Follow your instinct and train for a career in animal care

NSCC’s Animal Care Specialist Certificate program is designed for students wishing to work with dogs and cats. Graduates find jobs in pet day care and boarding, kennel management, dog walking and training, grooming, and retail businesses.

As a student in NSCC’s Animal Care Specialist Certificate program, you will learn to:

  • Observe and interpret canine and feline body language communication to improve overall health during care.
  • Identify legal and ethical issues that impact companion pets.
  • Describe the basic methods utilized in canine training.
  • Explain the benefits of vaccine protocol and preventative treatment methods in animal health.

Thinking about running a pet care business or shelter?

Students who wish to take their career to the next level are strongly encouraged to apply to credits earned in this certificate towards NSCC’s Animal Care Specialist Associate Degree program.

 

Free Community College

Massachusetts allows all residents without a bachelor’s degree to attend North Shore Community College for free.

No tuition. No fees. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.

 

Next Steps

Special Admissions Program

Alternative Credentials

Achievement and Outcomes

Learner Outcomes

Guided Pathway Sheet

Get in touch

If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact admissions@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.

If you have program advising related questions, please contact animalcare@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4048.


 

Program Requirements

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Accreditation

NSCC abides by standards put forth by the College’s Institution Animal Care and Use Committee.

North Shore Community College is an accredited nonprofit institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly NEASC-CIHE, the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

 

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