Making a veterinary clinic hum takes a dedicated support staff. Vets rely on their vet assistants, vet techs, and office staff to make sure their furry patients get the quality care they need to live long, healthy lives or to provide life-saving emergency care.
Without question, the jacks of all trades in a vet clinic are the veterinary assistants, who often bounce from duty to duty in every part of the facility. They assist veterinarians and vet techs in a wide variety of ways, and they are everywhere.
At any given time, veterinarian assistants can be found in the reception area welcoming patients and making appointments, in the office filing paperwork, in an exam room helping the veterinarian calm a nervous dog, in the surgery room making sure everything is spotless and sterilized for the next patient, in the kennels checking on post-op patients, or out back walking a puppy.
One thing is certain: vet assistant jobs are never boring!
The essential work done by vet assistants helps vet practices hum along smoothly. The long list of duties a veterinary assistant may perform include:
Cleaning and sanitizing equipment
Feeding, bathing, and exercising patients
Performing basic lab work
Weighing animals
Dressing wounds
Taking vital signs
Administering certain types of medicines
Post-operative care
Disinfecting operating and exam rooms
Clerical work, such as assembling patient paperwork or billing
Animal restraint
Communicating with pet owners
For someone passionate about animals, becoming a vet assistant gives you a chance to be a vital part of a life-saving team.
Vet Assistants Enjoy High Degrees of Job Satisfaction
Vet assistants get to be around animals all the time, but the job can vary depending on where you work. Assistants in a regular veterinary clinic get to know their patients from their first visits as cute, bouncy puppies and adorable blue-eyed kittens. They watch them grow up and play a role in keeping them healthy.
Their days are a mix of routine check-ups and more critical care. While there are the inevitable sad days, the good days outnumber the bad.
Vet assistants in an animal hospital or emergency care center might find life more hectic, but saving lives feels very rewarding.
Being a vet assistant is a good way to get a feel for animal healthcare. Some enjoy veterinary care so much that they go on to pursue a veterinary technician degree, which requires at least two years.
Finding a Vet Assistant Job
With the growing number of pets in this country, there’s a corresponding growth in the number of jobs related to their care, including veterinary assistants. Job growth is projected to be 20% between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Almost 27,000 job openings are anticipated yearly.
This doesn’t mean it’s easy to land those jobs, though. Even though there are rarely any educational requirements besides a high school diploma or equivalent, it’s a tough field to break into if you don’t have experience working with animals or a vet assistant certificate. There are simply too many people looking for a career with animals to be able to land a job with no skills or training.
If you can, find opportunities to work with animals and get some experience. Look for opportunities to work at or volunteer in local animal shelters, wildlife rescues, boarding kennels, doggy day cares, stables, or other facilities that house animals.
Another good way to get noticed by potential employers is to earn your vet assistant certification. Becoming certified can increase your chance of landing a job faster. After all, vet practices don’t have to spend nearly as much time providing on-the-job training to hires who already know what’s expected of them.
How to Earn a Veterinary Assistant Certificate
Getting a veterinary assistant certificate is not nearly as costly or time-consuming as earning a vet tech degree. You can be certified in less than a year in a program like Animal Behavior College’s online vet assistant course.
Flexible and affordable, Animal Behavior College’s program teaches you everything you need to know in order to work as a vet assistant. It also offers invaluable real-world experience. Once the online part of the course is complete, students get the opportunity to work with a mentor in a local veterinary setting. You may be asking, is there a veterinarian near me?Call us at the number below, and we will tell you which veterinarian you may be paired with.
If you’d like to start a satisfying career working with animals, we’d love to help make that happen. Call us at 800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor.
Don’t forget to visit our gift certificate page here.
A comprehensive vet assistant program provides a straight path to working in animal healthcare. If your heart is set on helping animals, becoming a veterinary assistant is a great choice.
Before making any job move, however, it pays to learn as much as you can. This guide is designed to answer questions you may have about being a vet assistant and what the position entails.
Updated 2025 Statistics & Trends in Veterinary Assisting
Competitive Compensation Across the U.S.
As of January 2025, veterinary assistants in the United States earn an average annual salary of $33,979, with hourly wages averaging $16. Salaries can vary based on location and experience; for instance, in California, the average annual salary is $37,479, while in Florida, it’s approximately $32,280.
Significant Employment Growth Projected
The demand for veterinary assistants is on the rise, with employment projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased pet ownership and a heightened focus on pet health and wellness.
Advancements in Veterinary Training Facilities
In response to the growing need for skilled veterinary professionals, new state-of-the-art training centers have been established to support veterinary assistant education, veterinary technology, and veterinary medicine.
Clarifying Confusion Between Vet Assistants and Vet Techs
Job titles in a vet practice can get a little confusing. While most people understand that veterinarians are at the top of the professional food chain, they tend to use the titles “vet assistant” and “vet tech” interchangeably. The two are completely different jobs, however.
Veterinary technicians function more like nurses and must go to college and complete at least a two-year associate’s degree and be licensed or certified. Their duties correspond loosely to those of nurses in a human healthcare setting. Veterinary technician education is more intensive and focuses on areas like veterinary anatomy and veterinary dentistry. Vet techs are allowed to do more clinical work than vet assistants.
Veterinary assistants are best thought of as the support staff that makes the jobs of veterinarians and vet techs go more smoothly. On any given day they can be doing clerical work, welcoming patients, helping with an exam and preparing rooms. They step in where needed.
Generally speaking, a high school diploma or its equivalent is the only educational requirement for being a vet assistant. That being said, though, it’s to your advantage to look for opportunities to gain experience working with animals and to earn a veterinary assistant certificate.
What Do Vet Assistants Do?
Just because vet assistants don’t have a two-year associate’s degree doesn’t mean they are relegated to cleaning kennels and filing patient paperwork–although there can be a good bit of that.
Vet assistants can:
Check patients in and help soothe nervous patients and pet owners
Weigh animals and take vital signs
Help restrain animals while they are being examined or getting vaccines
Bathe and feed animals
Provide monitoring and care for animals in post-op
Clean and dress wounds
Take lab samples for laboratory animal testing
Give certain medications (controlled substances and painkillers may be off-limits, depending on state regulations)
Provide client education on post-treatment care and proper at-home patient management.
Vet assistants hop from duty to duty. Expect to be on your feet a lot and ready to step in wherever needed!
Depending on the practice, vet assistants may be the first to arrive in the morning to check on patients in post-operative or kennel care and make sure everything is in order for the day before the rest of the staff and the first patients arrive.
What Qualities Do the Best Vet Assistants Have?
A passion for animals and providing great veterinary care are high on the list, but as mentioned, it can be a pretty demanding job, not just physically but emotionally. Not every patient makes it. Saying “goodbye” to pets you’ve cared for throughout their lives is tough.
Communication skills are a must for vet assistants. Being a “people person” is also a plus for a couple of reasons.
You’ll be working with and supporting several other staff members in the veterinary office. Being able to work as part of a team is crucial.
There are always plenty of high-strung, worried pet owners on any given day. Empathy and good people skills are a must.
The best vet assistants are flexible and able to bounce from one task to the next with a high level of competency. Vet assistants hop from duty to duty. Expect to step in wherever needed!
Vet assistants need to be physically strong. Lifting dogs on and off exam tables is part of the job, but so is hauling heavy bags of food, bedding, kitty litter, and other supplies. Each veterinary practice should have its own physical requirements. Make sure you know what is expected of you beforehand so you can commit to the level of strength needed.
Computer skills are a definite plus. Vet assistants often perform a lot of clerical work and billing, so it helps to know your way around a Mac or PC.
Where Can Vet Assistants Work?
Besides veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency care centers, vet assistants are needed by any facility that houses or cares for animals. Animal shelters and humane societies often need vet assistants, as do research labs at universities and other animal facilities.
In addition, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers frequently hire vet assistants, so if your interests lie more in exotic or wild animals, being a vet assistant allows you to care for more than just domesticated animals.
Vet Assistant Salary
If you are concerned about salary–and who isn’t–vet assistants earn a salary on par with many other careers that do not require a degree. Preschool teachers, receptionists, bank tellers and vet assistants all earn an average salary in the mid-$30,000 range.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the average salary for vet assistants at over $36,000. Some roles such as animal care attendant, veterinary technician assistant, or approved veterinary assistant may offer slightly different pay scales.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant
As indicated, a high school diploma or equivalency is all that is required by most employers. You technically can be hired as a vet assistant and get on-the-job training.
In reality, it takes a good bit of luck to land a veterinary assistant job without any more experience or credentials than a high school degree. So many people want to work with animals that you’ll be up against job candidates with animal care experience or who have completed an approved veterinary assistant program.
To improve your chances of landing a job, you might want to consider earning your veterinary assistant certificate. Earning a veterinary assistant certificate takes about a year and teaches you what you need to know to begin work in the veterinary field:
How to safely restrain animals so they can receive care
Animal first aid and CPR
How to clean and prepare exam and surgical rooms in a veterinary hospital
How to assist in surgery under a veterinary surgeon
Veterinary-specific pharmacy information
Animal nursing care
Laboratory procedures
Earning your vet assistant certificate tells potential employers you are serious about working in veterinary medicine, know what the job entails, and will need little training.
Finding a Veterinary Assistant School
Animal Behavior College has been training people for animal careers since 1997, and we offer excellent training for would-be vet assistants. Our comprehensive curriculum includes all you need to know to start working in a veterinary setting as soon as you earn your certificate.
ABC even provides real-world experience via our mentoring program known as an “externship.” Once students complete the online portion of the program, they are paired up with a nearby mentor facility to see what a real veterinary clinic is like and to practice newly learned skills.
You can enroll anytime! Just call 800-795-3294 and an admissions counselor can help get you started!
Veterinary Assistant FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technologist?
A: A veterinary assistant helps support staff and veterinarians with everyday tasks, while a veterinary technologist typically has a four-year degree and performs more advanced procedures.
Q: Is online veterinary assistant training available?
A: Yes! Many programs, including those from Animal Behavior College, offer online veterinary assistant training that includes hands-on externships.
Q: Can vet assistants work with farm animals or miniature horses?
A: Absolutely. Some veterinary practices and shelters focus on farm animals or offer services for miniature horses, and veterinary assistants play an important role.
Q: What are some career options after becoming a vet assistant?
A: Many vet assistants go on to become animal trainers, licensed veterinary technicians or even veterinarians. Others may work in animal husbandry, animal rescue, or become animal assisted therapists.
Q: Where can I work after completing a veterinary assistant program?
A: Veterinary assistants work in a variety of places including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal shelters, and even educational facilities focused on veterinary technology and veterinary dentistry.
If you’re passionate about animals and looking to begin a rewarding career, veterinary assisting may be the perfect path for you!
Fur, Fins, Feathers, and Fangs: 50 Careers for Animal Lovers
Many people who have a passion for animals would love a career working with them. Whether you are zeroed in on one species, like sea turtles or horses; or whether you have a heart for all creatures, your dream job would let you work closely with animals.
Great news! There has never been a better time to start an animal career, especially jobs that are related to pets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in animal care and services will grow at twice the rate of other occupations.
The growth in this sector of the economy is driven by the explosive increase in the number of pet owners. This number is projected to keep growing.
Dog walkers and trainers are in high demand right now, and just try getting a grooming appointment–pet salons are booked out for weeks! The demand for pet services shows no sign of slowing. If you want a part-time job and enjoy working with animals, those careers will make great side gigs, too! A solid second income can open many possibilities and make things like home ownership and paying off debt happen much faster! Pet grooming, dog training, and dog walking all offer flexible hours and good money. If you are interested in opening your own business, they are all ideal careers for self-employment.
Preparing for an Animal Career
Some of the following jobs require only a high school diploma; others require at least a bachelor’s degree, and salaries range widely. If you earn a college degree in an animal-related field, your opportunities will be much broader and your salary higher.
However, even if college is out of the question for you there are still plenty of rewarding and enjoyable jobs working with animals. Certification programs are available that provide online training and experience in several animal careers, and these look great on resumes! Animal Behavior College is an outstanding example and has been training people to launch careers since 1998.
50 Animal Careers by Category
The following is a breakdown of animal careers by category, along with education requirements and salary potential.
Agricultural Animal Careers
Rural life is beguiling to many folks, and there are many ways for animal lovers to find employment connected to agriculture.
● Livestock/agricultural journalists write articles for publication on topics related to farming, ranching, and other forms of agriculture. A bachelor’s degree in writing, journalism, communication, or agriculture is usually necessary to succeed. The median income is $82,000.
● Farm managers (or stable or ranch managers) oversee daily activities and manage all aspects of production. They hire and supervise workers and make all decisions related to crop planting and livestock husbandry. A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or the equivalent is a plus. The median income for farm and ranch managers is $75,760.
● Riding instructors teach people to ride horses and feed, exercise, and groom the animals in their care. No degree is required to work as a riding instructor. The average base salary is $55,664.
● Extension agents have many jobs in a community, but helping farmers is high on the list. They also work closely with community youth in a variety of 4-H programs, many of which revolve around animals. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required. The average salary for extension agents is $54,847.
● Range management specialists study natural resources and work to protect them by developing programs and standards governing the use of rangelands.
A degree in range management is required. The median salary is $51,206.
● Apiculturists, also known as beekeepers, maintain beehives and harvest honey. No formal degree is necessary to be a beekeeper, but should you want to get a bachelor’s degree in entomology or biology it would be helpful in your work. The average salary is $50,574.
● Animal/livestock breeders use knowledge of genetics to select and breed animals. They take animals’ genealogy and characteristics into careful consideration and keep detailed records. Most livestock breeders have a bachelor’s degree in animal science. The median salary for an animal breeder is $45,320.
● Shepherds tend and herd flocks of sheep. This oldest of professions requires no formal education but comes with a median salary of $43.221.
● Horse trainers train horses in the behaviors required by their intended discipline, such as racing, rodeo, show jumping, dressage, or pleasure riding. The median salary is $39,288.
● Grooms often work in the horse racing industry. They provide daily care for horses, saddle and unsaddle them, organize tack, clean stalls, and equipment, and sometimes help with training. There is no educational requirement to work as a groom. The average salary is $29,147.
Aquatic Animal Careers
Aquatic life is fascinating. There is no end to the unique creatures that dwell below the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers. Scientists are still discovering new life forms in the depths of the seas. Anyone with an interest in marine life has a wide range of career paths to follow.
● Marine biologists study ocean life. They may do experiments, rescue marine life, and monitor the behavior of aquatic animals. Being a marine biologist requires an undergraduate degree in a scientific discipline such as ecology, aquatic biology, zoology, or animal science. The average salary is $86,203.
● Aquarium maintenance technicians set up, maintain, and service fresh or saltwater aquatic tanks in homes and offices. They may also work in fish hatcheries, aquarium parks, or any place that maintains aquatic life in tanks. There is no formal degree required, but certification is desirable. The median income is $40,199.
● Marine life rescuers help injured or sick animals; animals that have become entangled in nets or garbage; or stranded animals. They aid in their rehabilitation. Entry-level positions require no special degree or certification. Higher-level positions may require a degree in marine or wildlife biology. The wide pay range may reflect lots of room for advancement. The median salary is $55,632.
● Aqua culturists, or fish farmers, raise several types of fish and shellfish for profit or consumption. The minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree. The average salary is $44,489.
● Marine biotechnologists take advantage of the unique array of marine organisms to develop pharmaceuticals, enzymes, and chemicals. This career requires a Bachelor of Science degree, master’s, or, at the pinnacle of the field, a PhD in Marine Science and Technology. The average salary is $132,303.
● Marine mammal trainers work with dolphins, sea lions, manatees, and seals–usually in zoos or aquarium parks. They teach behaviors, feed the animals, and maintain clean, safe water environments. Most facilities want job candidates with life or animal science degrees. The average salary is $33,908.
● Deep sea marine biologists study the organisms that live far below the surface, sometimes in the deepest trenches of the ocean. Most of these jobs require at least a master’s degree. Salary maxes out at $60K.
● Fish biologists do such jobs as monitoring fish populations and fisheries, making environmental assessments for proposed projects, and identifying areas of needed research. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entering the profession. The average salary is $64,945.
● Aquatic retailers vary in job descriptions; managers, aquarium technicians, and other staff command different salaries. The average salary is $38K.
● Hatchery assistants usually do not need a college degree, although if you aspire to a more advanced position you will need to earn one. Some people enter their career with an aquarium maintenance certification. The average salary for a fish hatchery worker is $49,095.
Pet-related Careers (Non-medical)
Aside from allowing you to spend your time with dogs, cats, and other animals, many pet careers are super flexible and make great side hustles. And if you have been looking for an opportunity for self-employment, one of these careers may be just the ticket!
● Dog walkers enjoy lots of fresh air and plenty of canine interaction. It is a fun career or side gig you can get into without needing a special degree. The average salary is $33,526.
● Pet groomers are in demand as the pet population continues to expand. Groomers help animals look good and feel good by bathing and trimming them, cleaning their ears, and clipping their nails. They do not need a formal education, but it helps to go through a training program to get certified. Like $37,501.
● Animal assisted- or pet therapists use therapy animals – usually dogs and cats – to help people with mental disorders or health issues. Pet therapy helps a wide range of people such as residents in long-term care facilities, cancer patients, and veterans with PTSD. Most hold bachelor’s degrees, and a master’s degree is necessary if you wish to counsel patients. The average salary is $38,056.
● Pet sitters care for animals when their humans are not at home. They may stay in the home or just drop in to monitor the animals, take care of litter boxes, and feed and water pets. They let dogs out to potty and walk them. Basic grooming may be involved. No special education is necessary. It is a nice side hustle if you can work it into your schedule. The average wage is $16 per hour. The median salary for a full-time pet sitter is $33,377.
● Dog obedience trainers are also in high demand these days. They train dogs to follow the basic commands for being good citizens, and they help owners understand how to properly continue training at home. Dog trainers do not have to be degreed or licensed, but certification is recommended. The average salary for a dog trainer is $40,348.
● Cat trainers are called to help curb feline problem behaviors, such as counter surfing, biting and scratching people, and litter box refusal. As with dog training, no degree is required, but certification is encouraged. The average salary is $46,748.
● Animal shelter attendants care for homeless animals waiting for their forever homes. They feed, water, groom, and exercise animals, and keep kennels and cages clean. No education beyond a high school diploma is needed, just a heart full of love for animals. The average salary is $30,522.
● Kennel attendants take care of dogs in a kennel. Duties are similar to animal shelter attendants. Again, no degree is required. The average salary is $28,914.
● Pet store retailers do a variety of jobs, most requiring nothing more than a high school degree. The average salary is $34,745
● Doggy daycare providers offer dog owners an approximation of childcare for canines. No degree is required to operate or work at a doggy daycare facility. The average salary is $29,511.
Careers Working with Wildlife
If wild or exotic animals are your passion, there are lots of careers that allow you to work with them.
● Animal control officers are called in to help rescue hurt, lost, or stray animals, trap animals that are endangering people, and provide first aid to wounded animals. A high school degree is usually required. Average salary is $47,913.
● Zoologists study non-domesticated animals, focusing on behavior, ecosystem, and impact of humans on habit. Zoology and wildlife biology are good degrees to pursue to become a zoologist. The average salary is $54,791.
● Park rangers do not necessarily work with animals, but they have regular opportunities to view wildlife during their job. A formal degree may not always be required, depending on the position. The average salary is $42,977.
● Wildlife photographers take amazing images of animals in their natural habitat, often selling them for publication. Self-employed wildlife photographers do not have to have degrees. Their average income is $42,345.
● Conservation officers, also known as fish and game wardens, help protect wild animals in their natural habitats by enforcing conservation and environmental laws and regulations. They work outside in all kinds of weather. Many states require only a high school diploma. The average salary is $50,144.
● Wildlife rehabilitators care for sick, injured, or orphaned animals. The goal is to release the animals back into the wild as soon as they can function normally in their habitat. Biology or ecology are the most commonly desired degrees. The average salary is $44,859.
● Venomous snake milkers extract venom from poisonous snakes for research and emergency lifesaving procedures. Snake milkers are not simply thrill-seekers; they enter a career with a degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or herpetology. They earn an average salary of $33,609.
● Wildlife advocates seek protection for animals and their habitats. They advocate for such things as species conservation, ocean clean-up, or rainforest preservation. The average salary is $64,945.
● Wildlife biologists study animals both in the wild and in captivity. To be a wildlife biologist requires a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, or some other natural science. The average salary is $61,173.
Animal Health Careers
Those who want to help animals often lean toward veterinary medical careers, but there are other options.
● Animal massage therapists study animal physiology and anatomy. They use massage techniques to improve the well-being of their patients. You can enter the field with a two-year associate degree. The average salary is $71,679.
● Veterinarians are the animal equivalent of human physicians. They must have a four-year degree followed by another four years of veterinary school. The average salary is $103,260.
● Veterinary technicians work in veterinary clinics and can do certain medical procedures, such as give vaccinations, take, and expose x-rays, and assist with surgeries. They must have an associate’s degree. The average salary is $39,293.
● Veterinary dentists have extensive training in oral surgery, medicine, and dental care for animals. In addition to the regular education required of a veterinarian, they must also do a residency in veterinary dentistry. The average salary is $189,979.
● Animal nutritionists make recommendations for food and diets for farmers, zookeepers, pet owners, and others in charge of animals’ well-being. The job requires a four-year degree in agricultural science, animal science, or related field. The average salary is $54,137.
● Veterinary practice managers oversee clinics and animal hospitals, handling staff, payroll, schedules, and related duties. While a degree may not be required, a management or business degree is excellent preparation. The average salary is $82,725.
● Laboratory animal caretakers monitor and care for animals in a research setting. A high school degree is all that is required but, certification in vet assisting may help secure a job. The average salary is $33,907.
● Farriers care for horses’ hooves, trimming them, and shoeing them, when necessary. No degree is necessary, but an apprenticeship or horseshoeing school can prepare you for your career. The average salary is $36K.
● Kennel technicians maintain a clean facility and provide care for animals, such as grooming, feeding, and exercising. A high school diploma is usually the only requirement. The average salary is $28,701.
Launch Your Career with Animal Behavior College
People ask these questions all the time – Where can I find service dog training near me, where can I find dog training near me, or where can I find pet grooming near me? You need not look any further than Animal Behavior College to learn these traits, and how to teach others these skills.
There are lots of well-paying jobs working with animals, even for those who do not have an advanced degree. If you are passionate about finding a rewarding animal career, Animal Behavior College would love to start on the right track.
With online programs for vet assistants, dog obedience trainers, zookeeper assistants, aquarists, service dog trainers, cat trainers, and pet groomers, we can help you launch your career. To talk to an admissions counselor, call 800-795-3294.
Animal Behavior College has compiled some top goals for pet owners’ New Year’s resolutions.
Making resolutions to keep your pets happy and healthy for the new year is important and should be at the top of your list of priorities. There are always areas for improvement. It can also be fun to establish New Year’s resolution goals that your pets can maintain as well. These pet resolutions can offer a chance to become closer than ever.
Pet health – Keep an eye on your pet’s health. This would include, but is not limited to, diet, exercise, tooth brushing, yearly checkups, and shots, grooming, mental health, heartworm, and flea & tick meds.
Pet safety – Pet safety is a crucial factor when caring for a pet. These should include pet-proofing your home by having only non-poisonous plants, removing choking, suffocation, or food hazards, and keeping chemicals out of reach. Be sure to pet-proof your yard for dangers as well.
Pet insurance – Pet insurance is a health plan for our pets where the owner pays a recurring fee for veterinary expenses incurred. Most plans are for dogs and cats, although some do offer coverage for other pets as well. These plans cover accident-only, comprehensive, or routine care, depending on the plan that you acquire.
Other items to consider
*Spend more time with them.
*Keep pet tags on and updated.
*Investigate new and updated products that can make life easier for you and your pets.
*Purchase safe toys to keep them occupied, so they don’t get bored.
*Do not leave them alone too often or too long.
*Reduce stress for you and your pets.
*Keep them active.
*Socialize your pets with people and animals.
Dog & cat training -Training can be the most beneficial service you can do for your pet. Training can help with things like teaching your pet to stop jumping on people, learn new tricks, obedience, barking issues, destruction of furniture and clothes, getting along better with other pets and humans, and much more.
If you would like to learn how to train your dog or cat, and even turn it into a career, you will want to check out Animal Behavior College. We have programs in dog training, cat training, service dog training, grooming, aquarium maintenance, and zookeeper assistant.
If you want to learn pet grooming to save money on your grooming costs, and possibly make it a career for extra income, investigate our grooming program.
Give us a call at (800) 795-3294 to answer any questions that you might have on one of our programs, and to get enrolled today!
Considering a career change? Looking for a lucrative, rewarding, and emotionally fulfilling position? Do you have an interest in health, medicine, and want to be a member of a veterinary team? Then, the job of Veterinary Assistant is for you! Media outlets are hypothesizing that because of the increase in adoptions of Covid Pandemic Pets, there has become a shortage of veterinary personnel in Georgia, and across the United States. They are also noticing more veterinarian workers are retiring from the profession than those just entering the field. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that the statistics demonstrate that veterinary services have increased since the pandemic creating encouraging growth. Mars Veterinary Health says that pet ownership is steadily increasing. Researchers expect a 33% increase in pet healthcare spending in the next ten years. 41,000 new veterinary workers will be needed to meet demand. Even with the normal number of veterinary graduates, there will still be a shortage of around 15,000 people in the industry. They are saying that it will take thirty-plus years of veterinary graduates to meet the ten-year need for the industries veterinarians, veterinary tech, and assistants. Now that’s job security.
Do you have a passion for animals? Does the thrill of a fast-paced work environment please you? How about educating pet owners on the myriad of pet care subjects, such as nutrition, vaccines, exercise, illnesses, and more? Getting education and experience in a veterinary assistant program can lead to a rich and enjoyable career! You might also want to learn this field as a hobby or as a fun personal experience for keeping your pet happy and healthy.
Ever thought about learning dog grooming? If you are a person with artistic indication, then Pet Grooming might be for you. Grooming your pet is not just about keeping them clean. It is a bonding experience, as well. Having your dogs washed, brushed, and groomed is not only for beauty but helps to aid in the growth of healthy hair. Grooming can also prevent skin problems and help rid the pet of fleas and ticks. The grooming process can be beneficial in detecting health issues and fostering positive behavior.
It’s all about trust, connection, and love. Learning how to groom your pet is a great way to bond with your furry friend. Did I mention the fact that grooming your own pet is less stressful for them? The satisfaction you will get from seeing your pet happy and well-groomed is priceless. Learning how to groom your pets can be a rewarding experience for both of you. Embrace and enjoy the moments you can share with your pet. Your efforts will be appreciated by them.
Your local grooming companies may need you soon as well. The American Bureau of Labor Statistics of the BLS is predicting that the grooming industry will need to employ 64,000 pet groomers by 2026 to keep up with the need for people to get their pets groomed.
You may also want to further your pet care experience and learn dog obedience, service dog training, cat management and training, aquarium maintenance, and more!
If any of the above resonates with you, then it’s time for you to contact Animal Behavior College and get started on one of their many animal programs right away.
Animal Behavior College has a new and improved veterinary assistant school curriculum for its students in the United States. We are also continuing our Veterinary Assistant Certification Program for our Canadian students. Both veterinary assistant and pet grooming courses include pet CPR and first aid certifications as well. These programs are offered in both the United States and Canada.
Contact Animal Behavior College now for more information on our many animal career programs at: (800) 795-3294.
Tails are wagging, and pets are bragging about us. Paws down, we are the best around!
Looking for a rewarding career working with animals? Been tossing around the idea of becoming a pet groomer? Dog and cat groomers are generally animal lovers who enjoy what they do and take pride in making pets look and feel good. If you have a passion for animals, a creative flair, good attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to be patient and calm under stressful conditions, grooming may be a great career fit for you.
Do Your Homework Before Committing to a Pet Grooming Career
Before jumping into any career, it’s important to learn as much as you can about it. How much do pet groomers make? Do I need to get a license or pass a test to work as a groomer? Is there a demand for pet groomers? Is there a pet grooming school near me? What skills do I need to master to be a groomer?
It’s a smart idea to do a little research into the career to find out what groomers need to know. Of course, every groomer needs to know the proper way to bathe a dog, trim nails, clean ears, and use the tools of the trade as well as how to card, strip, and thin various types of coats. A quick online search reveals dozens of breed styles and cuts that groomers should be able to execute. There’s a lot to know if you’re going to be a successful groomer!
You can learn a lot by watching grooming videos online. You might also seek out a professional groomer and ask to shadow him or her in order to see what their working days are like. Some might even take you under their wing and teach you some basic skills.
How to Become a Dog Groomer
While you do not have to be licensed, attend a pet grooming school, or earn your grooming certification in order to work as a groomer, it is recommended that you do so. For one thing, savvy pet owners are not going to turn their fur babies over to just anyone. Prospective employers look for qualified people with credentials. Proper training, education, and certification are important.
Groomers should also be well-trained because they fill an important role in a pet’s life. Clean, well-groomed animals feel better, look better, and smell better. Regular grooming helps keep an animal’s coat and skin healthy, nails at a proper length, and ears clean and infection-free. Learning how to perform these grooming tasks properly matters.
A dog grooming academy is a great way to master the skills you’ll need to succeed as a groomer, but not everyone has a grooming school nearby.
Among the best options for learning the necessary skills is to enroll in an online dog grooming program. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can take grooming classes no matter where you live, and you can do so without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Can I Really Learn How to Be a Pet Groomer Online?
As you might imagine, grooming is not something you can master just by sitting through online classes or reading books. You have to dig your hands into a dog’s fur, get up to your elbows in suds, and wield the clippers yourself in order to learn. There simply is no substitute for hands-on learning.
So how can you learn how to become a pet groomer through an online course? Find one that combines online learning with real-world experience.
The Animal Behavior College Grooming Instruction Program does just that through their externship, which pairs each student with a mentor groomer in their area. The externship provides a minimum of 150 hours of experience working with a professional groomer. In order to complete the certification process, students must demonstrate the ability to perform a full groom.
That sort of education and experience are invaluable in skill-building and instilling confidence.
If you think pet grooming is the right career path for you, visit Animal Behavior College to learn more. Founded in 1998, ABC has a long history of helping people start animal careers. Call 800-795-3294 to take the first step toward becoming a professional groomer!
Been toying with the idea of sharing your life with a cute and furry kitten? Fasten your seatbelt–you’re in for an adventure! Kittens are a party waiting to happen, which can be both entertaining and exhausting.
Vet assistants talk to a lot of first-time cat owners and can attest to the pleasures and pitfalls of opening your home to a future cat. In their profession, veterinary assistants get an earful of kitten tales every day, from the comical to the disastrous. For better or worse, though, kittenhood does not last long.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Getting a Kitten
Before you bring that little fluff ball home you need to consider the pros and cons. It’s always good to go into these things with your eyes wide open.
The pros on the kitten side are strong and play to our emotions.
Kittens are certifiably adorable. It’s pretty much a fact. Under “cute” in the dictionary it should read: see kittens. Only a real Grinch would deny this.
Kittens are the most entertaining creatures on the planet. How else can you explain the millions of hours people spend watching videos of them on social media?
Kittens don’t require a lot of expensive furniture or toys. They’ll sleep in a cardboard box lined with an old towel and play with the contents of your recycling bin.
Those pros are hard to dispute, but anyone thinking of getting a kitten needs to understand every single one of the cons.
Kittens need frequent veterinary visits during the first few months of life. When you first get a kitten, it should be examined by a veterinarian for any signs of disease or parasites. A series of four vaccinations needs to be scheduled during a kitten’s first 20 weeks. Then around six months, spaying or neutering should take place.
You know how adult cats are always sleeping? Yeah, kittens don’t do that. New cat owners should be ready for their new little friend to be a ball of energy. Kittens will usually have spurts of energy and need a lot of play time and attention, broken up by approximately an hour or so power nap in between play sessions.
Kittens are small but fierce. They are learning all about their new world and if there is anything that they can get into, destroy or attack with their newfound claws, it is fair game. Coupling this with the fact that kittens have ‘no fear’ means that new cat parents should be ready to monitor and protect their curious baby at all times.
Kittens have sensitive stomachs and can be prone to diarrhea.
Teething happens from about 3 to 6 months as kittens lose their baby teeth and get their adult teeth.
Like all cats, kittens need to sharpen their claws. And they will. On anything.
Kittens and small children are not a great pairing.
Some cat breeds are higher maintenance than others and will require frequent grooming. Make sure you do your homework and consider if you have time to devote to grooming your cat whether that means dematting long coated fur or weekly bathing for hairless cats.
Is It Better to Adopt an Adult Cat?
If you’re okay spending a few months of your life with a feline version of the Tasmanian Devil from a Looney Toons cartoon, kitten ownership may be for you. Otherwise, here are some reasons to think about skipping the shenanigans and adopting a full-grown cat.
Grown cats will still play, but for the most part they’re pretty chill.
Petting your adult cat has health benefits, such as reducing loneliness and lowering stress. Studies also suggest that cat owners exhibit better cardiovascular health.
An adult cat is a largely independent animal and does not require a big time commitment, although they will still need the essential requirements like food, water, attention and veterinary visits.
Older cats are better at cleaning themselves. They also tend to have cleaner “bathroom” habits than kittens do.
If you have children in the household, adult cats are a better fit. More delicate than mature cats, kittens can be easily injured when a child plays too roughly or steps on them. Adult cats are physically stronger and able to withstand the attention of enthusiastic children. They are also more adept at fleeing for their lives.
Animal shelters have a harder time adopting out adult cats as opposed to kittens, so giving a home to a full-grown cat fulfills a greater need.
Be Prepared for Anything
And by anything, we mean anything. But if you are bound and determined to acquire a kitten, you must be prepared. If you think baby-proofing a home is hard, just try anticipating the trouble a kitten can get into.
If it’s breakable and can be batted off a shelf or table, it’s going to be.
If it’s a dangling drape, bedspread, or a tablecloth, it’s going to be shredded as the kitten climbs it.
If it’s in an uncovered trash can, it’s fair game.
The above list really only focuses on things that are more inconvenient than dangerous. There’s a whole other list of life-threatening hazards that could seriously hurt a kitten.
An open window or door invites escape.
Like human babies, kittens will put anything in their mouths. Sometimes this requires surgery to remove a dangerous object from the animal’s intestines.
Kittens can find their way into high, small spaces or holes and not be able to extricate themselves. This includes squeezing behind furniture or large dangerous appliances.
Blind cords are an irresistible invitation to play and also a strangulation hazard.
Yarn, string, and ribbon can possibly cause trouble if swallowed.
Toilet lids left up tempt kittens to drink. Very small kittens have drowned by falling in.
Dryer doors and washer lids should stay closed at all times to avoid trapping a kitten.
Kittens will chew on your houseplants. Do you know which are poisonous?
Ant traps need to go. Any pesticide, used inside or outside your home, should be animal friendly.
Truly, kittens need all nine of their lives to reach adulthood. The good news is that cats are pretty smart and can be trained.
Take Two?
As crazy as this sounds, adopting two kittens can be better than adopting just one. Instead of being double the trouble, two kittens will amuse each other and be less likely to get into mischief out of boredom. Since they will have each other to socialize with and learn from, less time and effort will be required on your part.
Kittens that are siblings or that have become “friends” (aka bonded) at a shelter will help each other transition into a new home. And kittens adopted together will bond for life. If you think you eventually want to have two cats, it’s far better to go ahead and adopt two kittens at the same time. Introducing a kitten or a new adult cat to a cat that’s been in your home for a long time can be a more difficult scenario. If you already have an adult cat at home who has established their hierarchy, you will need to do your research on how to appropriately, safely, and slowly introduce the new kitten into the home environment.
Enjoy the Ride!
If you’ve read this far and haven’t gotten discouraged, get out there and find your kitten(s) and enjoy the ride! The kitten you bring into your home now will grow into a wonderful companion to accompany you through life’s ups and downs for years to come. The effort is worth the reward but patience and understanding will help. Having cats as a part of your family can be funny, rewarding and great for all concerned. In fact, a feline/human relationship can develop into a beautiful friendship!
If you don’t believe cats can be trained, take a minute and Google “Savitsky Cats.” These beautiful, athletic animals charmed viewers during the 18th season of America’s Got Talent. Trained cats doing circus tricks may be entertaining, but such acrobatics are not a high priority for most feline owners. The average cat owner would be happy if their pet would just use the litter box or stop scratching the furniture. Let’s face it, as cute and furry as felines are, they can engage in some pretty unwelcome behaviors.
Cats are intelligent creatures and can be trained to become delightful well-adjusted companions. Instead of using proven positive reinforcement techniques, however, all too often frustrated cat owners resort to negative tactics to curb unwelcome behavior. Punishing a cat rarely achieves the desired effect but instead teaches the animal to fear you. Sadly, many cat owners unable to address completely treatable behavioral challenges give up and surrender their pets to a local animal shelter.
The Benefits of Training Cats
Training cats benefits humans, but it is important for the cats themselves. Preventing unwanted cat behaviors makes for a more peaceful household. Additionally, because some behavior problems are caused by stress, learning to address these behaviors from the root cause properly can not only result in successful behavior modification but can also strengthen the bond between cats and the people who love them. Because trained cats can learn boundaries and expectations, they often live happier and safer lives. Animal shelters have learned that training cats makes them more adoptable. Training cats can literally save lives.
Cat Training Is Serious Business
Cat owners who want help training their pets often turn to websites, books, and documentaries on cat behavior looking for help. The Trainable Cat, by biologist John Bradshaw and feline behavior specialist, Dr. Sarah Ellis, was a New York Times Bestseller. Jackson Galaxy, the self-proclaimed “Cat Daddy,” has 1.49 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, “For the Love of Cats.” The Netflix documentary, The Mind of the Cat, skyrocketed into their top 10 this fall.
Cats are big business. According to a 2023-2024 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 46.5 million U.S. households have at least one cat. That figure represents plenty of jobs for talented cat trainers!
Why Consider a Cat Training Gig?
Anyone who is passionate about cats should give serious consideration to earning your cat trainer certification. Whether you want to train cats full time or just need a steady side gig, it’s a worthwhile career for many reasons:
You get to be around cats all the time!
You help pet owners minimize chaos caused by problem cat behaviors.
You can save cats from being surrendered to shelters.
If you already have a dog training or pet grooming career, you know how rewarding it can be to work with animals. Adding cat training to your skills would double the fun! And since many of your current clients likely own dogs as well as cats, you may already have a built-in clientele list!
Be warned, though, working with cats is very different from working with dogs and calls for a whole new training toolkit!
Dogs have been bred to work for humans for thousands of years and seem to be hard-wired to please. A dog will often sit in front of you, look up adoringly, and wonder what you want him to do. A cat? Maybe not. The vast majority of cats still carry wild genes. Stand in front of a cat and she’ll likely look at you disdainfully and walk away. (Fortunately, cats are highly motivated by food.)
How to Become a Certified Cat Trainer
People may smile at the idea of training a cat, but these intelligent animals can learn just as well as their canine counterparts. Knowing the differences in their learning styles and motivation as well as studying cat training theories can set you up for success. If you love cats and you’re looking for a unique career or side gig that offers a lot of perks, why not explore earning your cat trainer certification? Visit Animal Behavior College online to learn more!
If you want to become a vet assistant you may be disappointed if you have your heart set on attending a brick and mortar school near you. Chances are good that you do not live within easy traveling distance of a school that offers an in-person certificate program. Don’t let this stop you from fulfilling your dream of working with animals, though. There actually is an excellent veterinary assistant school near you–wherever you are you can earn your certificate online!
Online Vet Assistant Programs are a Solid Option
Whether you live in a tiny crossroads hamlet or a huge city, you can benefit from educational opportunities online. Programs like vet assisting offer accessibility and great value. As long as you have reliable internet service, you can receive a quality post-secondary education. Because coursework is completed online, you can enroll in and begin a program at any time.
Among the most highly regarded online animal career schools is Animal Behavior College. ABC offers one of the few online programs for veterinary assistants that is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA). You can complete the coursework in the comfort of your own home and be assured that you are getting excellent preparation for a rewarding career in animal care.
In addition to receiving great preparation for a vet assisting career, the ABC program does not take years to complete. A motivated student can earn your certificate in only 12 months.
Get Real World Experience Working with Animals
Still, you might be thinking that a brick-and-mortar school would have a huge advantage over an online school if you plan to have a career as a veterinary assistant. After all, a training program for a career in veterinary medicine should offer the chance to work with animals, right? Real world experience matters! For exactly that reason, Animal Behavior College developed their externship program which is part of every student’s veterinary assistant program curriculum.
In order to make the externship a practical reality, ABC has built relationships with veterinary hospitals and clinics nationwide. Currently, the school partners with more than 4,000 veterinary practices in the United States and Canada. Such an extensive network of professionals allows ABC to provide local one-on-one mentorship for all students, no matter where they live.
Before the externship can begin, a student must complete the first nine stages of the online curriculum. After that, each student is paired up with a professional in a nearby veterinary practice. The externship consists of 100 hours of unpaid (volunteer) work experience during which
students practice what they learned in their coursework. Throughout the externship they may engage in tasks associated with veterinary medicine, such as surgical procedure, animal restraint, prepping exam rooms, and laboratory procedures. The level of involvement a student has during their volunteer hours is directly related to the aptitude they demonstrate while on site with their mentor. In addition, students receive valuable feedback from veterinary professionals.
Comprehensive Veterinary Assistant Curriculum
Animal health care demands a wide base of knowledge. The comprehensive ABC curriculum consists of:
Office etiquette and hospital procedures
Animal restraint
Examination room procedures
Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Surgical preparation and assisting
Small animal nursing
Laboratory procedures
Radiology and ultrasound imaging
Career building
Externship (including Pet CPR and First Aid)
Final examination and graduation
With such a wide-ranging curriculum combined with invaluable real world experience, ABC students can be confident in having the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen careers.
ABC Grads Know Their Stuff!
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates become approved ABC Veterinary Assistants (ABCVA). This accomplishment can make a job applicant stand out to potential employers. Veterinarians recognize that as a NAVTA-approved program, ABC produces graduates who “know their stuff” and have a good understanding of what the job entails.
If you are serious about becoming a vet assistant, don’t you owe it to yourself to get the best training possible? Animal Behavior College excels at preparing students to work as veterinary assistants as well as other rewarding animal careers such as zookeeper assisting, service dog training, and aquarium.
Learn two animal careers simultaneously with Animal Behavior College. By taking more than one certification program you can broaden your skillset and make yourself more marketable.
Is It Possible to Take More than One Program at Once?
As a vocational school specializing in certifications and careers in the animal industry, Animal Behavior College (ABC) has been helping animal lovers pursue animal careers for almost 25 years.
However, did you know that Animal Behavior College offers the opportunity for students to dual enroll and take more than one course simultaneously? You may be asking yourself how that would benefit you and your career. Is taking dual programs at Animal Behavior College better than taking one? The answer is often a resounding YES!
Any of ABC’s programs can be taken together, but there are a few pairings that ABC suggests you consider when pursuing your education. One of our recommendations for dual studies is combining ABC’s Dog Trainer Program with our Cat Trainer Program.
One Person’s Success Story
Animal Behavior College graduate, Toni Grimm, can personally attest to this being advantageous. In fact, Toni took four of the programs offered at ABC. She enrolled in the Dog Trainer Program, Cat Trainer Program, Pet Groomer Program, and the Veterinary Assistant Program.
While Ms. Grimm’s experience of taking four ABC programs is extraordinary, she does illustrate how additional education in areas related to a primary interest or specialty can help a person in their goals of career advancement and helping more pets and the people who love them.
Before attending ABC, Toni already had 12 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician and a Chemist for 5 years, before being laid off during Covid. She had heard about Animal Behavior College a couple of years prior to enrolling, but when she was at a crossroads in her life she decided to take full advantage of the newly available time and learn as much as she possibly could to increase her marketable skills. Having a father who worked with rescues and a stepmother who was a groomer herself, Toni always had a passion for working with animals. In high school, she wanted to be a veterinarian and managed to land a job with a local veterinary clinic. This is where her passion for working in the veterinary environment started and grew.
When asked about which program she initially was interested in, Toni said that it was the Dog Trainer Program; but when she saw that there was a Cat Trainer Program, it piqued her interest as she had little experience in that field. In her opinion, there definitely is a career path for cat training. “I think that there is a career in cat training because people need it a lot more than we realize. Cats are the most misunderstood animals and sometimes even cat people don’t fully understand them.” Toni shared. She feels that the lack of this knowledge is what causes most cats to be surrendered to shelters. “It’s a developing field. Now that the industry is changing, people are wanting to focus more on the reoccurring [behavioral] issues. The more people become aware of the possibility of getting help, it will become a more blossoming field.”
Dog Training and Cat Training Pair Well
When asked if she thought it was valuable for a trainer to have knowledge on working with both dogs and cats, Toni suggested it was indeed valuable. Having the knowledge to train both species means you can help more animals find and stay in their forever homes. Why limit yourself and your career to just dogs or just cats?
Shortly after graduating from ABC, Toni was able to land her current position as a Veterinary Practice Manager. In her new role, Toni found that taking multiple ABC courses gave her some advantages. She believes that having multiple areas of education and knowledge makes her more rounded and allows her to understand viewpoints when approaching the problem at hand. Because of this knowledge, she runs into fewer dead ends when finding a solution for the pet and their owner.
Toni also brings up a great point in that just because someone may work in a veterinary clinic doesn’t mean that they are properly trained in animal behavior. Yet this lack of knowledge can create challenges when veterinary staff members are asked questions from clients about behavior that they aren’t able to answer or an employee approaches an animal in the wrong manner, setting the interaction up for failure. Therefore, further education in the behavior of both cats and dogs is beneficial, whether you are a trainer, vet assistant or a groomer. Toni is able to assist in all areas with the clinic including with some of the grooming needs. While unemployed, she would pet sit and walk dogs for income and continues to do that from time to time for supplementary income. Now when she pet sits or walks dogs, she is able to work with the training of the pets as well because of her education in both dog and cat training.
Get Ready to Love Your Animal Job!
Taking the dual program option at Animal Behavior College can open the doors to many opportunities as well as removing your limitations to just one field. There is a need for cat training that is yet to be widely recognized and once more people recognize the need, the number of cats surrendered to shelters will be lessened. Being a trainer with the behavioral knowledge of both cats and dogs will further your career and business. For those wanting to become a versatile trainer, Toni says “DO IT! Everyone needs it right now and there is a huge market currently due to so many people getting pets during Covid.”
ABC encourages everyone that is interested in the pet training industry to expand their education and not limit themselves to just one type of animal, species, breed or field. The more well-rounded a trainer is, the more animals they will save. If you are interested in enrolling in the programs offered at Animal Behavior College, check out more information at v2.animalbehaviorcollege.com/ or call 800-795-3294 and ask about dual enrollment opportunities.
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STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College (“ABC”) is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student’s completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC’s behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
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