Animal Care

This program equips you with the skills you need to work in such locations as veterinary clinics, shelters, grooming businesses, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, dog daycare facilities, pet shops, zoos and other such animal facilities. This program is ideal for you if you have a technical interest in animals, are patient, conscientious, attentive to detail, highly motivated and dedicated.

You’ll study such subjects as animal anatomy, nutrition, domestic animal science, exotic animal science, animal grooming, animal nursing procedures and animal handling. You’ll work with live animals under supervision to demonstrate and practice skills such as handling and restraint techniques, animal husbandry, feeding, grooming and veterinary simulation exercises.

What You’ll Learn

• Provide humane, ethical care for a variety of domestic and exotic animal species, within the scope of the regulations, laws and statutes governing the animal industry.
• Practice effective and efficient methods of handling, medicating or nursing animals in their care.
• Practice professional standards while conducting an array of procedures independently or under supervision in an animal facility.
• Establish and achieve appropriate standards for meeting the husbandry and nutritional needs of animals under care.
• Restrain and manage companion animals in an appropriate manner.
• Perform basic assessments and redirect patients and owners to appropriate professionals.
• Use computer assistance to document and detail client, inventory, procedure or historical information for future reference.
• Function effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary animal care team.
• Communicate for the purpose of educating, directing, leading and supporting clients, peers, clinicians and the public regarding the animals in care.
• Participate in life-long learning activities to ensure currency and credibility in the industry.
• Communicate effectively and clearly orally, in writing, or through electronic means.
• Practice competent, responsible problem-solving approaches to create appropriate, supportable solutions in an animal care setting.
• Design, implement and follow up on projects within acceptable time frames by using foresight and initiative.
• Seek and generate alternatives for more efficient work activities and routines.
• Practice professionalism by presenting positive attitudes and actions at all times.