This page is a selection of animal care program types and what to look for when comparing schools, not a ranking. The schools listed further down are examples of institutions that offer animal care programs; they are not ordered by any measured criterion. Animal care programs prepare students to work in clinical, shelter, and grooming settings through pathways into veterinary assisting, animal behavior, pet grooming, and veterinary technology, with an emphasis on hands-on learning.
Whether the focus is pets, livestock, or wildlife, many programs combine classroom instruction with externships and lab experience. Program length and hiring outcomes vary by school and location.
What to Look for in an Animal Care Program
Animal care and veterinary support programs balance theory with clinical or hands-on training. Key factors include:
Externships: Partnerships with clinics, shelters, or animal hospitals
Instructor background: Veterinarians and credentialed technicians teaching core skills
Scheduling: Online, hybrid, and in-person training options
Career placement: Job assistance and employer connections (ask the school for its data)
Programs with substantial externships and certification preparation help students build practical experience before applying for roles.
Common Animal Care Majors and Certifications
Students can choose from several specializations depending on their interests and goals:
Veterinary Assistant: Support veterinarians and technicians with exams, x-rays, and lab work
Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech): Credentialed professional assisting in clinical procedures
Animal Grooming: Professional grooming, skin care, and breed-specific styling
Animal Behavior and Training: Understanding animal behavior for obedience and therapy work
Wildlife or Zoo Management: Care for exotic species and conservation programs
Many programs also prepare students for credentials like the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation or state veterinary technician credentialing exams.
Career Outlook
Animal care programs range from short certificates to 2-year associate degrees. Pay and growth vary by occupation. According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and Employment Projections (2024-34):
Occupation
BLS median annual wage (May 2025)
Projected growth 2024-34
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$47,380
9.1 percent
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$38,150
8.7 percent
Animal trainers
$39,990
5.1 percent
Animal caretakers
$35,360
12.1 percent
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 (wages); BLS Employment Projections 2024-34 (growth). Graduates can find work in veterinary clinics, shelters, zoos, research facilities, and pet service businesses.
How This List Was Assembled
The schools below were selected as examples of institutions that offer animal care or veterinary support programs. They are not ranked, and their order does not reflect quality, cost, or outcomes. Use the criteria above and each school’s own published data to compare them.
**How long does it take to become a veterinary assistant?**Most veterinary assistant programs take **9-12 months**, while veterinary technician degrees typically require **2 years** of study and clinical experience.**Do I need a license to work with animals?**Veterinary technicians must be licensed, certified, or registered in most states. Assistants and groomers generally do not need licenses but can benefit from voluntary certification.**Are animal care programs available online?**Yes. Many schools offer **online veterinary assistant or grooming programs** paired with local externships for hands-on training.**What career paths can I pursue after graduation?**Graduates can work as **veterinary assistants, animal care technicians, pet groomers, trainers, or shelter managers**, or continue toward a veterinary technology or pre-vet degree.
