Small Animal Care
Activity/Course Codes 5612/5613
Course Description
The Small Animal Care course is designed to teach technical knowledge and skills for
occupations in the pet industry or the companion animal industry. Skills also relate to the
veterinarian or the veterinarian technician career field.
Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences with cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, etc.
participating in personal and community leadership development activities; and planning a
relevant school to work transition experience.
Objective
Given the necessary equipment, supplies, and facilities, the student, upon completion of
prescribed number of instructional hours will be able to successfully complete the following core
competencies. This course should be taught to fit the needs of the community as decided by the
Agricultural teacher and the local Agricultural Advisor Council.
Credits ½, 1, or 2
Competencies:
A. Introducing Small Animal Care
a. Describe the opportunities in the pet care industry
b. Describe the nature of the work and salaries in small animal care
c. Examine the role of pets with humans from a historical perspective
d. Identify safety issues related to pet ownership
B. Caring for and managing cats
a. Describe the specific physical characteristics of cats
b. Describe common breeds of cats
c. Select a cat
d. Describe the nutritional requirements of cats
e. Describe the housing requirements of cats
f. Care for a cat
g. Describe how cats reproduce
h. Describe the growth stages of a cat
i. Describe the care of a litter
j. Explain how to maintain the health of cats
C. Caring for and managing dogs
a. Describe the specific characteristics of dogs
b. Describe common breeds of dogs and issues related to breeding
c. Select a dog
d. Describe the nutritional requirements of dogs
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e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Describe the physical equipment needed to keep a dog
Care for a dog
Describe how dogs reproduce
Describe the growth stages of a dog
Describe the care of a litter
Maintain the health of dogs
D. Caring for and managing rabbits
a. Describe the specific physical characteristics of rabbits
b. Describe common breeds of rabbits
c. Select a rabbit
d. Describe the nutritional requirements of rabbits
e. Describe the equipment and supplies needed in the care and management of rabbit
f. Care for a rabbit
g. Describe how rabbits reproduce
h. Describe the growth stages of rabbits
i. Describe the care of a litter
j. Maintain the health of rabbits
E. Caring for and managing rodents
a. Describe the specific physical characteristics and behavior of common pet
rodents: mice, rats, gerbils, Guinea Pigs, and hamsters
b. Describe general care, nutrition, housing, equipment, health, and breeding
associated with common pet rodents
F. Caring for and managing birds
a. Identify common species of pet birds and their characteristics
b. Describe general care, nutrition, health, housing, equipment, sexing, and breeding
of common pet birds
G. Caring for and managing fish
a. Describe the three categories of fish suitable for home aquariums
b. Care for fish and aquariums
H. Caring for and managing reptiles, amphibians, and specialized animals
a. Identify the general characteristics of common species of reptiles, amphibians,
and other specialized animals of general interest
b. Select and care for reptiles, amphibians, and other pets not previously studied
I. Grooming animals
a. Fluff dry a dog and a cat
b. Prepare shampoos, crème rinses, and dips
c. Apply dip
d. Trim dog, cat, and small animal nails
e. Brush and dematt coat
f. Clean and pluck ears
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g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
Clip coat with electric clippers
Handle grooming tools
Check for fleas
Remove ticks
Cage dry dog and cat
Complete final comb-out
J. Handling animals
a. Restrain animals for treatment
b. Lift and carry animals
c. Manage a quarantined animal
d. Exercise animal
K. Performing Technical Functions
a. Weigh and measure animals
b. Observe animals for abnormalities
c. Take and evaluate vital signs
d. Collect and prepare fecal samples
e. Record performance of daily animal care duties
f. Administer medications and basic first aid
g. Construct and maintain animal housing
h. Clean and disinfect animal’s quarters
i. Maintain water needs of small animals
L. Performing Maintenance Functions
a. Dispose of hazardous materials
b. Clean and store laundry
M. Performing Inventory and Office Functions
a. Check in and check out clients, and schedule appointments
b. Maintain supplies
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