Sheridan’s Animal Care Program prepares you to work as part of a professional team in such locations as veterinary clinics, shelters, grooming businesses, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, dog daycare facilities, pet shops, zoos and other such animal facilities.
In the program you'll study such subjects as animal anatomy, nutrition, domestic animal science, exotic animal science, animal grooming, animal nursing procedures and animal handling.
The Animal Care Program is ideal for you if you have a technical interest in animals, are patient, conscientious, attentive to detail, highly motivated and dedicated.
The Sheridan Animal Centre, where many lab activities will take place, is accredited by the Canadian Council on Animal Care with a Good Animal Practice Certification (GAP).
You can expect to work with live animals under supervision to demonstrate and practice skills such as:
- Handling and restraint techniques
- Animal husbandry
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Veterinary simulation exercises
Get Real-World Experience Through Your Practicum
A popular segment of the Animal Care Program is the two-week placement in an animal facility at the end of your second semester. This practicum gives you valuable frontline experience working with animals and observing their care.
You may qualify for one of a number of academic awards granted each year on the basis of academic excellence. Donors include Dr. G.R. Cormack and Best Boarding.
Additional Costs/Workload
You should expect to spend approximately $400-$600 on laboratory supplies, textbooks, lab coat and surgical scrubs while in the Animal Care Program. You also should be prepared to spend 15-20 hours each week on assignments outside of your regularly scheduled classes.
This Animal Care Program is located at the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario.
Sheridan prepares you to get a job you’ll love. Graduates of this program have been consistently in high demand since the program began over 30 years ago. When you complete the Animal Care Program, you'll be eligible to seek employment in:
- Veterinary hospitals
- Grooming establishments
- Zoos
- Pet shops
- Equestrian stables
- Animal shelters
- Wildlife rehabilitation facilities
- Municipalities as an animal control officer
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
- One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)
plus one of:
- Chemistry, Grade 12 (C or U), or Chemistry, Grade 11 (U), or Biology, Grade 11 (C or U)
or
Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details.)
APPLICANT SELECTION
Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION
Pre-exposure rabies immunization is highly recommended for those working in the animal care field. Prior to entering the Animal Care Program at Sheridan, you are requested to contact your family doctor to have your immunization completed. A blank immunization form can be found on the Health Services downloads page.
As a candidate seeking a career in animal care you will find a strong background in sciences and math a definite asset. Because of the unique nature of Sheridan's program, it is strongly recommended that students acquire experience in the animal care field prior to admission.
| CODE |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
| |
|
|
| TERM 1 |
|
|
| NURS 13796 |
Animal Nursing Fundamentals |
3 |
| SCIE13636 |
Domestic Animal Science |
3 |
| SCIE 18634 |
Animal Facility Management |
2 |
| SCIE 13796 |
Animal Grooming |
3 |
| SCIE 18263 |
Animal Centre Duty |
2 |
| COMM 19999 |
Essential Communication Skills |
3 |
| CCGE |
General Elective (Intensive or distance) |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
19 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 2 |
|
|
| SCIE 26693 |
Clinical Operations |
3 |
| SCIE25142 |
Animal Wellness |
3 |
| SCIE 10009 |
Exotic Animal Science |
3 |
| SCIE 26529 |
Advanced Grooming Lab OR |
3 |
| SCIE 10681 |
Wildlife Management (Electives) |
|
| ANAT 14717 |
Animal Anatomy and Physiology |
3 |
| FLPL14092 |
Field Placement |
4 |
| PHIL 18836 |
Animal Ethics |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
22 |
| |
|
|
Note: Courses subject to change.