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Animals are important members of our families and play a significant role in society. Animal care workers perform a variety of key functions in different settings to help ensure animals are cared for so they can enjoy a high quality of life. Through this program you will learn about animal behaviour, nutrition, wellness, handling, basic care procedures, legislation and ethics to give you the required knowledge and skills to be a valued member of an animal care team.
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To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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Understanding the science behind what motivates behaviour is necessary for safe interactions with animals. Effective client relations with pet owners are fundamental to providing quality care. Knowing the proper standards of care for common species offers an opportunity to assist with improving animal welfare. This one-year, two-semester program will give you the knowledge and skills to become a valued member of an animal facility. You will learn about:
Please note: Some courses may be offered during a different semester due to changes in program delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will still receive the same curriculum and have to meet the same learning outcomes. Questions related to program delivery can be directed to Admissions.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a field placement in an animal care environment, which will provide you with practical, hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned in the classroom through the duration of the Animal Care program.
You must (at your expense) provide:
Qualified graduates may be eligible to apply their academic credits towards further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
905.721.3000
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