What’s an Ohio CNWACO?
Well… we have new titles. The State of Ohio, under its new licensing system, has officially dubbed us as CNWACOs; an acronym for Commercial Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operator.
Certified Nuisance Wackos…we can hear the jokes already.
Legislation was passed in Ohio in December 2012 which changed the licensing system for the nuisance animal control industry. Previously, in order to have a commercial license, one needed to possess an Ohio hunting license and Ohio trapping license and then submit an application which was signed by the Division of Wildlife Officer in the county where the business’s mailing address was. This permit was given free of charge and Wildlife Officers did not deny applications (as far as we know).
Now, there is a test which must be taken by anyone who wants to be an operator. The test is composed of 100 questions related to the nuisance trapping laws, trapping scenarios, diseases and the life histories of nuisance species. Those passing the test are certified for three years. After three years, the written test must be taken again for re-certification.
Additionally, the business itself must submit an application and pay $40 for a business license. This is the yearly rate and the business license needs to renewed annually.
Good news for us (and customers)— We all passed the first time! We were wondering what would happen if someone failed; would there be a waiting period or something? Rest assured future clients, none of us knows the answer to this lingering question. It was a fair test, over the materials we were instructed to study and it was heavy on regulations as one might expect.
Businesses and individual operators have until July 1, 2013 to comply with these new rules.
So two questions to ask your potential nuisance animal trapper are:
- Does the person on my property have the new Ohio CNWACO certification obtained through testing?
- Does your business have an Ohio License to provide nuisance animal removal services?
If they can’t produce these two documents upon request…steer clear. They are not up to date with the new system. Frontline Animal Removal LLC is a licensed business and all operators (Ryan, Brian, and Dominic) are all certified operators.
Give us a call today!
