Santa Clarita, Calif., May 30, 2014 — With the tight job market and slow recovering economy, many people are re-examining their careers and making a change. Some are pursuing their passion for pets in an animal-related career in hope of either starting a business or working for someone else. Unlike many professions, this switch could be fruitful. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of animal care and service workers in the U.S. will grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. With enrollment increasing by 5 percent from last year, Animal Behavior College (ABC) continues to meet demand by offering prevalent training tools to help students compete and succeed in this fast-growing industry.
“Despite a volatile economy, the employment outlook for animal care service workers in the U.S. are predicted to grow significantly over the next several years,” said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. “Since our founding in 1998, we have experienced increased enrollment in pet training, grooming and veterinary services programs – skills that are in high demand. These services will continue to provide excellent employment opportunities for our graduates.”
Pets today are living longer, eating healthier and receiving more services from groomers, veterinarians, pet-sitters and trainers. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that Americans will spend $58.51 billion on their pets this year for food, veterinary care, supplies and over-the-counter medicine, pet grooming and boarding and pet purchases combined. And for career changers, high turnover and rapid employment growth is expected to provide excellent job opportunities in the areas of pet training, grooming and veterinary staff.
ABC’s programs prepare participants by combining a comprehensive education and hands-on, practical experience in an open-enrollment format that is online and convenient. Students acquire essential tools, training and expertise necessary to remain relevant and competitive in the industry.
ABC currently offers career changers and animal enthusiasts three Certification Programs:
Dog Obedience Program (DOP). This program teaches animal enthusiasts training techniques using positive reinforcement. Students learn various behavioral principles and practical ways to incorporate them into their training regimen. The program covers everything from training basics and safety to effective problem solving and pet first aid. The hands-on portion of the program provides students with an opportunity to participate in an internship with a mentor, giving them invaluable practical experience in real life situations.
Veterinary Assistant (VAP). VAP explores the many diverse techniques and methods used in handling and working with animals in a veterinary hospital, as well as situations most often encountered. The curriculum includes office, hospital and examination room procedures, surgical preparation and assistance procedures and radiology and ultrasound imaging to name a few. Students also learn the fundamentals of career building, resume writing, financial planning and effective interviewing skills. This program includes a hands-on portion where students participate in an internship at a veterinary hospital under the guidance of a mentor. This enables them to gain invaluable practical experience.
Grooming Instruction (GIP). This program covers grooming techniques and methods, as well as health and safety, dog and cat grooming, clipper use and scissor control techniques, body styles and breed specific cuts and pet CPR and first aid. Additionally, students learn ergonomics and ways in which to perform tasks without causing any strain or damage to their joints and muscles. Like the other ABC programs, GIP also includes a hands-on internship where students work with a mentor in a grooming establishment to gain practical experience.
ABC’s DOP and VAP students attain significant business-building tools to help them succeed in the industry. This includes learning how to create a business plan and budget and marketing techniques. They also learn skills necessary to work as an employee in the pet industry, including resume writing, job searching and interviewing techniques.
In addition to the three programs, ABC offers a variety of continuing education programs (CEPs) on several subjects including, cat management and training, pet nutrition, pet massage, pet sitting and training shelter dogs.
For more information about Animal Behavior College’s programs and CEPs, visit our website at www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com or call 1-800-795-3294.
About Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College is the premier international vocational school specializing in certified animal career training programs. ABC has created a powerful team of skilled advocates who are devoted to nurturing the human-animal bond through dog training, veterinary assisting and pet grooming. The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 28,000 students have enrolled in ABC programs and the alumni group boasts the largest number of certified dog trainers in the United States.
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