Animal Science

2 Year Program
Harkness, Kenton, Potter

Students will be prepared for a wide range of careers related to animal care and veterinary science. Topics of study include: animal health and disease, nutrition, reproduction, parasitology, anatomy and physiology, and animal behavior. Students will perform clinical procedures that are commonly performed at veterinary clinics and learn the technical skills to operate and manage a veterinary practice. Animal care and grooming clinics are implemented to help students learn standard operating procedures by following written protocols, documentation, team work, problem solving, and verbal communication/instruction in a professional work environment.

Program Highlights

Practice real world diagnostics, animal restraint, grooming techniques, and assess animal vital signs in our hands-on pet clinic
Participate in an internship according to your individual interests at veterinary hospitals, animal training facilities, dairy farms, stables, and grooming salons
Meet informative industry professionals such as local wildlife rescue, rehabilitation experts, and representatives from the veterinary and animal care industry

Animal Science Video

College Agreements

Alfred State College
Canisius University
SUNY Cobbleskill
SUNY Morrisville

Additional Information

Updated tetanus vaccine required
Students with allergies, especially to animals, should speak with a physician before registering for this program

Classroom Information

Large class size (24+)
Grooming clinic is physically demanding
Clinic/lab can be loud and unpredictable
Students participate in animal dissections
Must pass dog grooming safety procedures and techniques test to participate in weekly grooming clinic
Instruction is done in large groups with a lecture/demonstration of content presented visually and orally

Program Considerations

Fine motor skills for animal restraint and grooming
Able to assess risks by reading canine postures, ear/eye carriage
Students are required to work independently and collaboratively in groups
Able to work well with animals and animal handling (Students do not play with animals during class)
Students interact in the lab setting with animals with various levels of supervision by the instructor
Strong science skills; advanced anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, and other biological competencies comparable to Regents-Level Living Environment
Strong Math skills; fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios
Strong Laboratory skills: urinalysis, direct/indirect canine fecal exam slide preparations, blood smears, suturing...)
Strong reading comprehension

Instructor Information

Harkness Career & Technical Center
(716) 961-4070
Laura Karlnoski
Jessica Bessett

Kenton Career & Technical Center
(716) 961-4010
Sara Gemmer

Potter Career & Technical Center
(716) 821-7331
Jessica Sawyer