Welcome to the Animal Services Academy!
The next Animal Services Academy will take place on Wednesday, November 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Hillsboro. If you cannot make this date, please keep an eye on this webpage for future sessions.
Register now for the November 2025 Animal Services Academy!
This free training program is an opportunity for anyone 16 years of age or older to learn about the services and resources Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter offer the people and pets in our community. The Academy also serves as an orientation for anyone interested in volunteering, and completion of this training is required in order to volunteer with us.
Our hope is that after attending the Academy you will have a better understanding of the work Animal Services does and will feel empowered to share animal-related resources and information with your friends, neighbors and online networks.
Please note that no onsite or animal handling opportunities will be available at the Academy, although tours of the shelter will be offered to participants in the weeks following the training.
The Animal Services Academy covers:
- A general overview of Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter
- The importance of licensing your dog
- How you can help lost and found pets
- Information about what happens to pets at the shelter
- Animal enrichment in our shelter
- Veterinary medicine in our shelter
- The role of Animal Services Officers in the community
- Disaster preparedness for you and your pets
- Community resources available beyond Animal Services
Feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions about the Animal Services Academy.