Program Overview
The Animal Care Specialist Degree is designed for individuals passionate about working and caring for dogs, cats, and other small animals; this includes reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The program provides the skills necessary for careers in various animal-related industries such as shelter/rescue work, basic grooming and training, and other pet care services. Over the course of the program, students gain knowledge in animal behavior, nutrition, health, ethics/laws, and facility management; preparing them for professional work in the growing field of animal care which includes:
- Animal Control Officers
- Animal Shelters and Rescue Operations
- Kennel Management
- Dog Walking and Training
- Pet DayCare and Boarding
- Pet Retail and Grooming Services
- Veterinary Assistant
Prepare for a fulfilling career in animal care with a degree that opens doors to a variety of specialized professions. Apply today to start your journey as an Animal Care Specialist at NSCC.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive curriculum covering animal behavior, grooming, nutrition, and training.
- Hands-on experience with animals, preparing you for real-world animal care environments.
- Small class sizes for personalized attention and learning.
- Opportunities to work in diverse fields, including animal shelters, veterinary offices, pet retail stores, and more.
- Flexible learning options with both full-time and part-time enrollment.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllView and print the required courses for the Animal Care Specialist degree.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Courses typically cover animal behavior, nutrition, health, ethics, and facility management. Courses include:
- Canine & Feline Behavior
- Breed Identification
- Medical Terminology
- Fundamentals of Grooming
- Canine Training
- Ethics and Law for Pet Care Professionals
- Herpetology & Small Mammals
- Avian Science for Pet Care Professionals
- Business Law
For a full list of courses visit our Academic Catalog.
Graduates of the Animal Care Specialist degree program pursue various career paths, including:
- Animal Control
- Animal Shelters and Rescue Operations
- Kennel Management
- Dog Walking and Training
- Pet DayCare and Boarding
- Pet Retail and Grooming Services
- Veterinary Assistant
Most Common Occupation Title:
- Animal CareTaker
NSCC maintains transfer agreements with various four-year institutions, expanding opportunities for students to pursue bachelor's degrees in their chosen fields. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Attending all aspects of husbandry in dogs and cats are the primary functions of the Animal Care Specialist. These activities include: brushing, combing, bathing and drying all breeds and mixed breeds of dogs and cats, cleaning and maintaining living quarters of animals, providing proper nutrition and exercise for animals, observing and communicating the health status of animals. The animal care specialist should be able to communicate well with people in order to make appointments, discuss care requirements, advise on general health issues, and educate owners on the care of their pet(s). An animal care professional will also need to keep accurate records, order supplies and equipment, maintain an inventory and evaluate products and equipment used in animal care facilities. The ability to function in a fast moving, sometimes stressful, loud, and occasionally wet environment is a must for the animal care professional.
The Animal Science Department at North Shore Community College utilizes animals in
the instruction of students in both the Veterinary Technology and Animal Care Specialist
Programs. The purpose of animal utilization is to provide primary educational experiences
for the students. In order to ensure that the animals are safe and humanely treated,
and that students are safe and experience a maximal educational benefit from live
animal use, the Animal Science Department has developed the Animal Care and Use Policies.
Download the Animal Care and Use Policy
There is an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at North Shore Community
College. IACUC, guided by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), is responsible for ensuring
that all animals used at this institution, for educational purposes, always be handled,
housed, treated, cared for, and transported in a humane and ethical manner in accordance
with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as institutional policies.
Download the IACUC Policy
Download the Incident Report Form
Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program
Program Questions
animalcare@northshore.edu
978-762-4048
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge.
Accreditation
North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.