Training
Animal Control Officer Training
The following is an overview of the training requirements for Animal Control Officers.
Basic Animal Control Officer Academy
You will need to complete this 3-4 week basic academy within 1 year of your hire date. It is completed through a VDACS approved academy.
Firearms Training
This section of your training typically lasts 2 weeks and will be completed at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy.
Defensive Driving
This part of your training lasts 1 week and is completed at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy.
Arrest Control and ASP Baton Training
This part of your training takes 1-2 weeks and is completed at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy.
Animal Vaccination
This training takes 1 day and is completed through a VDACS approved academy and Suffolk Animal Control.
Animal Euthanasia
This is a 1 day class, after which you will receive certification from a supervising veterinarian. It is completed through a VDACS approved academy and Suffolk Animal Control.
CPR/AED
This training takes 1-2 days and is completed through the Suffolk Police Department.
Taser Training
This training takes 1-2 days and is completed through the Suffolk Police Department.
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray
This training takes 1 day and is completed through the Suffolk Police Department.
Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)
This training takes 1 day and is completed through the Suffolk Police Department.
Field Training Phase
This part of your training takes 6-8 weeks to complete, depending on your work experience. It is completed in-house with a Suffolk Police Department Field Training Officer.