Join Jace Huggins, Vice President and Chief of Humane Law Enforcement for San Diego Humane Society, and the San Francisco SPCA Shelter Policy and Legal Services Special Counsel and animal law attorney Bruce Wagman, as they navigate us through the intricacies of Penal Code 597.1. 

This course points out ways this complex statute can be used to benefit animals that are the subject of seizures when they are injured, abandoned, or subject to cruelty and neglect. It covers the practical application of the law in the field (both pre- and post-seizure), and the legal support for and analysis of the procedures available both before and after seizures have taken place. The potential for pre-seizure hearings, as well as best practices for post-seizure hearings, are also discussed, along with pertinent case law. 

Our speakers will also address concerns from our officers around pressures to take animals from people that may be subject to immigration-related deportations, unhoused encampment “sweeps,” incarceration, or hospitalization. Understanding people’s rights and what is and is not supported by state law should be helpful in navigating those situations.

Behavior modification can be helpful when dealing with problem behavior in companion animals but the shelter environment is not terribly conducive to successful behavior  modification. Modifying behavior takes time, consistency, and an environment that can be well managed, none of which exist in a shelter. That said, there are some behaviors that shelters can and should put  effort into modifying for the welfare and adoptability of the dogs. 

This presentation will explain the techniques used to modify behavior and how to apply these strategies within the shelter. Behavior expert Kelley Bollen MS, CABC works with shelters around the country to implement  effective behavior programs, and this is a session you won’t want to miss!

With overflowing kennels and longer lengths of stay, most shelters are seeing no shortage of behavioral challenges among dogs. The most concerning, of course, is aggression, and behavior expert Kelley Bollen will lead this session to take a deep dive into why dogs exhibit aggressive behavior, the different types of aggression we see in dogs, and what situations can trigger aggressive behavior. She will discuss what we as shelter professionals can do to modify this serious and sometimes dangerous behavior and provide guidance on safe placement. With safety considerations for staff, volunteers, and the public, as well as the overall implications our choices have on our ability to maintain liability insurance as an industry, having clear guidelines and pathways for dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior is critically important.

Animal Control Officers and Humane Officers now have the opportunity to complete a basic training academy on their own time, at their own pace, without travel.

This is a web-based, on-demand course consisting of more than 60 hours of training in California state laws and animal care, specifically to meet the requirements outlined in Health and Safety Code Sec 26222 and California Corporations Code Section 14502. This academy is a collection of video trainings conducted by a variety of exceptional experts in our field, along with quizzes to help ensure that content is understood. 

View Course Agenda 

$450 Members (staff of CalAnimals member organizations)

$500 Non-members (Learner Profile needed)

This training program was designed to ensure all animal officers throughout the state of California have access to quality training and industry best practices, and support each officer’s eligibility to become certified.

*This academy is open to everyone. It is not a requirement nor promise of employment.

Learn more about the CalAnimals 

Certified Animal Control Officer Program, 

our state’s voluntary certification program for ACOs. 

*To obtain certification:

1. You must be employed as an ACO

2. Taken PC 832 Arrest, Search and Seizure

3. Completed a qualifying animal law academy

Animal Control Officers and Humane Officers now have the opportunity to complete an advanced training academy on their own time, at their own pace, without travel.

This is a web-based, on-demand course consisting of more than 40 hours of training to advance skills for investigations, work more effectively with the public, respond to disasters, implement effective programs for cats, safely interact with wildlife, and more! This course meets the requirements for 40 CEUs every 3 years outlined in Health and Safety Code Sec 26222 and California Corporations Code Section 14502 for Certified Animal Control Officers and State Humane Officers. This academy is a collection of video trainings conducted by a variety of exceptional experts in our field.
View Course Agenda

$400 Members (staff of CalAnimals member organizations)

$450 Non-members (Learner Profile needed)

Learn more about renewing your CACO status. 

**Please note: CalAnimals webinars and trainings are for informational purposes only. Please check with your own municipality, legal counsel, and/or veterinarian to determine which activities are appropriate for your agency.

This training class is developed specifically for animal control officers and humane officers in the state of California pursuant to CCR 2039.5. The instructors are veterinarians and biologists who specialize in remotely-delivered anesthetic agents. This program, which has historically been considered by many to be the standard in chemical  immobilization training, is now part of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy. 

Early Registration Fee: $475 before 7/30/2025

General Registration Fee: $495

8 CEs

Hosted at Fontana Police Department’s Emergency Operations Center

Location: 17005 Upland Ave, Fontana, CA 92335

Click here for a PRINTABLE FLYER.

Register Early by 7/30/2025 for discount! Space is limited.

Registration closes 8/7/2025

Questions? bingram@sdzwa.org

*Payment and registration is through San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy

Check back for the next San Diego Humane Law Enforcement Academy, 10-day, in-person academy, held in San Diego. View their website for more information and to register. All 80 hours of  instruction must be completed in order to receive a completion certificate.

Please note that the final decision as to whether a course satisfies the training requirements for humane officer appointment rests with the superior court charged with confirming the appointment.

$400

Payment and registration is through San Diego Humane Society.