College Profile: Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College is a vocational school geared towards those looking to pursue careers working with animals, especially pets. Animal Behavior College is available to everyone in the United States and Canada, with over 3,000 hands-on locations through extensive networks of professional dog trainers, veterinary hospitals, grooming salons, and humane societies across North America. ABC offers certifications to students enrolled in programs such as the Dog Obedience Program, the Veterinary Assistant Program, and the Grooming Instruction Program.

ABC was founded in 1998 by Mr. Steven Appelbaum. The evolution of the school began when Appelbaum wanted to create a unique company to offer dog obedience training classes in all Petco Animal Supplies Inc. stores across the U.S., and realized the extent of educational training and experience needed to perform such animal-related job duties. Thus, Animal Behavior College was founded to provide comprehensive education and training programs to produce qualified professionals in the field.

Animal Behavior College provides an array of features and benefits for its students, such as great job placement assistance and support, flexible hours, and the opportunity to own your own business. Featured programs allow for animal lovers to shape their careers through an extensive course curriculum and hands-on training experience.

Dog Obedience Program

ABC’s Dog Obedience Program offers a comprehensive curriculum broken into 11 stages to cover topics ranging from the study of canines to tips on building a business. These stages equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a dog training externship. On completion of the program, students receive their dog trainer certification, as well as the title of Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer (ABCDT).

Grooming Instruction Program

ABC’s Grooming Instruction Program offers dog grooming certification and the ABC Pet Groomer Certification, which is well recognized within the animal industry. Students are equipped with the skills to work in grooming salons, mobile grooming enterprises, animal shelter, veterinary offices, or even start their own business. The program prepares students for the dog groomer’s responsibilities such as bathing, brushing, clipping, and manicuring pets on a daily basis.

Veterinary Assistant Program

The Veterinary Assistant Program provides hands-on training experience through externships and a course curriculum that educates students on the essential skills for a career as a veterinary assistant. The program is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America.

Admissions

Cost and tuition prices vary among the programs offered. Tuition often starts at affordable rates when paid in full compared to other competitive certification programs, and payment arrangements can be made depending on the individual applicant. Tuition prices cove all materials, as well as the hands-on externship offered by the ABC program. Discounts and financial assistance on tuition may also be offered to military spouses through MYCAA which covers education and training courses as well as examinations.

For more great careers that let you spend your time working with animals, be sure to check out our Careers page!