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The Animal Care Aide program prepares you for entry-level employment in animal care facilities, including veterinary clinics, hospitals, animal recovery centres, shelters, kennels and specialty animal businesses. You will learn to provide assistance and support as part of a dedicated team of professionals in the field of animal care and will gain understanding of animal behaviours, nutrition, wellness, handling and basic care procedures to be a valued member of an animal care team.
Six instructor-led courses include hands-on sessions and work experience in veterinary clinics and/or specialized facilities. The program is part-time, allowing you to add to your qualifications while maintaining other commitments. Courses have been developed in close consultation with industry professionals to ensure that, upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge to work in the animal care field.
While the program emphasizes small animal care in hospital/clinical settings, the training is valuable and easily transferable to other animal care settings. It is intended for individuals with no previous or formal training, but courses have been designed to help existing staff and volunteers who wish to upgrade their skills.
As a graduate, you will be well-prepared with relevant, entry-level skills in demand at veterinary hospitals and animal care shelters. You may also find work and/or volunteer opportunities in settings such as animal recovery centres, pet stores, zoos, game farms and similar businesses, grooming businesses, kennels and large animal farms. All students must have a desktop or laptop computer with a working camera, audio and Internet service in order to complete this program.
Schedule
The Animal Care Aide certificate Fall cohort runs from October to May annually, with classes on Monday and Thursday evenings, 6:30-9:30pm. The Winter in-take runs from January to July annually, with classes on Tuesday and Friday evenings, 6:30-9:30pm.
To Be Successful
Skills required to be successful in the program include, but are not limited to, the following:
- comfortable working closely with domestic animals
- strong desire to provide caring and knowledgeable aid to animals
- ability to work independently and as part of a team
- strong work ethic and positive attitude toward class attendance and punctuality
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