2025 Academy Application Animal Control Certification Academy for Massachusetts Animal Control Officers This academy is provided by the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM) with the support of the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC); the Animal Rescue League of Boston; The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; the Humane Society of the United States, individual ACOs and others who give their resources, time, and expertise to this course. The ACOAM Certification Academy has grown since 1987 into the most thorough, well-rounded program of its kind available in the state. It is one of the finest animal control educational programs in the country. This is an intensive program designed to pack as much vital information as possible into a limited time. Subjects taught in this academy include: equipment handling, animal capture techniques and strategies, livestock and exotic animal handling, wildlife issues, dog bite prevention, animal health inspector duties, rabies protocol, local bylaws and ordinances, conducting Selectmen hearings, record keeping and report writing, courtroom procedures, crime scene investigation, 4th amendment rights and exceptions to warrant, cruelty statutes and investigating cruelty complaints, and more. The ACOAM certification academy is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 3, 2025 at The Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105. TUITION: Current tuition price for this academy is $600.00 for working ACOs and $700 for non-working ACOs. This includes the NACA Training Manual, informative handouts for future reference, and a one-year membership in ACOAM. UNIFORM: You will be expected to wear the academy issued top and either a 5.11 style khaki pant, or something comparable (absolutely no jeans allowed). Footwear shall be what your current department allows you to wear. Failure to follow uniform policy may result in disciplinary actions. No firearms are allowed in the classroom setting. ENROLLMENT: ACOAM will accept any animal control officer who is currently employed by a municipality in Massachusetts. Due to new regulations, priority will be given to all current ACOs who have not graduated this academy first. If there are available seats enrollment will open for others hopeful to be in the field and those who are part of Animal Rescue League of Boston or the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. ENROLLMENT/PAYMENT: Complete and submit the application form before Monday, February 17, 2025. Full payment for this academy will be expected by the start of the Academy on Monday, March 3, 2025. Individuals may pay via certified bank check or money order. Municipalities that are sending officers may request a receipt to submit to your town for payment. Please review the "Scholarships" portion of the website, as there are a few scholarship opportunities available. Scholarship applications are due by Monday, February 3, 2025. For more information, contact ACOAM Academy Director, Kyle Dragon at academy@acoam.org Code of Conduct Attendance: One (1) excused absence is allowed during the academy. Your supervisor must sign a written excuse for any absence. More than one absence or unexcused absence may result in dismissal from the program. Attendance is taken twice a day to ensure compliance. Your supervisor may be notified of any unexcused absences or tardiness. Appearance: Students will be expected to wear the academy issued top and 5.11 tactical style or uniform pants that is acceptable to your department. Absolutely no jeans or casual clothing will be acceptable and will be grounds for dismissal for the day. Your supervisor will be notified. Duty Belts: If you do wear a duty belt for work, please note that firearms/weapons are not permitted in class. Cell Phone/Pager: No audible cell phone or pager signals are allowed during class. Smoking regulations: NO SMOKING is allowed on the grounds or in the building. Class O.L.C: Requests and complaints should be directed to the attention of the Officer in Charge of the class. The O.I.C. will report absences and disturbances to the Academy Director. Class Cancellation: During inclement weather or emergencies, contact the Academy Director. We will make all reasonable attempts to alert participants ahead of travel time if there is a weather event. **Registration is currently open for the 2025 ACOAM Academy** First Name *Please provide a valid first name.Last Name *Please provide a valid last name.Date of Birth *Please provide a valid date of birth.State ID Number (i.e. driver's license number, state ID number, etc.) *Please provide a valid state id number (i.e. driver's license number, state id number, etc.).Home Address *Please provide a valid home address.City/Town *Please provide a valid city/town.State *Please provide a valid state.Zip Code *Please provide a valid zip code.Email *Please provide a valid email.Phone *Please provide a valid phone.Are you currently employed as an Animal Control Officer?YesThis checkbox is required.NoThis checkbox is required.This checkbox is required.Employer *Please provide a valid employer.Work Phone *Please provide a valid work phone.Work Address *Please provide a valid work address.State *Please provide a valid state.Zip Code *Please provide a valid zip code.Supervisor's Name/Title *Please provide a valid supervisor's name/title.Supervisor's Email *Please provide a valid supervisor's email.Supervisor's Phone *Please provide a valid supervisor's phone.Please indicate your preferred unisex shirt size *Please provide a valid please indicate your preferred unisex shirt size.I have read the above code of conduct and agree to abide by it throughout the training academy.Yes *This checkbox is required.This checkbox is required.Please enter your full name and today's date. *Please provide a valid please enter your full name and today's date..