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The Pet Science Certificate focuses on the proper care and management of various pets. This includes: breed identification and characteristics, grooming, showing, nutrition, practical care, behavior, breeding, and housing. Consideration will be given to the economic influence of the pet industry.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the various species of pets, pet management systems, and the different industry opportunities associated with the respective species.
- Students will understand the scientific principles of animal production in relation to genetics, reproduction, nutrition, physiology, and environment.
- Students will demonstrate competency in the areas of animal health, disease, welfare and handling and understand how these factors influence animal stress and welfare.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the economic influence of the pet industry in today's society.
- Students will be competent with the use of technology and have abilities in the areas of critical thinking and decision-making. In addition, they must have strong oral and written communication skills, and a sense of the importance of responsibility and work ethic.
Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.
Required Courses
- Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
SOC Career Code: 39-2021.00Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.
Typical Hourly Salary$14.50The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$36,142.43Annual Job Openings8,992Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages
- Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
Mt. San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, ethnic group identification, immigration status, religion, gender, gender identification, gender expression, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its programs or activities. Inquiries about Title IX, Title II, or Section 504 may be referred to Ryan Wilson, Building 4 (Human Resources), (909) 274-5249, and eeo.titleix@mtsac.edu, or the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.
Mt. San Antonio College offers classes in career and technical education (CTE) program areas such as Animation and Gaming, Culinary Arts, Geographic Information Systems, Veterinary Technology, Fire Technology, and many more, under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, please refer to our Academic Divisions and Departments web page or contact the Career Education Office. Lack of English proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.
