Florida Animal Control Officer Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free Animal Control Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

When an owner cannot be reached, the ACO must follow the established hold period and local policy, and make reasonable efforts to contact the owner through alternate methods (such as using phone, mail, or microchip registry). If no claim is made within that holding window, the animal can be dispositioned according to policy through adoption, transfer to a rescue, or shelter care. This approach balances the owner’s right to reclaim the animal with the animal’s welfare and the agency’s legal duties. Releasing to a passerby, holding indefinitely, or selling the animal bypasses due process, may violate laws and ethics, and is not permitted.