Welcome to MaSA's
ACO University Online!

Because Education is Essential
for All Animal Care & Control Professionals.

Through ACO University online, Midwest Animal Services Academy provides career training and certification to animal care and control professionals in the Midwest and across the United States, addressing issues specific to the individual state as well as the region.

Click on one of the classes below to learn more and enroll.


Getting the training you need can be a serious challenge!

  • Obstacle #1: Lack of or limited training budgets -- "Our organization doesn't include training in the budget, and we just experienced a disaster that absorbed the extra funding."

  • Obstacle #2: Travel, food, and lodging expenses -- "I want to go to training, but hotels and airfare are expensive, not to mention restaurant meals!"

  • Obstacle #3: Low staffing/manpower levels -- "Who will do my job while I'm away?"

WE KNOW.
WE'VE BEEN THERE.

... Which is why we have launched the MaSA Online Training Program at ACO University online. With more than 20 years experience in the field as well as teaching CEU and certification courses, we're here to help animal care and control professionals do their jobs to the best of their abilities -- SAFELY, AFFORDABLY, and CONVENIENTLY.

Who benefits from
the MaSA online
training platform?


Through our online distance learning platform, MaSA classes may be taken from your location, on your schedule, at your convenience. Many of our courses are approved by the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Program for continuing education unit (CEU) credits. (Please note that animal welfare laws vary from state to state. Email us at [email protected] if you have questions about how to become versed in your state's laws and regulations.)

  • Animal Care & Control Officers

  • Police & Code Enforcement Officers

  • Animal Shelter Technicians & Trainers

  • Animal Care & Control Supervisors, Managers & Directors

  • Animal Welfare Volunteers & Care Providers

  • Animal Shelter Attendants & Operators

  • Animal Cruelty Investigators & Humane Officers

  • Ultimately, our communities see the greatest benefits. Animal care & control professionals are public servants. We serve our communities best when we have a solid training foundation.



What our students are saying about MaSA training:


  • "I want to thank JT for his training. I have been on the job three weeks and I learned so much from him and his experiences. Best course ever, and I look forward to the advanced course."

    ACO T. Moore, Alabama

  • "I have previous law enforcement experience and I found the classes tailored very nicely to animal control. JT encourages open discussion and provides relevant first-hand experience and examples. His perspective is as entertaining as it is informative."

    ACO K. Marzig, Georgia


  • "I've taken classes from other training groups and really like how MaSA classes are written with the specific laws and regulations of our states included."

    ACO S. Sharp, Missouri


  • “JT, you’re a kicka** instructor! I can’t wait to apply everything I’ve learned."

    ACO B. Chuyko, Pennsylvania

  • "JT and everyone at MaSA provide excellent training programs and are able to provide advice on case management, examples of policies and procedures, ordinance language, and so much more. They are true resource assets to animal control professionals."

    ACO Field Supervisor R. Blevens, Illinois


  • “I have learned a lot from JT Taylor over the years and look forward to future MaSA training.”

    S. Banes, Shelter Buddies of Missouri

Click on one of the classes below to learn more and enroll.

About Your Instructor...

JT Taylor
Midwest Animal Services Academy Executive Director and Instructor

Since 2001, JT has served as a state, regionally, and nationally certified Animal Control Officer, Animal Cruelty Investigator, Shelter Operator, Disaster Responder, and Animal Control Supervisor.

JT has been on the Missouri Animal Control Association Board of Directors for many years, to include having been the Officer Certification Chairman and President of the Association. He served the National Animal Control Association as a member of the Advanced Investigation (Level IV) course development team and instructor. JT is a member of the National Law Enforcement Coalition for Animal Neglect and Abuse, and the National Animal Control Association.

JT has served as an instructor for the National Animal Control Association, the Missouri Animal Control Association, and Midwest Animal Services Academy. He has served as guest lecturer for the Veterinary Technologies programs at Brown-Mackie College, Sanford Brown College and Jefferson College. He was an instructor for Animal Control Training Services (ACTS) in 2018 and 2019 and is currently an instructor for Animal Control and Care Academy (ACCA) as well as MaSA.

JT is a United States Air Force veteran with more than 11 years experience in traditional law enforcement. He has been a certified training instructor since 1985 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

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