Vet & Small Animal Science I

Veterinarian & Small Animal Science I

This science based course will assist students in learning practical pet care for companion animals. In addition, the course explores care techniques, diseases, labs, and reproduction differences between small animals in a science based discovery way. Field trips in the topic areas will be included as well as knowledgeable speakers. Students are also encouraged to bring animals to class and demonstrate knowledge of their pets. This course is highly recommended for students wishing to further their post-secondary education in the areas of animal and veterinarian science.

Course Overview

Pet ownership is at an all time high in the USA.  The pet supply industry is a large and growing one.  A large industry exists to supply food, equipment and health care for these companion animals.  Many careers are also available in the industry and provide opportunities for a significant segment of our population.  Specifically, veterinary science begins by mastering the understanding of basic animal biology and body processes. 


Supervised Agricultural Experience Project (SAE): All students are required to participate in an SAE project, which will allow the active application of science based principles in a “learn by doing” environment. The project will be documented in the SAE Record Book. Projects types and parameters will be discussed in class, a minimum of 20 hours must be completed.

Unit 1-Introduction to Small Animal Care

Unit 2-Safety 

Unit 3-Small Animals as Pets 

Unit 4-Animal Rights and Animal Welfare 

 Current Issues 

Unit 5-Careers in Small Animal Care 

Unit 6-Nutrition and Digestive Systems   

 Unit 7-Dogs  

Unit 8-Cats 

Unit 9-Rabbits  

Unit 10-Hamster and Gerbils

 Unit 10-Rats and Mice   

Unit 11- Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas  

Unit 12-Ferrets

Unit 13-Amphibians and Reptiles     

Unit 14-Birds

Unit 15-Fish   

Student Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, I would like the students to be able to: