ACO Basic Training Course

Texas Department of State Health Services PHR 1

Animal Control Officer Basic Training Course

Basic Animal Control Officer (ACO) Training Course and Test on October 7-8, 2026.

The course will be held at Texas Department of State Health Services 3407 Pony Express Way, Amarillo, TX 79118

The cost of the course is $75.00 (check/money order). Payment will be collected on the first day of the course. Please do not send in your payment for the course fee. Registration will be open until September 21, 2026.
You will receive an acceptance packet with important information, including the Pre-Course Assignment, within 5-7 business days. Your registration for the course is not complete until you receive the acceptance packet.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT ANY APPLICANT(S) IS AWARE THAT HIS/HER NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION (I.E. ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER) MAY BE SUBJECT TO RELEASE THROUGH AN OPEN RECORDS REQUEST (TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 552 PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT).

FAQs:
When is the test?
The test will be held on the afternoon of October 8, 2026.
More information regarding test time and when to report will be provided at the training course and in your acceptance packet, and confirmation letter respectively.

How do I study for the test?
The Animal Control Officer Training Manual is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). (Link: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/disease-surveillance-epidemiology-section/zoonosis-control/education/animal-control-officers/training-manual-animal-control). The manual contains a basic course section, plus various state laws relating to animals. The manual is intended as a study guide for students attending a basic training course and as a reference manual for animal control agencies.

Students attending an animal control officer basic course will be tested on the material presented in the manual. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students study the manual thoroughly before attending a course.

Each manual costs $40.00. (A 3-ring binder is not included; however, the manual is 3-hole punched and ready for insertion in a 1 ½ -inch binder of your choice.) Make checks or money orders payable to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Please email PHR1Zoonosis@dshs.texas.gov if you wish to order a manual.

Can I update my registration information?
If you need to make changes to your information, or if you are unable to attend, please contact us directly:
Christi Olszewski |(806) 783-6422| PHR1Zoonosis@dshs.texas.gov

How do I know if my registration went through?
You should receive an acceptance packet or confirmation letter with important information within 5-7 business days of submitting your registration. Your registration for the course is not complete until you receive the acceptance packet or confirmation letter respectively. If you do not receive your acceptance packet or letter after the allotted time, please contact us directly.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
If you have any questions, please call or email us.
The contact person for this course is: Christi Olszewski |(806) 783-6422| PHR1Zoonosis@dshs.texas.gov

Space is limited, and you must receive the registration letter, and pre-course assignment and packet prior to attending the ACO basic course.

Attendees should be 18 years of age or older (no minors).

The closest hotels can be found off Interstate 40.

For more information, call Christi Olszewski at (806) 783-6422