Critical training

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.

What you'll learn

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.

Field placement

A popular segment of the Animal Care program is the two-week placement in an animal facility at the end of your second semester. This practicum gives you valuable front-line experience working with animals and observing their care.

Additional information

The Sheridan Animal Centre, where many lab activities will take place, is accredited by the Canadian Council on Animal Care with a Good Animal Practice Certification (GAP).

Awards

You may qualify for one of the academic awards granted each year on the basis of academic excellence. Donors include Dr. G.R. Cormack and Best Boarding. Visit our awards page for more information.

Additional Costs/Workload

You should expect to spend approximately $400–$600 on laboratory supplies, textbooks, lab coat and surgical scrubs while in the Animal Care program. You should also be prepared to spend 15–20 hours each week on assignments outside of your regularly scheduled classes.

Explore your future lab

Students in the Animal Care program will have the opportunity to work in labs designed to imitated the real-world workplace. Want to see one for yourself? Take a virtual tour of our Grooming Lab.