NACI curriculum

The National Animal Cruelty Investigations School has three different components that should be taken in order. Requests to take them out of order will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Each component consists of a five-day, 40-hour program conducted from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (typically concludes before 5:00 on Friday). Each program offers four continuing education units upon completion. After completion of all three components (120 hours), you will be a certified humane investigator.

  • Level 1: Professional Animal Cruelty Investigator

    • Animal law
    • Constitutional law
    • Basic nutrition
    • Basic anatomy
    • Officer safety & survival
    • Basic photography
    • Communications
    • Report writing
    • Courtroom preparation
    • Biosecurity & zoonosis
    • Animal handling & behavior
    • Interviewing & investigation
    • Breed identification
    • Veterinarians & animal cruelty
  • Level 2: Advanced Animal Cruelty Investigator

    • Compassion fatigue
    • Criminal activity
    • Body condition scoring, including practical
    • Humane euthanasia
    • Proactive approach to investigations
    • Crime scene investigations
    • Career hacks
    • Agricultural animals & confinement operations
    • Equine investigations
    • Pet stores
    • High-volume breeders
    • Officer safety
  • Level 3: Expert Animal Cruelty Investigator

    • Ritual animal crimes
    • Animal sexual abuse
    • Large-scale impounds
    • Exotic animals
    • Internet crimes
    • Networking
    • Blood sports
    • Relationship of animal abuse & family violence
    • Disaster response
    • Traveling shows
    • Hoarders
    • Case building: The team approach
    • Diversity