"PROTECT AND SERVE PEOPLE AND PETS"
History
The Washington Animal Control Association was formally created in 1983. Since then strong relationships with the National Animal Control Association and the Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies have developed.
Membership in WACA
Currently WACA has 376 active members from 171 different agencies from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. WACA even has members from British Columbia. Out of the 171 active agencies, 13 are new to WACA this year. We are constantly striving to gain new members through outreach programs and trainings.
Programs
WACA’s mission is education.
Washington Animal Control Officer Academy
Each year WACA, in conjunction with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, co-sponsors a two-week academy for training animal control officers.
The academy is limited to 30 attendees each year, with two scholarships offered.
The academy covers traditional law enforcement courses such as basic investigations, search and seizure, conflict resolution, and specific laws pertinent to Washington State. Also covered are courses on animal care and handling. The academy is currently in its tenth year and is still going strong.
Pacific Northwest Regional Animal Care and Control Conference
Each year WACA, in conjunction with the Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies, co-sponsors a training conference to further educate and train people in the Animal Care and Control field.
During the conference there are several certification courses every year, ensuring that Animal Control Officers are are properly trained and equipped for the job. WACA also offers two scholarships to attend the conference each year.
Legislative Support
WACA works proactively to develop and support legislative issues to ensure that newly proposed legislation is not only needed, but enforceable. In 2006 WACA was involved in sponsoring a bill to strengthen the dog fighting laws in Washington State. With the assistance of The Humane Society of the United States a new law was passed making dog fighting a felony instead a misdemeanor.
Outreach
Animal Rescue Groups and Private Animal Welfare Agencies
Another important accomplishment is WACA’s continued efforts to work with animal welfare organizations such as private rescues, at both the national and local levels. WACA believes that fostering relationships with these groups allows each of us to better serve the people and animals in our communities. This helps to educate non-officers as to our roles and responsibilities and assist them in utilizing the proper channels in the ongoing effort to combat pet overpopulation and animal abuse.
An example of cooperative support between WACA members and the larger animal welfare community occurred during the 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastation. Several WACA member agencies and individuals assisted with rescue efforts in Louisiana. Work was done not just onsite, but when animals needed a place to go, agencies and individuals opened their shelters and homes to help out.
Relationship with National Animal Control Association (NACA)
A portion of WACA’s membership fee is used to enroll members in NACA. This not only promotes more global thinking, it affords WACA members opportunities to participate in NACA sponsored trainings.
Quaterly Newsletter
Four times each year, the WACA Times is mailed to about 350 members and associates.