Pet Sitting, Training, and Grooming Microcredential

Program Description

In this microcredential students will learn key skills and knowledge needed for pet sitting, training, and grooming services.  Students will also learn how to successfully start a business to offer these services and the business skills they will need.

VTS 159   Restraint & Handling

VTS 250   Behavioral Medicine for Animals

VTS 147   Pet CPR, Recognizing Emergencies, & First Aid 

BUS 161   Principles of Management and/or BUS 115  Entrepreneurship

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the microcredential, students will be able to:

Pet Sitting

• Describe the role and tasks of pet sitters along with an understanding of the different care needs of dogs and cats

• Demonstrate learning about feeding, watering, and exercising pets

• Describe emergency situations, such as a lost pet, how to handle these, along with when to seek veterinary care

• Analyze strategies for dealing with pet behavioral issues

Pet Training

• Identify the components of canine training, know commands to teach dogs basic obedience, and use of dog-training support equipment and food

• Analyze common behavioral problems and strategies for prevention and treatment; develop behavior modification plans for dogs 

• Identify canine commands (e.g. sit, down, stay, come, heel, off, and no) and know how to use them and train for response, as well as recreational activities for dogs

Pet Grooming

• Identify the duties of a pet groomer and how to establish a grooming business

• Identify grooming tools and demonstrate understanding of their uses and how to bathe, dry, and prepare a dog for grooming

• Demonstrate learning of grooming dogs from all groups, mixed breeds and puppies

• Describe strategies for grooming dogs who have health or behavioral problems 

Entrepreneurship

• Create a business plan for a pet business including start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet business, target audience, marketing, customer service, licenses, contracts, and insurance.

Developmental Assistance Available

For students who do not meet basic reading and math requirements, or who have other learning issues, extra assistance is readily available through SUNY Ulster’s Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS), the Patrik Math Center, the Literacy Lab, and peer and professional tutors.

For More Information

For more information contact the Enrollment and Success Center at 845-687-5022 or the Veterinary Technology Department at 845-851-4022.