About In-Person Training
NACA brings high-quality, hands-on training directly to your agency or community. Our in-person courses are designed to strengthen skills, build confidence, and promote professionalism in the field of animal care and control. From foundational officer training to advanced leadership development, our expert instructors ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Register For Upcoming In-Person Sessions!
For almost 50 years NACA has been a leader in providing training and certification programs for our profession. We are excited to announce the re-launch our in-person training programs.
ASPCA grant-funded scholarships are available in limited quantities for 2026 in-person training.
If awarded, funds will be distributed as reimbursement after the course.
ACO I In-Person
Covered Topics Include:
Search Warrants and Affidavits
Emotional Intelligence
Professionalism, Ethics & Civil Liability
Investigations and Field Operations: evidence, complaint types, documentation & Much More!
Additional Info / Costs:
Cost Per Person: $525 Non-Member / $499 Individual Member
– includes lunch, snacks, & drinks each day –
Note: Travel, additional meals, and lodging are not included and are the responsibility of the individual attendee.
Capacity: Limited to 36 participants
ACO I - Phoenix, AZ
Dates: December 1 – 4, 2026
Note: 12/1-12/3 is NACA ACO I Certification
12/4 is optional & AZ specific provided by hosting Agency
ACO I - Huntsville, AL
Dates: December 14 – 16, 2026
More Info: https://ghhs.org/naca
ACO I - Reno, NV
Dates: February 22- 24, 2027
ACO I - Nashville, TN
Dates: April 19 – 21, 2027
ACO I - Cabot, AR
Dates: May 17 – 19, 2027
ACO II In-Person
Covered Topics Include:
Animal Hoarding Cases
Animal Cruelty
Specialty Investigations
Situational Awareness
The Future of Animal Control
And more!
Additional Info / Costs:
Cost Per Person: $525 Non-Member / $499 Individual Member
– includes lunch, snacks, & drinks each day –
Note: Travel, meals, and lodging are not included and are the responsibility of the individual attendee.
Capacity: Limited to 36 participants
ACO II - Atlanta, GA
Dates: January 25 – 27, 20276
ACO II - Moore, OK
Dates: March 8 – 10, 2027
ACO III In-Person
Covered Topics Include:
In-depth Animal Crime Forensics
Advanced Investigative Techniques
Evidence Recognition, Documentation & Case Development
Reinforces Professional, Compassionate Animal Control Practices that Support Both People & Pets
3 days in person @ University of Florida!
Cost: $550 (excludes food, lodging, travel, or transportation)
More Info
ACO III - University of Florida
Dates: February 8 – 10, 2027
Mental Health First Aid Certification
In-Person $295 / $250 for NACA members
View More MHFA Certification Info
MHFA Certification - In Person
Date: March 30, 2027 Time: 10am-5pm
In-Person Certifications
Most of NACA’s virtual training options are available to you in-person and can be customized to your community needs.
Let NACA come to you!
ShelterSafe™
A practical course for shelter staff focused on safety, animal handling, and creating a secure environment for both people and pets.
ACO I
The foundational course for new Animal Control Officers, covering core skills in field response, investigations, and community engagement.
ACO II
An intermediate course that builds on ACO I, offering deeper training in enforcement, investigations, and advanced animal handling techniques.
NACA ACO III Cohorts
Hybrid Online/In-Person at University of Florida