Humane Society Agent Training

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 16, 2026

This Humane Society Agent Training Program, hosted by the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation, is being offered in compliance with OAC 109:2-15-02 using curriculum approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. It is intended only for persons who have been approved by a county humane society to become a humane society agent, other law enforcement, or others who are associated with a law enforcement agency and have a legitimate need for this information to promote animal welfare.

Students who successfully complete all 34 hours of this program will receive a Certificate of Completion. A Certificate of Completion for this program does not constitute an appointment of the student as a humane society agent. Students may only act as humane society agents after they have been appointed by a county humane society organized under section 1717.05 of the Ohio Revised Code; are approved by the mayor of the municipal corporation or the probate judge of the county where they intend to serve; and comply with all other requirements provided by law. 

Agenda 

ON ZOOM:

Monday, October 26 (online 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Welcome & Announcements

5 hrs. Animal Husbandry, Health & Wellness

Tuesday, October 27 (online 9:00 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.)

3 hrs. Report Writing

2 hrs. Ethics & Professionalism 

Wednesday, October 28 (online 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

6 hrs. Legal Issues

Thursday, October 29 (online 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.)

3 hrs. Legal Issues, continued

2 hrs. Investigations

Friday, October 30 (online 9:00 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.)
5 hrs. Investigations
Wrap-up

PLUS:

IN PERSON: November 2 OR November 6 at Columbus Humane 

8 hrs. Subject Control Techniques - choose date when registering

Please be aware that this highly physical training in Subject Control Techniques is required for completion of this Humane Society Agent Training Program. It consists of subject approach and control techniques; striking; takedowns; body locks and hold releases; and ground defense, all of which must be demonstrated to the OPOTA-certified instructor's satisfaction.

Speakers

Jeff Holland and Dana Pannella, Holland & Muirden Attorneys at Law – Legal Issues; Investigations; Report Writing 

Dr. Allison Lash, DVM, Cleveland Animal Protective League – Animal Husbandry, Health & Wellness 

Aviva Vincent, Veterinary Social Worker – Interpersonal Violence & Animal Abuse (Investigations) 

Richard Whalen, Greene County Career Center Criminal Justice Program – Ethics & Professionalism 

Mark Proud, Blueline Training Solutions

Tuition 
Includes 26 hours of virtual instruction plus 8 hours of in-person Subject Control Techniques  

$375.00 per registrant authorized by an Ohio Fed MEMBER organization. 

$475.00 per registrant authorized by a NONMEMBER organization. 

Nonmembers who are interested in joining the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation may apply the difference in fees to membership dues. 

Registration Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026