Animal Behavior College Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers
Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Do you love dogs? Would you like to learn how to become a dog trainer? Animal Behavior College's Dog Trainer Program has certified more than 18,600 dog trainers (ABCDT) across North America since 1998. Our dog training certification program includes both real world training with a Mentor Trainer in your local area, who uses positive reinforcement dog training methods, as well as an online dog training course. This hybrid real world/home-study course, which includes LIMA (least invasive minimally aversive) compliant training techniques, ensures you’ll receive a solid academic and functional foundation in dog training.
NAVTA-Approved Veterinary Assistant Program
Do you enjoy helping and nurturing animals? Animal Behavior College can help you fulfill your passion of working with animals as an ABC Veterinary Assistant (ABCVA). Our Veterinary Assistant Program is one of the few online programs approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Every student receives real work experience during the externship portion of the Veterinary Assistant Program in an approved veterinary hospital or clinic environment. Let us help you realize your dream of becoming a vet assistant.
Our new and improved Veterinary Assistant Program curriculum is NOW available for the same low price to all enrolling students!
Grooming Instruction Program
Wondering how to become a dog groomer? Animal Behavior College's Dog Grooming Program utilizes a proven system of hands-on training with an online dog grooming course. This multi-sensory format gives each student the education and experience needed to become a successful ABC Certified Dog Groomer (ABCPG). ABC focuses on gentle dog grooming techniques designed to protect the pet and provide a more relaxed grooming experience overall.
Cat Training Program
Are you a cat lover? Would you like to become a certified cat trainer and start your career in cat behavior training? Before you consider this as your new career you might be asking yourself, "Wait, can you train cats?" The answer is yes and in fact certified cat trainers are needed in the pet industry! Frequently behavior training is focused on dogs, but the reality is our feline friends need training too in order to correct negative behaviors like scratching, biting, spraying and more. Most importantly, by becoming a certified cat trainer you can help cats and their owners correct these problem behaviors which will result in cats staying in their forever homes, instead of being surrendered to shelters for easily corrected bad habits. Animal Behavior College's Cat Training Program combines an online course with shelter experience. Every student will have the opportunity to observe and handle cats of different breeds at a local animal shelter. Be the first in your area to become an ABC Certified Cat Trainer (ABCCT).
Aquarium Maintenance Program
Would you like to start your own aquarium maintenance company? Are you interested in learning more about the fishkeeping hobby and becoming an aquarist? Animal Behavior College's Aquarium Maintenance Program can help you turn your passion for fishkeeping and marine habitats into an enjoyable occupation. The opportunity to have a successful career in aquarium maintenance is better than ever. This extremely comprehensive program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to succeed in the vast sea of fish owners.
Zookeeper Assistant Program
Have you ever wanted to work in a zoo and care for animals on a large scale? Would you like to be personally involved in animal conservation, protecting endangered species, and wildlife rehabilitation? Animal Behavior College's Zookeeper Assistant Program can set you on the path to achieving your wildlife dreams. ABC's program will introduce you to the duties and responsibilities of working in a zoo as you learn about zoological environments and animal care, behavior, conservation, breeding and so much more!
Join the Growing Industry of Animal Careers
The 2023/2024 National Survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) says 66% of American households own a pet, which equates to 86.9 million homes. APPA research also shows that pet industry expenditures are rising. They estimate $143.6 billion dollars will be spent in 2023. Help animals while you become part of a thriving industry.1
-
I found out about ABC through social media, at first I was skeptical but I am so grateful I took the veterinary assistant program. I started my course beginning of January 2019 & by October 2019 I was working in an animal hospital!
-
This school got me started on working with animals! The enrollment was easy and everyone was super friendly! It was always so easy to get ahold of someone if I needed help and the best part was the externship!
-
This is such an amazing school! All of the staff is so helpful, they are willing to answer every question you have and guide you in the best way possible. This has been such a great opportunity for me and career path!
-
I had a great experience with ABC. When ever I had any questions they were answered quickly. They worked with me whenever life got in the way. Would definitely consider doing my dog training program with them.
-
I was able to continue studying despite having 2 surgeries & a heavy workload. ABC worked with me with all my issues and supported me until completion. I am very proud to have my ABC diploma!!!
Why ABC?
For 25 years, we've been providing students a path toward a rewarding career with animals. We offer four animal career training programs in dog training, veterinary assisting, dog grooming and cat training—all of which can be done in the comfort of your own home. The flexibility, tuition and fun animal interactions are just a few reasons why our students choose us.
Why you should choose ABC:
- Flexible and self-paced study
- Online courses recognized by national organizations, such as NADOI and NAVTA
- Locations Near You - Over 11,000 training facilities in the United States and Canada
- Personal student support
- Student-friendly financing
- Lifetime certification upon completion
Flexibility
Study for an animal career you'll really love in the convenience of your own home. By offering our animal care courses online coupled with over 11,000 training facilities, we allow you the flexibility to study at your own pace wherever you are. Stay on track and you can receive your dog training, veterinary assistant, dog grooming or cat training certification within one year.
Study Materials
We know learning requires applying what you've studied in a real-life work environment. This is why we provide you not only the study materials, but other materials needed to work with animals as well. Materials, such as instructional videos and a 30+ piece grooming toolkit, are all included in your tuition.
Meet Our President
CEO and Director Steven Appelbaum is a professional dog trainer and animal lover himself. After growing Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc. (ABTA), the exclusive provider of dog obedience classes for Petco, Steven built a school for students aspiring to help animals. Steven is a member of the IACP, APDT, HSUS, PIJAC, DWAA and ASPCA.
