Animal Care

You May Be Interested If:

You're a senior level secondary school student who wants to explore an interest in careers involving working with animals.

What Students Are Saying About This Program

“I really liked the dual credit program. It helped me solidify my choice to applying to Sheridan for the Animal Care program. I enjoyed the material and realized I could be successful in college.”

“I took these courses because this is the field I want to get into. I loved how I got to do something I love and how it showed me what college is all about.”

Course Descriptions:

Animal Anatomy & Physiology

Students are introduced to the basic anatomical structure and physiology of mammalian body systems to develop a clinical awareness of structure and function as it pertains to disease prevention, detection, and treatment for animals in their care. Students explore animal morphology and physiology, beginning from the smallest biological unit of the cell and extending to the skeletal and muscular systems, followed by the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, sensory, integumentary, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

Domestic Animal Science

Students explore the domestication of various species of animals. Students investigate specific, unique physical and behavioural characteristics, and common coat colours and patterns in order to facilitate identification of various breeds of cats, dogs, horses, and certain livestock. Students discuss appropriate behavioural training methods, husbandry and daily care, along with breeding considerations and the effects of selective breeding. Students participate in demonstrations, practical sessions, videos, guest speakers and field trips to supplement the lectures.

Important Points to Consider:

• You must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs;
• Comfortable around dogs of all breeds and sizes;
• Patient and possess a steady hand.

Pathways to Full Time Sheridan Programs:

If you enjoyed your dual credit program and have decided you'd like a career in Animal Care, you can apply for the full-time Animal Care program at Sheridan's Davis Campus. Here are some fast facts about the program:

• Animal Care is a one year Ontario College Certificate.
• You'll participate in a two week placement in an animal care facility to give you real-life practical experience, and a chance to work with animals and observe their care.
• As you probably learned in your dual credits, in addition to enjoying animals, you need to be gentle, compassionate, patient, pay attention to detail, be very motivated and dedicated, and have a genuine interest in animals.
• If you're accepted into the program, the animal care dual credit courses you’ve completed successfully will be counted as courses already completed in your full time Animal Care certificate program.

Further Academic/Career Pathways:

When you successfully complete the Animal Care full time Certificate program, you'll be ready to start your career in animal care! You'll be prepared to look for a job in locations such as veterinary clinics, shelters, grooming businesses, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, dog daycare facilities, pet shops, zoos and other similar animal facilities, where you'll be part of a professional animal care team. In some cases, Animal Care students decide to apply for the Veterinary Technician program at Sheridan, which would allow you to work in the medical care of a variety of animals.