that. Graduates will be able to go anywhere in the state and have preference for job openings.

TAACO’s goal is to graduate approximately 120 fully trained Animal Control Officers and another 80 Vet/Kennel Technicians each year to fill the many positions available throughout the State of Texas. TAACO also provides on going in-service courses for continuing education. The days of the ole “Dog Catcher” are over and professional Animal Control Officers are in much demand.

We at TAACO, feel this is a calling for us to share our many years of combined Law Enforcement, Animal Care/Control and Veterinarian Medicine experience with the caring and dedicated people either working in, or looking to enter this profession as a career. This training is also an awesome foundation training for anyone looking to enter true law enforcement or even Veterinarian college at some point.

Start today, by registering for the upcoming academies. You may register here on line or call 979/542-5010.

Thank you and God Bless:

Alan Spence PO/CACO
Director of Operations