Founded in 1990, the National Animal Cruelty Investigations School was the first of its kind, offering a combination of specialized veterinary and law enforcement training. Students from a range of backgrounds — including federal, state and local animal cruelty officers, humane society investigators and board members, police officers and sheriffs’ deputies, court personnel and other citizens — learn from experts about all aspects of animal welfare and safety.
The program has three different components (Professional-Advanced-Expert) that should be taken in order.
Registration preference will go to investigators with active investigations.  Due to the nature of the business, topics discussed and videos shown during the schools will have graphic content and may not be suitable for everyone. 
Continuing Education - Participants with a grade of 70% or more on the written examination will receive a certificate of completion and 40 continuing education units.

COST: $540.00 per person

Check payment can be made with the printable registration form.

  • Group Discount: Register three students at full price from one agency and all additional registrations receive 50% off full registration fee. Registrations must all be submitted together, and all registrants must attend to qualify.
  • Agency Discount: Any agency that mandates the National Animal Cruelty Investigations Training in their policies and procedures will receive a 20% discount. Contact LETI@missouri.edu(opens in new window)

 573-882-6021 f or approval and discount code.

 573-882-6021 f or approval and discount code.    

Professional Animal Cruelty Investigator curriculum includes:

  • Animal Law 
  • Report Writing 
  • Constitutional Law 
  • Courtroom Preparation 
  • Veterinarians and animal cruelty
  • Basic Nutrition 
  • Basic Anatomy 
  • Biosecurity and Zoonosis 
  • Animal Handling and Behavior 
  • Interviewing and Investigation 
  • The professional investigator
  • Breed Identification 
  • Basic Photography
  • Communications
  • Officer Safety & Survival 

National Animal Cruelty Investigations School