Raising the Standard for Humane Wildlife Control
HWCA is expanding its professional education programs to serve both experienced wildlife and pest control professionals and those seeking advanced training in humane, science-based approaches to wildlife conflict resolution.
Our new professional programs combine in-depth training with meaningful standards for individual certification and company accreditation. Credentials are earned through demonstrated knowledge and competency—not simply by completing a course.
Two Professional Training Pathways
Humane Wildlife Control Solutions
Humane Wildlife Control Solutions is HWCA’s professional training program centered on the humane treatment of animals. The course teaches non-lethal strategies and techniques for resolving human-wildlife conflicts that avoid unnecessary harm or distress to the animals involved.
Through this specialized training, professionals develop the knowledge, judgment and practical skills needed to assess wildlife conflicts and apply humane, species-appropriate solutions, with an emphasis on animal welfare.
Professionals who successfully complete the required training and demonstrate competency may qualify for the designation Certified Humane Wildlife Control Professional.
Company accreditation is a separate process. Businesses seeking HWCA accreditation must demonstrate that their actual policies, practices, personnel and services meet HWCA’s humane wildlife control standards.
Poison-Free Rodent Control
Poison-Free Rodent Control is HWCA’s specialized professional training program for resolving rodent conflicts without the use of rodenticides.
The course provides professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to perform comprehensive poison-free rodent control, including inspection, rodent biology and behavior, surveillance, prevention, exclusion, and removal.
The program teaches and emphasizes humane live-capture and on-site release methods. Companies that use certain lethal methods, such as snap or electronic traps indoors, may still qualify for Poison-Free accreditation provided they meet HWCA standards. However, rodenticides and outdoor lethal trapping are not permitted under an HWCA Poison-Free accredited service.
Professionals who successfully complete the required training and demonstrate competency may qualify for individual professional certification. Company accreditation is a separate process requiring verification that the company’s actual Poison-Free services meet HWCA standards.
How It Works
HWCA’s professional credentialing programs are designed to recognize both individual competency and company-wide practices. Training, individual certification and company accreditation are related—but they are not the same thing.
1. Professional Training
Professionals complete the required training modules for the program they choose, combining science, practical methods, professional standards and real-world application.
2. Individual Certification
Individuals who complete the required training and successfully demonstrate the knowledge and competency established by HWCA may earn the applicable professional certification, such as Certified Humane Wildlife Control Professional.
3. Company Accreditation
Companies seeking HWCA accreditation undergo a separate review to verify that their personnel, policies, procedures and actual services meet the applicable HWCA standards. Accreditation provides qualifying companies with the right to represent their approved services under the applicable HWCA accreditation program.
Interested in Professional Training or Accreditation?
HWCA is preparing the first offerings of its new professional training, certification and accreditation programs.
If you are a wildlife control professional, pest management professional, animal control professional, wildlife rehabilitator, or other professional interested in Humane Wildlife Control Solutions, Poison-Free Rodent Control, or company accreditation, we invite you to join our interest list.
We'll send program details, eligibility requirements, training dates and enrollment information as they become available.