Animal Behavior College has been specializing in online training for animal jobs since starting our dog training certification in 1998. We are the industry pioneers when it comes to a distance learning format. Other schools may claim to offer similar programs for people who want to work with animals, but when it comes to experience and expertise, there is no comparison.
Our network of hands-on / on-site training facilities in North America is unparalleled. We created this format. This is an important consideration when comparing us to other schools. While some institutions have tried to copy our network, no one has the depth of contacts we do. Why does this matter? Because it makes us most likely to be able to select a mentor best for you and minimizes the chance you’ll be asked to find your own or travel ridiculous distances as a result of their small mentor pool.
At Animal Behavior College, there are no hidden costs. Many other schools require you to purchase textbooks and learning materials after enrollment, but not Animal Behavior College.
The program cost is all-inclusive with everything you need to succeed, such as your study materials, educational videos or uniform depending on the program. In addition, graduates receive a 2-year Pet CPR and First Aid Certification as part of every program.
Animal jobs can certainly be rewarding, but they require passion, discipline and commitment. Frankly not everyone can be a dog trainer, service dog trainer, veterinary assistant, pet groomer, zookeeper assistant, cat trainer or aquarium maintenance professional, just like not everyone can be a neurosurgeon, a mechanic or a teacher. Unlike some schools with less discerning requirements, ABC screens and tests all applicants to ensure they can benefit from our program. We want to make sure our school is a good fit for you and vice versa.
Once enrolled, you will have assistance from our Program Manager Team who will assist you throughout your ABC education. All our Program Managers are professionals in their respective fields. Whether they are Professional Dog Trainers, Cat Trainers, Veterinary Technicians or Pet Groomers, you will have a professional to help address any questions you have while you pursue your course of study.
The goal of our programs is to best prepare you for an animal career wherever you live. When you become ABC certified, you open yourself up to numerous animal job opportunities across the U.S. and Canada. It is also recommended that graduates pursue additional certifications through organizations like The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). ABC’s programs prepare students who are in pursuit of this and other independent certifications.
Your ABC certification is well recognized by thousands of employers in the pet industry. Your ABC certification is portable and has lifetime value. No need to take an annual exam or pay a fee.
Students may complete the program and earn their certification in as little as 12 months or sooner. At ABC, the time required for studying is easily manageable, even along with other work and/or family obligations. Just think—you can become ABC Certified and be ready to start your new profession in as little as one year!
ABC programs are both convenient and flexible and are perfect for the busy individual. Many ABC students continue with their full-time jobs while earning their ABC certification. Since we offer our programs online, students may take a self-paced approach to their education and study in the comfort of their own home. In other words, you can study around your work and personal schedule.
A high-quality animal care career program wouldn’t be complete without the invaluable externship or shelter experience. Our relationships with more than 11,000 animal shelters, veterinary clinics, grooming salons and professional dog trainers across the United States and Canada allow us to provide you with hands-on experience in your area. Some schools who have tried to copy our model, lack the depth of mentors. This results in them offering gimmicks and videos to compensate for what they simply can’t offer. The truth is that videos alone do not take the place of actual hands on experience. Don’t be fooled.
Compare this flexibility to other educational programs that require their students to relocate to on-site facilities for a period of time in order to complete their animal care studies. This option isn’t feasible for most people, as it would obligate them to put their personal and professional lives on hold. The cost to complete that type of program can be expensive as well.
After gaining theoretical knowledge in your chosen program, students are authorized to participate in the hands-on portion of their education. Each student will complete a certain number of hours at an ABC-authorized facility where they can apply their knowledge in a real work environment. The best part about this experience is you’ll be able to work with animals and help improve their lives—all while you’re learning!
When it is time to begin your hands-on / on-site training portion of the program, you will be assigned a dedicated Externship Coordinator to facilitate your placement in one of our partnered training facilities. Some schools may offer an Externship during their course of studies but often leave it up to the student to find their own location. This is a daunting task for a student as most locations will not accept a student who is walking in off the street.
At Animal Behavior College, all our students are covered under our liability insurance thus taking the risk away from the Externship locations. We’ll do all the leg work. All you have to do is learn.
Many of our core programs include an online certification in Pet First Aid & CPR. Learn to recognize problems, minimize injury, and the proper actions to take in the event of a pet emergency.
Animal Behavior College understands that your goal is to work with animals, and we are dedicated to helping you accomplish this goal. Therefore, we include an extensive career and business building module in every program. Whether you plan on working for an already established company, or building your own business from the ground up, this stage will provide you with the information you need to make that a reality.
ABC student support does not end at graduation. Our Alumni have access to an exclusive job board where they can search for an animal job within their field and area. We also provide contract and other business building templates for our Dog Obedience Alumni to utilize as they start their new careers.
Moreover, all our graduates have lifetime access to our curriculum on our Alumni Center which is updated to keep students abreast of the latest techniques and methods which can and do evolve over time.
Animal Behavior College’s Career Training Programs offer a complete study of their respective fields. Because we are experts in this field, we also have more advanced programs for graduates looking to take their careers to the next level. We know that animal professionals never stop learning, which is why we also offer a variety of continuing education programs so that individuals can add more advanced skills as time goes on. Want to learn how to add pet sitting and dog walking to your business? We can help. Want to learn even more about pet nutrition? We can help. The Art of Selling Private Lessons, Training Shelter Dogs, Pet Massage, Doggie Day Care and Pet Fostering are available Short-Term Programs you can add to your studies to make yourself more knowledgeable, marketable and profitable when you enter the pet industry.
Animal Behavior College is approved by the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA). Qualified spouses of active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air-Force and Marines may be eligible to receive a scholarship to attend ABC. Because of the flexibility and national recognition of our Dog Obedience, Veterinary Assistant and Grooming Instruction Programs, the Department of Defense has provided financial assistance to these qualified military spouses.
ABC has worked long and hard to provide our students with the best comprehensive education possible for their respective fields. Because of this, we have gained recognition and approval from the animal industry’s top organizations. Whether it be the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) or the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), you will know that a certificate from Animal Behavior College carries with it the respect and prestige of an industry leader.
ABC Certified Dog Trainers and ABC Certified Pet Groomers are able to list their services in our online directory, free of charge. This free advertising is extremely valuable because of ABC’s reputation and long-standing history in the animal industry. Google displays the online directories when pet owners search for a dog trainer or pet groomer in their area. We encourage all Alumni to take advantage of this free benefit, as it is a great way to gain clients and increase your online presence.
Business Insurers for Carolinas and Pro-Link in Canada have been providing General Liability specifically designed for ABC members since 2006. Their coverage includes the broadest Care, Custody or Control coverage for the pets and property in your care. This policy was designed to take the worry and the hassle out of finding reliable coverage. Best of all, buying coverage endorsed by ABC Alumni Inc. means affordable group rates.
Start off your career with professional business materials. ABC has teamed up with Spreadshirt and Vistaprint to provide you ABC-branded apparel, business cards and accessories. No matter what program you decide to take, you will be able to shop online and start your business off on the right foot.
ABC Alumni receive an exclusive discount on pet insurance from Nationwide Pet Insurance (formerly VPI). Eligible expenses covered by Nationwide may include: veterinary office visits, surgeries, diagnostic testing, prescriptions and hospitalization.
Every quarter, Animal Behavior College publishes the Paw Prints newsletter. In this newsletter, you can read about the latest marketing techniques, stay updated on the latest pet industry information, receive product discounts and much more. In addition, ABC Alumni have the opportunity to contribute to the newsletter.
The animal care industry continues to trend upwards. Pet ownership currently stands at 66% of all U.S. households, according to the 2023-2024 National Pet Owners Survey presented by American Pet Products Association (APPA).2
In addition, pet owners are investing more of their discretionary income in their pets’ health and well-being. The APPA reports that in 2023 over $147 billion dollars were spent on our pets in the U.S. Not surprising, pet owners spent over 12.3 billion of those dollars on services such as grooming, training, pet sitting / walking, highlighting services outside of veterinary care!
Given this level of commitment, working in the pet industry proves to be a beneficial career move.
Whether you are looking for a new career or just starting out, Animal Behavior College can help you get started in the animal industry.