*WEBSTER, TX* Interpersonal Communications/Public Relations

Course registration is free until the minimum number of students has been met. Once the class is confirmed, invoices will be emailed out to those who registered.

WEBSTER PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE CENTER: 855 MAGNOLIA AVE, WEBSTER 77598

Course cost $200/person

Interpersonal Communications:

ACO's are typically trained in animal handling, capture and restraint, while, in contradiction, we spend most of our day interacting with persons. Improving communication skills will help ACO's identify and solve community issues, increase compliance and will also reduce the number of public complaints. This class will give ACOs the tools to control their own emotional response, while increasing rapport with the citizen. Being able to communicate effectively is one of the primary skills needed for a successful career in Animal Welfare.

Public Relations:

Animal Control Officers are often the ambassador of their department and animal shelter. As the face of an organization, an officer's interaction with the public can either build trust within their community or tear it down. A positive relationship with the community served is built through the work officers do every day in the field as well as how the media reports the happenings in Animal Welfare. The goal of this class is to prepare officers for in person interaction as well as print and video media so as to better manage the information the media reports. To achieve the goal of moving from the image of the dreaded "dog catcher" to that of an Animal Control Officer requires positive community partnerships. This class will discuss ways to improve a department's public image through social media, fundraising, and day to day public interactions.