Humane Officers are required to complete a total of 120+ hours of various types of training. This can be done all at once if you have the time, or a few hours at a time on evenings and weekends. Please let us know if you are interested and we will help you tailor a training period that fits your schedule.

To become a California Humane Officer, the law simply requires that one must complete 120+ hours of training (and then work under an approved agency such as the BHLE):

1. Attend an Animal Law Enforcement Academy for the requisite 80+ hours of animal related training in animal law and veterinary medicine. (This is a 2 week-long, M-F, 8am-5pm training offered only once a year in April in Marin and offered only once a year in September in San Diego)
   
2. California Penal Code section 832 training (40 hours) in proper arrest and search and seizure procedures required of all law enforcement officers. (This course is offered at many community colleges and police academies, year round, throughout the state at various times and days of the week—just ask Lt. Keeve for a list of these classes offered near you)

BUT THIS IS NOT ENOUGH TO QUALIFY AS A BHLE HUMANE OFFICER!

BHLE Humane Officers complete additional training and pass tests regarding:

1. Psychological Fitness/Empathy
2. Evidence Law and Constitutional Evidence Collection Procedures
3. Animal Law
4. BHLE Procedures
5. Basic Physical Strength and Agility (must be able to lift 50 lbs, drag 150 lbs, climb fences and run at a good speed) Note: persons who pass all but the physical requirements may still qualify for field-work in limited situations

We are proud to be the MOST HIGHLY TRAINED HUMANE OFFICERS WITH THE GREATEST EXPERTISE IN ANIMAL AND LEGAL ISSUES AROUND. If you truly care about animals and are willing to take the time and put forth the effort to meet the above requirements, the BHLE will offer whatever help you may need every step of the way.

If you are interested in becoming a BHLE Humane Officer, please click here to fill out the online form, or contact the BHLE’s Director of Humane Officer Programs, Lieutenant Natalie Keeve, via email at training@BHLEonline.com and tell her where you live and why you want to be a Humane Officer. Thank you!