Top 11 Animal Caretaker Certifications

Certifications are important for an animal caretaker in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill and commitment to the profession. Certified animal caretakers have earned a credential that is recognized by employers as proof that they have mastered certain skills and competencies required to properly care for animals. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that their staff has met industry standards in terms of safety, health and welfare of animals. Finally, certifications may make animal caretakers more competitive when applying for jobs as employers may prefer applicants who hold such credentials.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Animal Caretakers and explain how they can help enhance an animal caretaker's career.

What are Animal Caretaker Certifications?

Animal caretaker certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of animal care. It is designed to give professionals the confidence to provide quality care for animals, as well as demonstrate their commitment to the profession. Animal caretaker certification can also help people who are looking to pursue a career in animal care, as it can provide them with the necessary credentials to find employment in the field.

The certification process typically requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as basic animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, health and safety, animal behavior and handling, laws related to animal welfare, and more. Applicants must also complete a certain number of hours of hands-on training with animals. Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will receive their professional certification.

Having animal caretaker certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants when seeking employment in the field. It shows employers that they have attained specialized knowledge and skills related to caring for animals, which could make them more attractive potential employees. Moreover, having this type of certification may open up opportunities for more advanced positions within the field or even higher wages. Finally, obtaining this type of certification can serve as a great way for individuals to stay up-to-date on current industry trends and best practices when it comes to caring for animals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for animal caretaker certification in your state or region before signing up for a program. Depending on the area you live in, there may be specific educational and/or experience requirements that must be met in order to become certified.

Related: What does an Animal Caretaker do?

Top 11 Animal Caretaker Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Animal Caretakers today.

1. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is an individual who has completed a veterinary technician program, passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam, and been certified by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. A CVT is a professional with specialized knowledge in animal care and management, clinical laboratory procedures, pharmacology, anesthesia, surgery assistance, radiology, nutrition and other areas.

The amount of time it takes to become a CVT depends on the individual’s educational background and experience. Generally, it takes two to four years to complete a veterinary technician program. After completing the program, individuals must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam in order to become certified.

To become a CVT, individuals must first complete an accredited veterinary technician program at an accredited college or university. These programs typically include courses in animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology and laboratory techniques. After completing the program requirements, students must then take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

The cost of becoming a CVT varies depending on factors such as tuition costs for attending school and fees associated with taking the national exam. In general, tuition for attending an accredited veterinary technician program can range from $5,000-$20,000 depending on location and type of school attended. The fee for taking the national exam is around $300-$400 dollars per attempt.

2. Certified Animal Care Technician (CACT)

Certified Animal Care Technician (CACT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in animal care and handling. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and excellence in animal care. The CACT certification is offered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

To become certified, applicants must pass an online examination that covers topics such as animal husbandry, health and safety, nutrition, disease prevention, humane handling practices, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the CACT certification is $250 USD. This fee includes the exam fee, registration fee, and one year of membership with AALAS. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within six weeks.

In order to maintain the CACT certification, recertification must be completed every three years by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) is a certification program for dog trainers. It is the most widely recognized and respected credential for professional dog trainers. The CPDT certification is offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

The CPDT certification requires that applicants have at least 300 hours of professional experience in the field of dog training, as well as passing an exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as canine behavior, learning theory, and humane training methods; while the practical portion assesses the applicant’s ability to apply those principles in real-life scenarios.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all of the requirements for CPDT certification. Applicants must first submit their application and documentation to CCPDT, which includes proof of their professional experience and payment of an application fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then register for and successfully pass the exam within one year.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of CCPDT, but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD total. This cost includes both the application fee and exam registration fee.

4. Certified Pet Groomer (CPG)

A Certified Pet Groomer (CPG) is a professional who has completed an accredited pet grooming program and passed the certification exam. The certification is administered by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the necessary coursework and pass the certification exam. To become certified, applicants must first complete a minimum of 200 hours of hands-on training in a professional grooming salon or school, as well as passing written and practical exams.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on the program you choose. Most programs cost around $1,000-$2,000, which includes tuition fees, books and materials, as well as any other associated costs.

Once you have completed your training and passed the certification exam, you will be awarded a Certified Pet Groomer (CPG) credential. This credential will demonstrate to potential employers that you have successfully completed an accredited pet grooming program and possess the necessary skills to provide quality pet grooming services.

5. Certified Equine Caretaker (CEC)

Certified Equine Caretaker (CEC) is a certification program designed to provide professional caretakers with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly care for horses. The CEC program provides education and training in equine health, nutrition, behavior, management, and safety. It also covers topics such as horse anatomy, physiology, diseases and parasites, grooming, hoof care, first aid and emergency care.

The CEC certification requires the completion of a two-day course that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on activities. The course is offered by many equine organizations such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Horse Council (AHC), and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

In order to become certified as an Equine Caretaker, you must complete the two-day course with a passing grade. You will then be required to take an exam which consists of multiple choice questions about equine health and management. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CEC certificate.

The cost of the CEC certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$500 USD for the two-day course and exam.

6. Certified Avian Caretaker (CAC)

Certified Avian Caretaker (CAC) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE). The CAC program is designed to provide avian care professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to properly care for birds.

The CAC program consists of three courses that must be taken in order to receive the certification. The courses are: Avian Anatomy & Physiology, Avian Nutrition & Health, and Avian Behavior & Training. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete and can be taken online or in person.

In order to get certified as a CAC, you must pass all three courses with a score of 70% or higher. After you have completed the courses, you will need to submit an application form along with your course completion certificates and pay the certification fee of $150 USD. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your Certified Avian Caretaker certificate.

The Certified Avian Caretaker certification is valid for two years from the date it was issued. In order to maintain your certification status after two years, you must complete at least eight hours of continuing education credits every two years.

7. Certified Exotic Animal Caretaker (CEAC)

A Certified Exotic Animal Caretaker (CEAC) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care for exotic animals. The CEAC program is offered by the International Association of Exotic Animal Trainers (IAEAT).

The CEAC program consists of two parts: an online course and an onsite practical exam. The online course covers topics such as animal nutrition, husbandry, behavior, and safety. It also includes information about legal requirements for keeping exotic animals in captivity. The onsite practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to properly care for and handle exotic animals.

The CEAC program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on how quickly the candidate completes the online course and passes the onsite practical exam.

To get certified as a CEAC, candidates must first register with IAEAT and pay a registration fee. After registering, candidates can access the online course materials and begin studying for the certification exam. Once they have completed the online course, they can then schedule their onsite practical exam at an IAEAT-approved facility near them.

The cost of becoming a Certified Exotic Animal Caretaker varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from $400 - $800 USD including registration fees, study materials, and examination fees.

8. Certified Animal Behaviorist (CAB)

A Certified Animal Behaviorist (CAB) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the science of animal behavior. They use their knowledge to help owners understand and modify their pet's behavior, as well as diagnose and treat behavioral problems. CABs are also qualified to teach owners how to train their pets.

In order to become a Certified Animal Behaviorist, an individual must complete an approved academic program in animal behavior or related field and pass a certification exam administered by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). The educational requirements vary depending on the type of certification an individual is seeking, but typically include courses in biology, psychology, ethology, statistics, research methods, and animal learning theory.

The process of becoming a Certified Animal Behaviorist takes approximately two years. During this time individuals must complete the required coursework and pass the ABS certification exam. Once they have met all of these requirements they can apply for certification from the ABS.

The cost of becoming a Certified Animal Behaviorist varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 - $3,000 for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include textbooks and other materials needed for coursework as well as any applicable fees associated with taking the ABS certification exam.

9. Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES)

Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) is a professional credential that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of humane education. This certification is offered through the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

To become certified, applicants must complete an online course and pass a final exam. The course covers topics such as animal welfare, humane education principles, teaching strategies, and communication skills. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

The cost for the CHES certification is $200 USD. After completing the online course and passing the final exam, applicants will receive their certificate in 4-6 weeks.

10. Certified Zoo Keeper (CZK)

Certified Zoo Keeper (CZK) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in zoo keeping. The CZK program is administered by the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).

The CZK program requires applicants to complete a series of courses, exams, and hands-on training. The courses cover topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, husbandry, safety protocols, and more. Applicants must also demonstrate experience working with animals in an accredited zoo or aquarium setting.

The process typically takes about two years to complete, depending on the individual's schedule and availability of classes. Applicants must pass all required coursework and exams before they can be certified as a CZK.

The cost for the CZK program varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000 - $2,000 USD to become certified as a CZK.

To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Zoo Keeper (CZK), applicants should contact their local AAZK chapter for more information about the program requirements and fees.

11. National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Certification Program (NAPPS-CPP).

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Certification Program (NAPPS-CPP) is a voluntary certification program for professional pet sitters. It was developed by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of pet sitting. The program is designed to help pet sitters demonstrate their commitment to providing quality pet care services, as well as to promote professionalism and safety in the industry.

The NAPPS-CPP consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, first aid, health and safety, business practices, and customer service. It takes approximately 15 hours to complete the coursework. Once the course is completed, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the NAPPS-CPP program is $199 USD for members of NAPPS and $299 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course materials, one year's membership in NAPPS (for non-members), and one attempt at taking the certification exam.

In order to become certified through this program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least one year of experience as a professional pet sitter or related field; being 18 years old or older; having no criminal convictions; and being physically able to provide pet care services.

Once certified through the NAPPS-CPP program, applicants will receive a certificate valid for three years that can be displayed on their website or other marketing materials. They will also gain access to additional resources such as discounts on insurance coverage, continuing education opportunities, networking opportunities with other certified professionals in the industry, and more.

Do You Really Need a Animal Caretaker Certificate?

Yes, an Animal Caretaker Certificate is necessary for anyone working with animals in a professional capacity. A certificate ensures that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to properly care for animals. It also provides proof of training and qualifications that are often required by employers.

The courses associated with an Animal Caretaker Certificate cover a wide range of topics related to animal care, including basic animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, behavior, health and safety. In addition to providing theoretical knowledge, these courses also provide hands-on experience with different types of animals. This helps individuals gain practical skills in animal handling, grooming, feeding and other daily tasks involved in caring for animals.

The Certificate also provides recognition from the relevant governing body or institution that verifies the individual’s qualifications and training in animal care. This can be important when applying for jobs or seeking advancement in the field. Furthermore, it can help individuals stay up to date on advances in animal care technology and techniques so they are better prepared to provide excellent care for their charges.

In conclusion, an Animal Caretaker Certificate is essential for anyone who wishes to work professionally with animals. It not only provides evidence of qualifications and training but also helps ensure that individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care for their charges.

Related: Animal Caretaker Resume Examples

FAQs About Animal Caretaker Certifications

1. What qualifications are needed to become an animal caretaker?

Answer: To become an animal caretaker, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license. You may also need other certifications depending on the type of animals you will be caring for.

2. How long does it take to get a certification in animal care?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain an animal care certification depends on the type of certification and the requirements for that particular program. Generally, most programs can be completed within 6 months or less.

3. Is there a cost associated with getting certified as an animal caretaker?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a fee associated with obtaining an animal care certification which can vary depending on the program and institution offering it. It is important to research different programs and their associated costs before enrolling in one.

4. Are there any special requirements for working as an animal caretaker?

Answer: Depending on the type of animals being cared for, there may be additional requirements such as specialized training or certifications in order to work as an animal caretaker. Additionally, some states may require additional licensing or registration based on certain criteria. It is important to research the specific requirements for your state or country before applying for any job as an animal caretaker.

5. What types of jobs can I get after becoming certified in animal care?

Answer: With a certification in animal care, you will be qualified for a variety of positions including pet groomer, veterinary assistant/technician, kennel attendant/manager, zoo keeper/animal curator, wildlife rehabilitator/educator, pet sitter/dog walker and more!