The ACOi Certification was developed to build international capacity in dog rabies-endemic regions. It is NOT intended for U.S. based animal control officers. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact support@justiceclearinghouse.com before enrolling.
Animal Care & Control International Officer Certification
The Animal Care & Control International Officer Certification (IOC) issued by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), is a globally recognized professional credential designed for animal health, animal control, and public safety professionals engaged in rabies surveillance, response, and prevention.
The Animal Care & Control International Officer Certification (IOC) issued by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), is a globally recognized professional credential designed for animal health, animal control, and public safety professionals engaged in rabies surveillance, response, and prevention.
This certification establishes a rigorous international standard for rabies surveillance practices, emphasizing epidemiology, field investigation, interagency coordination, data collection, and public health integration. IRSO-certified professionals demonstrate advanced competency in identifying rabies risk, supporting surveillance systems, and contributing to coordinated rabies prevention efforts across local, national, and international frameworks.
Who this course is for
- Animal health, animal control, and public safety professionals working in the field
- Professionals operating in dog rabies–endemic environments where animal control is frontline public health
- Great fit for learners in:
- Municipal animal control programs
- National veterinary services
- One Health initiatives
- Animal welfare NGOs
- Ideal for individuals seeking advanced, internationally standardized training and a professional credential
Accessibility & enrollment options
- Individual enrollment available
- Group rates available
- Sponsored placements / scholarship opportunities for qualifying professionals in low-resource settings
- NACA can support enrollment conversations for:
- organizations seeking group participation
- individuals requesting scholarship consideration
Course & credential overview
- Full credential title: Animal Care & Control International Officer Certification (ACOi)
- A globally recognized, internationally applicable professional credential
- Developed to establish a rigorous international standard for animal care and control practice
- Offered in English and French
- Delivered via the Justice Clearinghouse learning platform
What learners can expect to gain
- Confidence to operate effectively in complex animal care and public safety environments
- Improved ability to contribute to rabies surveillance and prevention
- A credential that demonstrates advanced competency aligned with international best practices
- Clear professional development value for career recognition and advancement
Strengthen public safety and animal welfare outcomes while earning an internationally recognized credential—built for the realities of rabies-endemic field work.
What the certification covers
Field-ready international competencies
- Rabies awareness and understanding dog-mediated rabies risk
- Risk assessment and field response readiness
- Recognizing aggression indicators through interpretation of canine behavior and communication
- Humane, safe, and effective handling techniques
- De-escalation in the field to reduce risk to people and animals
- Equipment use and personal safety practices, including correct PPE use
Professional practice & ethics
- Ethical decision-making
- Bias awareness
- Meaningful community engagement aligned with international best practices
