The pet care industry is a rapidly growing segment of today's business world.  Americans love pets, in fact we spend over 43 billion dollars a year on our pets. We consider them to be a part of the family, and we treat them accordingly. Today, "taking care" of a pet means taking pets to the veterinarian, groomer, providing them with treats and seeing that they’re pampered.

Our animal-loving ways have created new career opportunities, and people who work with pets have plenty of customers. To help meet this demand, Greenville Tech offers two certificate programs in the animal care field; Professional Grooming & Animal Care, Veterinary Assistant and phase 1 of TCTC's Veterinary Technology associates degree program.

Mission
The mission of Greenville Technical College’s Animal Studies program is to promote optimum care of animals by educating students in the many aspects of animal welfare including laws, legislation, and organizations. Our faculty and staff will strive to uphold the highest standards of the industry, providing knowledgeable graduates to join the profession.

Program Curriculum
Pre-Veterinary Technology
The Pre-Veterinary Technology program at Greenville Tech is the first phase of the Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree program offered at Tri-County Technical College. Phase I consists of general education and foundational coursework including basic terminology, clinical techniques, and anatomy and physiology. Phase II includes labs, clinicals and internships. Graduates take state and national licensing exams to become licensed veterinary technicians (LVT). More information about the program can be found in the Pre-Veterinary Technology Student Handbook. 
Pre-Vet Tech Weighted Admissions Form

Professional Grooming and Animal Care
This 6-course certificate focuses on animal care and pet grooming and will prepare you for a career that works with your schedule.

Veterinary Assistant Certificate
This 8-course certificate covers everything a vet’s assistant needs to know from terminology to animal care and nutrition. This role is increasing in importance as pet owners take advantage of veterinary services, and vets need help in providing quality care. Veterinary Assistant students can learn how to obtain animal health histories and records, provide specialized nursing care, and wash, feed, and care for animals.
 

Career Opportunities
Small Animal Care graduates may work part-time or full-time for a grooming shop, veterinary practice, pet store, animal day care or boarding facility. Some graduates have established their own grooming businesses, allowing them to work when and where they wish in their own shop or traveling to customers with a mobile grooming business.

This career choice gives you control over what you earn. Most groomers handle six pets per day at an average of $35 each, while experienced groomers are able to handle 20 pets with the help of an assistant.

Veterinary Assistant training may take you into a private veterinary practice, helping the vet administer vaccines and assisting with examinations. Or you may find opportunities with animal shelters, humane societies, animal hospitals, laboratories and many other veterinary care facilities, earning, on average, $26,000 per year. 

American Veterinary Medical Association brochures

    Veterinary Technicians 

    Veterinary Health Care Team
 
P.E.T.S Festival (Pet Education, Training, and Services)
This festival highlights our Animal Studies programs, which includes a grooming competition as well as the various pet services available in the Greater Greenville area.