Program Overview

Program Overview

The Animal Care Aide program is a 7-month part-time certificate program that provides students with the knowledge and basic skills needed for entry-level employment in animal care facilities. The program is designed to meet the demands for trained personnel in veterinary hospitals and animal care shelters, with an emphasis on small animal care in hospital/clinical settings.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program may find work and/or volunteer opportunities in settings such as:

• Animal recovery centres
• Pet stores
• Zoos
• Game farms
• Grooming businesses
• Kennels
• Large animal farms

Program Content

The program consists of the following non-credit courses:

• Anatomy and Physiology of Animals
• Radiology
• Laboratory Procedures
• Complementary Medicine
• Communicating on the Job
• Medical Nursing
• Surgical Procedures
• Office Procedures
• 2 Field Trips
• 20 hours of Work Experience

Course Delivery

The program is delivered on a part-time basis, over a 7-month period or two semesters. Most classes are face-to-face at the Nanaimo Campus for hands-on learning, with some classes occasionally online. Classes are presented on Saturdays, from 9 am to 4 pm. There will also be two field trips at animal recovery centres in the mid-Island region, which occur on a Sunday. The end of the program has students gaining 20 hours of valuable work experience at local veterinary hospitals or clinics.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent, or Trades and Applied Technology Mature Student Category
• Minimum 17 years of age
• Minimum "C" in English 11, or equivalent
• Minimum "C" in Math 11 (Principals, Applications, Foundations, or Pre-Calculus)
• Recommended: Biology 11

Important Program Dates

• Admissions open / applications accepted: Applications are currently open
• Information session: March 26, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30
• Application deadline: April 30, 2026
• Document deadline: May 15, 2026
• Registration deadline and non-refundable $200 tuition deposit due: Within 3 weeks of offer of admission
• Balance of tuition due: August 15, 2026
• Last day to withdraw (no refunds will be issued after this date): August 15, 2026
• Program start: September 12, 2026
• Program end: March 20, 2027

Program Fees

• Tuition: $2,992.63 (pending Senate approval)
• Application fee: $46.98
• Student Activity and Student Union Fees: $583.59
• Textbooks: $210 (approx.)
• VIUSU Health and Dental: $285 per year

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all core courses, field trips, and 20 hours of work experience in order to be eligible for the Program Certificate. Students are required to attend all scheduled lectures, observations, field trips, and exams. If you do not meet the attendance requirements, you may not qualify for the Program Certificate.