![](https://cherylrauphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/ACOGR1782.jpg)
For an aspiring ACO, Garth recommends working first at a local animal shelter to learn how to read animal behavior and body language, as well as gain valuable hands-on experience with unfamiliar animals that do not want to be handled. He adds that having a thick skin and calm demeanor are very helpful in dealing with animals as well as people.