WHAT IS THE RACO PROGRAM? The RACO program allows volunteers to become Reserve Animal Control Officers serving in the same capacity as Animal Control Officers. The program requires a commitment of 18 hours of volunteer service each month at anyone of six animal shelters for three months prior to the first class. This commitment provides a great opportunity for volunteers to serve and observe. Pros
pective candidates learn about the care and handling of a variety of animals, interface with shelter staff, and work with supervisors and become familiar with day-to-day operations. During this three-month commitment, there is an application process. An applicant must be a minimum of 21 years of age, a high school graduate or equivalent, and must have a current driver's license. A background check, and drug and alcohol screening is performed as a part of the process. Candidates need to be prepared for a physical requirement check because RACOs must be able to lift at least 70 pounds and sometimes more. Other physical agility requirements, such as stooping, crawling, and bending, are tested. The training program runs for approximately six months with a schedule of four hours over two evenings, with classroom and field training during the program. Uniforms, equipment and training are provided by the Department (at no cost to the RACO). The Department requires a one-year commitment of 18 hours per month after graduating from the class. These newly graduated RACO volunteers will be paired with ACOs to assist with services such as promoting and selling dog licenses either door-to-door or at public events, roundups of stray dogs, wildlife calls that could use extra assistance and some may join our special Specialize Mobile Animal Rescue Team (SMART).
