New England Animal Control Humane Academy

Registration is Open for the 2026 New England Animal Control Humane Academy!

Join us July 20–24 at the University of New Hampshire for a week of hands-on training, professional development, certifications, and networking with animal welfare and public safety professionals from across New England.

This year’s academy features an incredible lineup of instructors and courses designed for animal control officers, humane investigators, law enforcement, shelter staff, and anyone dedicated to animal welfare and public safety.

⭐ Special Opportunity:
We are proud to welcome Mark Kumpf with Animal Control and Care Academy, offering two certification courses at deeply discounted pricing to help make high-quality training more accessible than ever.

🎓 Scholarship opportunities are also available, including:
• The Dale Childs Memorial Scholarship
• The Wendell Strout Memorial Scholarship

Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, this academy offers valuable education, practical skills, and connections you can bring back to your community.

📍 University of New Hampshire
📅 July 20–24, 2026

➡️ View the full schedule and register today at: https://www.acoanh.com/neacha2026

🚨 Training Announcement! 🚨

The New England Animal Control Humane Academy is back for 2026! Join us July 20–24 at the University of New Hampshire for an incredible week of hands-on training, professional certifications, and networking with fellow animal control professionals.

✨ Featuring Mark Kumpf of Animal Control and Care Academy, offering two certification courses at a deeply discounted rate—making this high-quality training more accessible than ever!

📅 Ready to see what’s in store? Check out the full schedule:
👉 www.acoanh.com/neacha2026

🎓 Scholarship Opportunities Available!
We are proud to offer:
• Dale Childs Memorial Scholarship
• Wendell Strout Memorial Scholarship

These scholarships are designed to support aspiring Animal Control Officers—be sure to apply!

🔗 Learn more & apply here:
www.acoanh.com/neacha2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to train, connect, and grow in your profession. We hope to see you there!

For additional information or questions, please reach out to Officer Allison Caprigno at [email protected]

🥶🐾 BREAKING NEWS: It’s Cold. Like… Really Cold. 🐾🥶 (not sponsored by Glad brand plastic wrap)

Your friends at the Animal Control Officers Association of New Hampshire are here with a few very important winter reminders for pets who did not sign up to live in a snow globe:

❄️ Potty breaks ≠ sightseeing tours
Quick out, quick in. Nobody needs a 20-minute walk to question their life choices.

🧥 If your pet looks offended by the cold…
They probably need a coat. Tiny dogs, seniors, and short-haired divas especially.

🐾 Cold ground is rude
Ice and road salt can burn paws. Wipe those feets or consider booties (yes, even if they walk like a malfunctioning robot).

🏠 “But they like being outside!”
No. No they don’t. If you wouldn’t nap outside right now, neither should they.

🚗 Cats love warm engines (terrible hobby)
Before starting your car, tap the hood and honk… just in case someone crawled in for a surprise sauna.

🍽️💧 Cold weather = higher calorie burn
Make sure pets have enough food and unfrozen water. Winter is not the time for intermittent fasting.

Bottom line: If it’s too cold for your nose, ears, and toes… it’s too cold for theirs.
Stay warm, stay safe, and give your pets an extra cuddle (they’ve earned it). 🐕🐈💙

🖤 In Loving Memory of Wendell Strout 🐾
The Animal Control Officers Association of New Hampshire extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Wendell Strout, Animal Control Officer for the City of Lewiston, Maine, who passed away on November 24th.
Wendell dedicated 25 years of his life to serving both animals and his community with compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment. His impact reached far beyond his hometown and was felt throughout the animal welfare and animal control community across New England. He was a mentor, a colleague, and a true advocate for those who could not speak for themselves.
We are grateful for his years of service, his dedication to the profession, and the legacy of kindness and protection he leaves behind. Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sympathies are with Wendell’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest easy, Wendell. Your service will never be forgotten. 🐾💙

Rest In Peace Wendell ~ you will be missed.

Wishing ACO Jana McMillan a happy and healthy retirement after 27 years of dedicated service to the Hudson Police Department!