Vocational School Allows Animal Lovers to Pursue Pet-Related Careers

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Soon it's back to school for students all across the country, including adults who are truly going "back" to school to pursue new careers. For many of these students, the economy is dictating that they start a new career or launch a second career in addition to their full-time jobs. Other students are looking for not just a job but a career that allows them to follow their passion.

At Animal Behavior College (ABC), students fit into all of the above categories. ABC offers three programs - Certified Dog Obedience Instructor training, Certified Veterinary Assistant and Certified Grooming Instruction. "It's a fantastic way," said owner Steve Appelbaum, "for animal lovers to turn their dream into a career."

ABC's model is what makes it different from other vocational schools. Students complete part of the program at home and the remainder with a hand-picked mentor. The mentor, a working professional in the given field, is within driving distance of the student. "Our programs," said Appelbaum, "allow students to pursue a career without putting their lives on hold. Many people start in these fields as a side job and then turn it into a career."

Appelbaum added that, depending on how much time is devoted to the new career, tuition expenses can be recouped in as little as three to five months. "Starting up a pet-related business in some instances, such as dog training, can require very little capital," he said. "Just some basic equipment and business cards. However, students graduating from our Groomer or Veterinary programs are often hired by their mentors."

Based on current statistics, a pet-related career may be a wise choice:

• The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association predicts that the pet business will generate $2.2 billion more revenue this year.
• Grooming is projected to generate $3.45 billion.
• Veterinary services are projected to generate $12.7 billion.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of animal trainers in the U.S. to grow by 10,000 in the next eight years.

For those who want to advance existing careers, the college also offers two continuing education programs (CEPs): "Training Shelter Dogs" and "Teaching Private Lessons." A third CEP, scheduled for mid-2011, will teach students how to start, manage and market a pet sitting and/or dog walking business. These programs are available to students, graduates and ABC alumni members.

Membership in the alumni group is free and is eligible to ABC graduates. Benefits include templates for brochures and business cards, as well as a turnkey website for entrepreneurs.

For more information on ABC, visit http://www.AnimalBehaviorCollegeCourses.com.  

About Animal Behavior College

Founded in 1998, Animal Behavior College (ABC) is a vocational school specializing in animal-related career training. With training locations nationwide and in Canada, ABC is the premier school for animal lovers who wish to pursue animal-related careers.

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SOURCE Animal Behavior College