Animal Care and Management

Associate in Applied Science

Explore animal biology and husbandry career opportunities with our animal care and management degree. Graduates will have solid skills to move into pet care services or transfer to a four-year program in animal science.

You'll learn how to:

  • Care for many species in pet retail, grooming, daycare, boarding, and veterinary facilities.

  • Develop animal care protocols for animal related businesses.

  • Analyze animal care facilities’ efficiency using critical thinking skills.

Quick Facts
  • Program tracks

    Full-time

  • Estimated degree completion time

    4 semesters, 61 credit hours

Did you know...

that while you are earning your degree in Animal Care & Management you could also be earning a certificate to become a Veterinary Assistant? Talk with a member of the Admissions Team to learn more.

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Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate oral, written and technology communication skills to convey animal care standards and protocols for animal related businesses.
  • Analyze animal care facilities using critical thinking skills and knowledge of animal species, breeds, and behaviors.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as a team member in various animal care team environments.
  • Describe and explain appropriate professional and ethical behavior relevant to animal care business environments while maintaining recognition for the diversity of opinions, values, cultures, and abilities in small animal businesses.
  • Analyze, articulate and communicate animal care information in formats including verbal communication, written communication, and technological forms of documentation.
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Careers

Graduates are prepared for work in animal shelters, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities, pet retail stores, pet grooming facilities, pet daycare facilities, pet boarding facilities, equine boarding facilities, livestock facilities, zoos and exotic animal care facilities, and animal based research facilities.

Meet the Faculty

  • Julie Bodkin

    Julie Bodkin

    Department Chair Veterinary Technology

    Dr. Bodkin started her career as a volunteer/kennel staff member and worked her way up to veterinary technician prior to attending veterinary school.  Dr. Bodkin worked at Becker College and also worked at two small animal hospitals around Boston from 2013 to 2020. She grew up in Quincy, MA and currently resides there with her husband and their 12-year-old terrier Dixie.  In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and cheering on the Pats, Celtics.

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