Animal Care Courses & Veterinary Training

Animal Care Specialist

Learn the scientific approach to animal care. Even if you don't go into animal care as a profession, as an animal lover you owe it to yourself to deliver the finest care possible to your own pets.

At Ashworth University you'll enjoy an interactive, web-based curriculum that enhances instruction and adds quality and depth to the learning process. Tuition includes a beautifully illustrated textbook; medical encyclopedia; a workbook with reading assignments; and a career search manual.

Key lesson topics include: A Day In The Life Of A Veterinary Assistant, The Physical Examination, Veterinary Anatomy And Physiology, Anesthesia, Dentistry and Nutrition, Nursing of Horses and Food Animals, Nursing of Orphaned and Wild Animals; Special Situations, Animal Hospitals and Veterinary Practices

Animal care specialists may have job opportunities such as veterinary technician/assistant, surgical assistant, admissions/administration, radiological assistant, pharmacological assistant and groomer. Pet stores and zoos are also areas where jobs are available.

Distance education lets you study in the comfort of home at your own pace. Frequent course updates assure you’ll learn the latest skills and techniques. Ashworth University courses are very affordable; monthly tuition is interest-free. Ashworth University is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council. The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for distance learning schools.

What are the different types of animal specialist. Which is right for me?

Animal caretakers who specialize in grooming or maintaining a pet’s—usually a dog’s or cat’s—appearance are called groomers. Some groomers work in kennels, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet-supply stores. Others operate their own grooming business, typically at a salon, or increasingly, by making house calls. Such mobile services are growing rapidly as it offers convenience for pet owners and flexible hours for groomers. Groomers answer telephones, schedule appointments, discuss pets’ grooming needs with clients, and collect information on the pet’s disposition and its veterinarian. Groomers often are the first to notice a medical problem, such as an ear or skin infection, that requires veterinary care.

Animal caretakers in animal shelters perform a variety of duties and work with a wide variety of animals. In addition to attending to the basic needs of the animals, caretakers also must keep records of the animals received and discharged and any tests or treatments done. Some vaccinate newly admitted animals under the direction of a veterinarian or veterinary technician, and euthanize (painlessly put to death) seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals.

Caretakers in stables are called grooms. They saddle and unsaddle horses, give them rubdowns, and walk them to cool them off after a ride. They also feed, groom, and exercise the horses; clean out stalls and replenish bedding; polish saddles; clean and organize the tack (harness, saddle, and bridle) room; and store supplies and feed. Experienced grooms may help train horses.

In zoos, animal care and service workers, called keepers, prepare the diets and clean the enclosures of animals, and sometimes assist in raising them when they are very young. They watch for any signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns or any changes in behavior, and record their observations. Keepers also may answer questions and ensure that the visiting public behaves responsibly toward the exhibited animals.

Most pet groomers learn their trade by completing an informal apprenticeship, usually lasting 6 to 10 weeks, under the guidance of an experienced groomer. Prospective groomers also may attend one of the 50 State-licensed grooming schools throughout the country, with programs varying in length from 2 to 18 weeks. The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers certification for master status as a groomer with a focus on four principle areasnon-sporting, sporting, terrier, and masters. Experienced groomers often choose to open their own salons.