Certified Animal Control Professional (CACP)
Practical. Scenario-Based. Built for the Real World.CACP is a self-paced, interactive certification designed specifically for animal control and animal welfare professionals.Build practical skills in decision-making, investigations, officer safety, legal concepts, and professional judgment through realistic scenarios—not hours of recorded lectures.
Certification Pathway
Standard Certification Path
For new and experienced animal control professionals
Module I: Foundational Skills & Decision-Making
Approximately 10–15 Hours
Module II: Advanced Scenarios & Investigations Approximately 20–30 HoursCertified Animal Control Professional (CACP) Designation Awarded
Module II: Advanced Scenarios & Investigations Approximately 20–30 HoursCertified Animal Control Professional (CACP) Designation Awarded
Bridge Certification Path
For professionals who already hold a qualifying certification
Bridge Course: Foundations & Competency Validation
Review foundational concepts and demonstrate competency before advancing to Module II.Approximately 3–5 Hours
Module II:
Advanced Scenarios & Investigations
Approximately 20–30 Hours
Who qualifies?Professionals who hold a recognized animal control or animal welfare certification may be eligible for the Bridge Path. See the FAQ for qualifying certifications.
Pricing
Standard Certification Path
- Self-Funded — $249
- Agency-Funded — $399
Bridge Certification Path
- Self-Funded — $199
- Agency-Funded — $299
Registration Information
Registration & Payment
Once you submit your registration, you’ll be automatically redirected to our secure Square payment page to complete your enrollment.Your registration is not complete until payment has been received.
What’s Included in Module I
Module I builds the foundational knowledge every animal control professional needs to work safely, confidently, and effectively in the field. Through immersive, interactive, and self-paced learning, you'll develop the core skills that support sound decision-making, legal compliance, officer safety, and professional communication. The CACP Foundations Bridge Course provides a condensed, competency-based review of these same foundational topics.
Professional Foundations
• Foundations of Animal Control and Sheltering• Field Decision-Making: Ethics, Prioritization, and Community Engagement• Professional Report Writing for Animal Control
Officer Safety & Wellness
• Officer Safety: The Human Element• Officer Safety: Dogs and Cats• Recognizing and Managing Compassion Fatigue• Animal Control Equipment: Selection and Safe Use
Investigations & Animal Identification
• Legal Authority, Search, and Seizure• Dog Bite Cases: Assessment and Documentation• Zoonotic Diseases and Field Detection• Dog Breed Identification: Accuracy and Challenges• Cat Breed Identification: Accuracy and Challenges
What’s Included in Module II
Module II takes your training to the next level through immersive, interactive, self-paced, and scenario-based learning designed around the complex challenges faced by today's animal control professionals. Explore advanced investigations, specialized response topics, and legally defensible case development while strengthening the critical thinking and professional judgment needed to navigate high-risk, high-impact situations with confidence.
Core Investigative Skills
• Investigating Animal Neglect Cases• Animal Condition Assessment• Canine Body Condition Scoring• Feline Body Condition Scoring• Equine Body Condition Scoring• Livestock Identification and Field Care
Complex Investigations
• Animal Cruelty Investigations• Addressing Animal Hoarding• Dog Fighting Investigations• Cock Fighting Investigations• Animal Sexual Abuse Investigations• Understanding the Link Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence
Specialized Response & Legal Skills
- • Verbal De-escalation • Emergency Preparedness for Animal Control
- • Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) for Animal Control
- • Courtroom Testimony and Legal Proceedings
- • Reptiles: Identification, Husbandry & Welfare
- • Assessing Companion Bird and Small Mammal Welfare
See CACP in Action
CACP uses immersive scenarios, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies designed to strengthen critical thinking and professional judgment. Unlike traditional online courses, participants actively apply concepts through realistic decision-making exercises.
Who Should Enroll
CACP is designed for professionals seeking practical, immersive training that reflects the realities of modern animal control.
This program is ideal for:
• Animal Control Officers
• Supervisors, managers, and field training officers
• Law enforcement officers with animal control or animal cruelty responsibilities
• Code enforcement officers with animal-related responsibilities
• Veterinary professionals who support animal cruelty investigations
• Students and individuals pursuing a career in animal control
What You'll Earn
Upon Completing Module I
• Certificate of Completion
Upon Successfully Completing the CACP Foundations Bridge Course
• Competency Validation for Advancement to Module II
Upon Completing Modules I & II
• Certified Animal Control Professional (CACP) Designation
• Printed & Digital CACP Certificate
• Digital CACP Badge for LinkedIn, Email Signatures & Professional Profiles
• Official CACP Uniform Pin
• Access to Downloadable Job Aids & Resources
• Ongoing Support for Case Development & Courtroom Testimony
Many animal control professionals invest in their own training, while others receive support from their employer. Our pricing reflects both pathways, making professional certification more accessible during our introductory launch. Take advantage of these limited-time introductory prices while they're available.
Want an Advanced Endorsement?
Take your training beyond the online certification with an optional in-person course featuring classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and interactive scenario-based training. Available after completing Modules I & II.
Important Information
- CACP is intended for professional development and educational purposes.
- Animal control laws, regulations, and agency policies vary by jurisdiction. Participants should always follow their agency's policies and applicable laws.
- Successful completion of CACP does not grant law enforcement authority or replace agency-specific training requirements.
- Course enrollment provides a single-user, non-transferable license.
- All course materials are protected by U.S. copyright law. For complete details regarding enrollment, certification, licensing, refunds, and course policies, please click here.