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Animal Control Officer License in Arizona

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Animal Control Officer license in AZ. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$150

Processing Time

3-5 Weeks

Exam Required

NACA Certification Exam

Difficulty Level

Low

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Animal Control Officer license in Arizona.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Animal Control Officer training program in Arizona.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your AZ application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the NACA Certification Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Arizona licensing board and pay the $150 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 3-5 weeks in AZ. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your Animal Control Officer license in Arizona, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Arizona requires all applicants to pass the NACA Certification Exam before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in AZ is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

Arizona has specific requirements for Animal Control Officer licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to enforce animal control laws and handle stray animals. A clean background check is mandatory in AZ, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The NACA Certification Exam must be passed with a minimum score set by the Arizona board.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Animal Control Officer license in Arizona is approximately $150. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. AZ also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Arizona may incur additional penalties of up to $38.

License Fee Calculator — Animal Control Officer in Arizona

Base License Fee$150
Estimated Total$150

Renewal Process

License renewal for Animal Control Officer professionals in Arizona occurs on a 2-year cycle. AZ charges a renewal fee of $75 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in Arizona at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Animal Control Officer in AZ

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Arizona requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Arizona takes professional licensing seriously, and the Animal Control Officer field is no exception. The state board in AZ regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Animal Control Officer in Arizona, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The AZ licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Animal Control Officer

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Arizona Animal Control Officer License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for AZ license holders.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts AZ Animal Control Officer license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) NoneAR does not recognize AZ Animal Control Officer license. Full re-application required.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for AZ license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize AZ Animal Control Officer license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize AZ Animal Control Officer license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for AZ license holders.
Iowa (IA) PartialIA requires additional exam or paperwork for AZ license holders.

Where to File Locally in Arizona

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Phoenix

1400 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 542-4373

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tucson

400 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

(520) 628-6504

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mesa

20 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201

(480) 644-2011

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Scottsdale

3939 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(480) 312-3111

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tempe

31 E 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-4311

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Arizona Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Arizona state board. Regulations may change.

Arizona Licensing Board

https://azroc.gov

Contact Phone

(602) 542-1525

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.