Ontario Animal Control Officer Training

Get Your Ontario Animal Control Officer Certification

Are you seeking employment as an  Animal Control Officer? This stand-alone course is an essential component of your learning or skill upgrading. You will gain a firm foundation of training in everything from legal issues to managing dangerous dogs.

Register Today!

Course Access Time

You will have full access to this course for 10 weeks from the date of registration.
A 1-time free extension of 3 weeks is available (if needed).
An additional extension of 2 weeks is available at $75.

Steps To Receive Your Animal Control Officer Certification

Step 1

Complete the online training course

Step 2

Write and pass the online exam

Step 3

Receive your certification

Everything You Need

  • 13 modules with video and text.
  • Quizzes to ensure understanding of the material
  • Available 24/7/365
  • No time limit to complete the course
  • Support is available if you have questions or need help.
  • Available on all internet-connected devices – desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile phone using Windows/Mac/iOS/Android
  • Printable accreditation certificate

All of the above for a one-time payment:

$750
Instant Access
  • Anyone currently employed or seeking employment as an MLEO or Provincial Offences Officer wanting to specialize in Animal Control or enforcement of local Bylaws.
  • Anyone wanting to specialize in a career as an Animal Control Officer.
  • Organizations seeking to train multiple staff
  • This is a stand alone Bylaw Officer Core Competency Course specializing in Animal Control.

Topics covered in the animal control certification course are as follows:

  • Introduction to Animal Control
  • Characteristics of Effective Animal Control Officers
  • Introduction to Law
  • Authorities and Powers of Animal Control MLEO's
  • Laying POA Charges as Animal Control Officers
  • Court Structure
  • Understanding the Powers of an OSPCA Agent vs MLEO's
  • Municipal Structure and Bylaws
  • DOLA and Provincial Legislation relative to Animal Control
  • Understanding Dog Behaviours
  • Officer Safety for Animal Control Officers
  • Bite Sticks and Animal Repellent Spray
  • Safe Animal Handling
  • How to use Catch Poles
  • Animal Control Final Exam
  • Course Completion

This animal control training online course focuses on providing a foundation in:

  • Professionalism and ethics
  • Legal studies
  • Report writing
  • Personal safety

Students who successfully complete the online course and final exam are eligible to add Animal Control Bylaw Officer to your resume.

This program was written by former Ontario based Police instructors who served both at the Ontario Police College as well as at the in service training divisions for both the O.P.P. and Municipal Police agencies.

These same instructors and the company issuing the accreditation certificates, are also approved and licensed Vendors of Record (V.O.R.) for the Government of Ontario to train M.L.E.O.s and P.O.O.s  (Provincial Offences Officers) for all Ministries and Provincially funded agencies that use the V.O.R. system to obtain training for their officers.

The course design and development was  done by instructors who are Court (Ontario Superior Court) Recognized “Subject Matter Experts” in the training of Municipal Bylaw and Enforcement Officers, Provincial Offences Officers, Police and Special Constables in Ontario. Copies of transcripts from these court credentials are available upon request.

CAN A BYLAW OFFICER/M.L.E.O. WHO DOES PARKING ENFORCEMENT ALSO DO GENERAL BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OR ANIMAL CONTROL?

The short answer is yes. If the Municipality hires you to do more than just Parking Enforcement, they may ask that you also be trained in the other areas as well as Parking. Given that General Bylaw Services and Enforcement is also a specialized profession ie Property Standards, Noise Bylaw Enforcement, Animal Control, Licensing etc specialized training is highly recommended.

IS IT TRUE THAT SOME MUNICIPALITIES ARE OUTSOURCING SOME BYLAW ENFORCEMENT TO SECURITY COMPANIES?

Yes. Some smaller Municipalities are not only out sourcing Parking Enforcement but also General Bylaw services and Animal Control.

IS THIS COURSE SIMILAR TO THE S.P.C.A. PROGRAM?

Yes it is. We previously wrote the program and trained officers for the OSPCA as well as other Provinces. There are modules in this course that explain the difference between what local Bylaw Animal Control officers can or can't do and the powers and authorities of SPCA agents.

DOES THIS COURSE INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW P.A.W.S.?

As of January 1, 2020, the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act has replaced the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act. Transitional regulations are in place, such as carrying over the previous standards of care and administrative standards, to ensure animals are protected while long-term regulations are developed through consultation. There is a module in this course dedicated to understanding this process.

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