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July 20 - 24

2026
New England Animal Control/Humane Academy

Originally established in 1980, New England Animal Control/Humane Academy (NEACHA) aims to provide quality, cost-effective, in-depth training in areas related to Animal Care and Control Professionals in New England.  

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​The Animal Care and Control Profession stands out for its dual focus on addressing the challenges faced by both animals and humans in our intricate society. Topics of importance include rabies management, the use of technology in animal care, addressing cases of abuse, and navigating health issues affecting both species. Additionally, public relations and investigative techniques play vital roles in this field. With insights from nationally recognized instructors and local expertise alike, professionals are equipped to tackle these pressing issues effectively by way of education and collaboration.

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NEACHA offers a unique environment that attendees find truly invaluable. This distinctive atmosphere fosters learning, collaboration, and personal growth, making every experience memorable. Participants leave not only with knowledge but also with lasting connections and insights. Join us and discover the difference for yourself.​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Registration Fee Includes:

    Conference registration, parking, program materials, and lunches at the University of New Hampshire Dining Hall

    Overnight attendee registrations include lodging in Mills Hall and dining hall breakfast. 

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Location
     University of New Hampshire, Durham Campus    75 Main Street - Holloway Commons, Durham, NH

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Hours

      9:00 am - 4:00 pm   /   Lunch 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

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Registration Fees:  

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  • Full Week Conference - daily commuter                                                                     $ 610

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  • Full Week Conference - overnight dorm accommodations                                     $ 790

       (Includes overnight accommodations for Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur. night)

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  • Add-on dorm accommodation for Sunday night                                                       $   95

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  • Optional linen package for overnight attendees                                                      $   38

      (Includes blanket, pillow, sheets, towel, washcloth, shampoo & soap)

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  • Monday & Tuesday only                                                                                                $  400   

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  • Single Day (Wed or Thursday only)                                                                                    $ 165

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Registration Deadlines:

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     Overnight accommodations - available to purchase through 12:00am on Friday, July 10, 2026

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     All other registrations - available through 12:00am on Monday, July 13, 2026​​​

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Dale Childs Memorial Scholarship

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​The Animal Control Officers Association of New Hampshire is proud to sponsor a commuter scholarship for attendance at the New England Animal Control/Humane Academy to honor the memory of Officer Dale Childs of Hampstead, NH who passed away in 2011.​​​​​​​​​​​​

Schedule of Events

Monday 

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Lunch

11:30 am-12:30 pm

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Presenter Mark Kumpf - Animal Control and Care Academy

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  • Utilizing Thermometry for Animal Control

Instruction on the basic theory of thermometry; identifying the common types of thermometers; demonstrations on thermometer calibration; identifying the types of investigations that may involve thermometry; identifying hypothermia and hyperthermia in animals; identifying criminal charges related to temperature-related cases; understanding animal seizure laws in temperature-related cases; understanding and preparing a thermometry supplemental report; and understanding officer, agency and governmental liability.

Students are encouraged to bring their thermometry unit with them if available. 

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Upon successful completion of this class, a ACCA certificate of completion will be issued.

​This course is normally $225 when taken directly through ACCA

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  • Challenging Encounters in Animal Control

Animal Control Officers encounter a variety of animal “interested” groups and individuals. Dealing with these people can present obstacles to education, enforcement and achieving compliance. This class covers strategies for dealing with everything from activists to elected officials with stops for “hoarders”, animal welfare groups and administrators. Students will be provided with ideas on how to safely and effectively interact with a variety of persons in the animal realm.

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  • Diversion - Alternative Enforcement Programs

Integrating additional enforcement strategies can strengthen and improve Animal Control operations. This course offers students a variety of innovative ideas that provide revenue enhancement, improved license compliance and alternatives to traditional citations. These are not replacements for existing programs, but rather they are additions that generate positive results.​​

Tuesday

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Lunch 

11:30 am-12:30 pm

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Presenter Mark Kumpf - Animal Control and Care Academy​​

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  • Lifting and Loading for Animal Control  

Students will be given instruction on body mechanics, safety, individual lifting techniques, team lifting techniques, alternatives to lifting, loading & transporting techniques, and mechanical assistance options. Lifting will cover both objects & animals in static and dynamic scenarios. While general areas are covered, this course is designed and intended for animal care professionals and covers domestic animals with guidance on wildlife/livestock. The class will include physical/practical exercises (pass/fail) and a written comprehension test (80% passing score). 

 

Upon successful completion of this class, a ACCA certificate of completion will be issued.

​This course is normally $225 when taken directly through ACCA

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  • Understanding the ADA and Service Animals

This training provides background, knowledge and understanding relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Service Animals and state laws related to control and licensing for these animals. ACO’s and Law Enforcement Officers will be better prepared to apply the laws, regulations and policies that may arise when encountering service animals and their owners. Connect the signs of abuse common to each situation involving people and animals. The topics include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for government agencies, rights and regulations for service animals, federal and state laws for service animals, and requirements for handling service animals for agencies. The course will help clarify and define the roles of ACO’s and Law Enforcement within the scope of their employment.

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  • Animal Hoarding Investigations

A compulsive hoarder may often accumulate a large number of animals, failing to provide minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation and vet care, and fails to act on the deteriorating condition of the animals, the environment, or the negative impact on their own health and wellbeing. Such behaviors may be part of an overall mental health issue. Students will develop an understanding on how to document the scene for possible cruelty or neglect; evaluate possible intervention strategies including criminal, civil and regulatory and mental health; the need to prepare for a pre-hoarding event or large scale rescue sheltering plan; and how laws restricting the number of animals can be effective tools.

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Wednesday

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Lunch 

11:30 am-12:30 pm

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Presenter Jeff Ladieu - Camp Resilience

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  • Beyond the Badge​

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Thursday

9:00 am -  4:00 pm

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Lunch 

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

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8:00 am - 11:30 am

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Presenter Southern NH Special Operations Unit

Sgt. Greg Iworsky     - Windham Police

Cpl. Mark Riddinger - Pelham Police 

Sgt. Andrew Feole    - Salem Police

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  • Trauma Management 

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12:30pm - 4:00pm

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Presenter Corie Bliss

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  • Animal Emergency Essentials – CPR & First Aid​​

Animal Control Officers are often the first to arrive when an animal’s life hangs in the balance. Whether it’s a pet struck by a vehicle, a working dog in distress, or a frightened stray suffering from trauma, you are the ones who step in before anyone else can. In those critical moments, the difference between life and death often comes down to preparation, confidence, and evidence‑based skills.

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Learn how to recognize cardiopulmonary arrest in dogs and cats, initiate Basic Life Support with precision, and apply first‑aid techniques that stabilize injured animals until veterinary care is available. Through hands-on practice and scenario‑based learning, you’ll gain the skills to act decisively—compressions, ventilations, airway management, bleeding control, and safe handling under pressure.

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As Animal Control Officers, you already protect your community every day. This training strengthens that mission by equipping you with the same CPR framework trusted by veterinary professionals, first responders, and working‑animal handlers worldwide.

Join us to sharpen your skills, elevate your readiness, and become an even stronger lifeline for the animals who depend on you.​​​​​​​​​​

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Friday

9:00 am - 1:00pm
No lunch 

NHSPCA - Hands on Training  

 

Location:  NHSPCA Facility, Stratham NH

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Presenter NHSPCA Animal Protection Division, Cruelty Investigators

Tona McCarthy, Michelle Murch and Tiffany Ryder

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  • Large Animal Field Skills

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All attendees will physically meet on Friday morning at the NHSPCA facility. 

Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure everyone is on time and ready to participate. 

 

We will NOT be reporting to the UNH campus prior to.  

 

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NEACHA Logo_ new.png

A limited number of

NEACHA T-Shirts will be available

to purchase for $20 at the academy

 

Mailing Address: 

Atkinson Police Department

Attn: Maura Wentworth

27 Academy Ave, Atkinson  NH 03811​

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©2024 By Animal Control Officers Association of New Hampshire

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