Developed and created through a subgrant-funded initiative in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) the ACOi certification establishes a rigorous international standard for animal care and control practice, with core competencies in rabies awareness, risk assessment, and response that are essential for professionals operating in dog rabies-endemic environments.
The ACOi certification builds advanced, real-world competencies that prepare professionals to operate confidently and effectively in complex animal care and public safety environments. The program develops strong skills in interpreting canine behavior and communication, recognizing aggression indicators, and applying humane, safe, and effective handling and de-escalation techniques in the field. It also strengthens critical expertise in rabies awareness, field risk assessment, equipment use, and personal safety practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Beyond technical skills, the certification elevates professional practice through training in ethical decision-making, bias awareness, and meaningful community engagement, all aligned with international best practices in animal welfare and field services. Collectively, these competencies position professionals to lead with confidence in advancing public safety, animal welfare, and global rabies prevention efforts.
In regions where dog-mediated rabies remains a critical public health threat, skilled and well-trained animal control professionals are essential to reducing risk and protecting communities.
“This global certification helps ensure that professionals around the world have access to standardized, evidence-based training aligned with international best practices—while also providing a credential that reflects the complexity of the work they do.”
— Jerrica Owen, CEO, NACA
The ACOi certification was developed with a particular awareness that animal control and rabies response officers in many parts of the world perform essential, high-risk public health work with limited institutional recognition and few pathways for formal professional advancement. A globally recognized credential provides these professionals with tangible evidence of their expertise and commitment, supporting career growth, strengthening their standing within their agencies and communities, and affirming the critical role they play in public health systems.
To increase accessibility and global participation, the certification is currently available in both English and French. Individual enrollment and group rates are available. A limited number of sponsored placements are also available for qualifying professionals in low-resource settings — organizations and individuals interested in enrollment, group pricing, or scholarship consideration are encouraged to contact NACA directly at naca@nacanet.org
This course is hosted and delivered through the Justice Clearinghouse learning platform, helping expand access to professional development resources for animal care and control professionals worldwide.
This initiative reflects NACA’s ongoing commitment to advancing professional standards in animal care and control, strengthening public health partnerships, and supporting a globally consistent approach to rabies surveillance and prevention.
“Professionals who earn the ACOi certification demonstrate advanced competency across the full scope of international animal control best practice, including identifying rabies risk, supporting surveillance systems, and contributing to coordinated prevention efforts across local, national, and international frameworks. The certification is well-suited for professionals working within national veterinary services, municipal animal control programs, One Health initiatives, and animal welfare NGOs operating in rabies-endemic regions.”
— Jerrica Owen, CEO, NACA
About National Animal Care and Control Association
The National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) is the largest professional association dedicated to the animal care and control industry in the United States. Founded in 1978, NACA serves more than 4,000 members nationwide, providing training, certification, resources, and advocacy for animal care and control professionals. NACA’s mission is to promote and support excellence in animal care and control through education, leadership, and the development of professional standards. For more information, visit www.nacanet.org.
About Justice Clearinghouse
Justice Clearinghouse is a year-round professional learning community serving more than 155,000 criminal justice, public safety, first responder and related professionals across the United States. Through live webinars, online training, and strategic partnerships with leading professional associations, Justice Clearinghouse brings together practitioners, leaders, researchers, and subject matter experts from across law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation, prosecution, victim services, dispatch, animal care and control, and other allied fields. By fostering a multidisciplinary exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices, Justice Clearinghouse helps professionals stay informed, strengthen their skills, and better understand the interconnected systems that shape the justice and public safety professions.
About World Organization for Animal Health
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is the global authority on animal health. Founded in 1924, WOAH works with its 183 Members to improve animal health and welfare worldwide. Through the development of international standards, the collection and dissemination of animal health information, and the strengthening of animal health systems, WOAH helps prevent and control animal diseases, including zoonoses. By advancing animal health, WOAH contributes to improved human health, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.
About Centers for Disease Control
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven public health agency. Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety, and security threats — both foreign and domestic. Whether disease starts at home or abroad, is chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, the CDC responds with the best science available to help people live longer, healthier, and safer lives.
