Top 10 Animal Services Certifications

Certifications are important for animal services in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of expertise and knowledge. They indicate that an individual has achieved a certain standard of excellence, which can make them more desirable to employers. Certifications also give employers confidence in the capabilities of their employees and can be used as evidence of their ability to perform certain tasks or duties. Additionally, certifications can help those looking for jobs stand out from the competition by showing they are qualified and knowledgeable about the field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Animal Services and explains how they can help to advance an animal services career.

What are Animal Services Certifications?

Animal services certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of animal care. It is usually earned after completing a specific set of courses, such as those in animal nutrition, behavior, health and safety, or grooming.

The purpose of animal services certification is to ensure that individuals who work with animals are knowledgeable and competent in their field. Animal services professionals must demonstrate their understanding of the needs of different animals, as well as their ability to provide proper care for them. Additionally, they must be able to recognize signs of distress or illness in order to provide the best possible care for the animals they work with.

Having a certified animal services professional on staff can be beneficial for pet owners, as it shows that they are providing quality care for their pets. Certification also ensures that pet owners have access to qualified professionals who can provide expert advice and guidance on how best to meet the needs of their pets. Furthermore, having certified professionals on staff adds credibility to an organization or business offering animal-related services. Finally, it helps increase public confidence in the animal care profession by demonstrating that those working within it possess the necessary qualifications and expertise.

Pro Tip: When seeking animal services certification, be sure to research the certifying organization thoroughly to ensure it is reputable and offers a program that meets your needs. Additionally, consider taking courses or attending workshops to gain additional knowledge and skills in the field.

Related: What does an Animal Services do?

Top 10 Animal Services Certifications

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

1. Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA)

Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) is a certification program developed by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It is designed to recognize the professional accomplishments of animal welfare administrators and to promote excellence in animal care and control.

The CAWA program consists of a series of courses that cover topics such as animal welfare, shelter operations, personnel management, budgeting and financial management, public relations, and legal issues. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants are eligible to take the CAWA exam.

The program takes approximately two years to complete. The first year consists of completing the required courses and attending workshops or seminars related to animal welfare administration. During the second year, participants must complete an internship or practicum at an animal care facility or organization approved by NACA.

To get certified as a CAWA, applicants must be members of NACA and have at least three years of experience in animal care or control. Applicants should also submit their official transcripts showing proof of completion of all required courses along with their application form.

The cost for the CAWA program varies depending on whether you choose to take online or in-person classes. The cost for online classes ranges from $800-$3000 while in-person classes range from $1000-$5000 depending on the length and type of course taken. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the final exam which is typically around $200-$400.

2. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a professional who has completed an accredited veterinary technician program and passed a certification exam. CVTs are responsible for providing medical care to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. They provide nursing care, administer medications, perform laboratory tests, assist in surgery, and educate pet owners on proper animal care.

To become certified as a CVT, you must complete an accredited veterinary technician program at an institution recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, clinical pathology, parasitology, anesthesia, surgery and radiology. After completing the program and passing the certification exam administered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), you will be eligible to receive your CVT credential.

The cost of becoming a CVT varies depending on the school you attend and other associated costs such as books and supplies. Generally speaking though, you can expect to spend between $10-20K for tuition alone. Additionally, there is a fee of approximately $250-$300 for taking the NAVTA certification exam.

3. Certified Dog Trainer (CDT)

A Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) is a professional who has completed an approved program of study and training in canine behavior, learning theory, canine health and safety, and other related topics. The CDT certification is issued by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). This certification is internationally recognized and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development.

The process of becoming a Certified Dog Trainer requires passing both a written exam and a practical skills test. The written exam covers topics such as canine behavior, learning theory, canine health and safety, humane handling techniques, client communication, business practices, and more. The practical skills test evaluates the candidate’s ability to effectively teach basic obedience commands to a dog in a variety of environments.

The time it takes to become certified depends on the individual’s experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the requirements for certification. In addition to completing the coursework required for certification, applicants must also have at least 300 hours of paid or volunteer experience working with dogs in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which program you choose; however, most programs range from $500-$2000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exams such as registration fees or travel expenses if you need to take the exams at an offsite location.

Overall, becoming certified as a dog trainer is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to professionalism in this field while also ensuring that you are providing quality services that meet industry standards.

4. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)

A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) is a professional who has completed extensive training and education in the field of animal behavior. CAABs are certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) and have demonstrated their knowledge of animal behavior through an examination process.

The certification process begins with an application to the ABS, which includes submitting transcripts from a master's degree program in animal behavior or related field, as well as a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation. Once the application is approved, applicants must complete a series of examinations that cover topics such as ethology, learning theory, physiology, research methods, and applied behavior analysis. After passing all examinations, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in working with animals before they can be certified.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the certification process. The cost for certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and other factors such as travel expenses for attending workshops or conferences related to animal behavior. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD to become certified.

5. Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) is a certification offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CPDT-KA certification is an internationally recognized credential and demonstrates that a dog trainer has met specific standards of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of professional dog training.

It takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the requirements for the CPDT-KA certification. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam and submit proof of at least 300 hours of hands-on experience with dogs in the past three years. Applicants must also provide proof of continuing education in the field of dog training.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether or not you are a member of CCPDT. Non-members pay $450 for the exam fee plus $50 for each additional application item; members pay $350 for the exam fee plus $35 for each additional application item.

In addition to passing the written exam and submitting proof of experience, applicants must also agree to abide by the CCPDT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. This includes providing humane care and treatment for all animals under their care, using only positive reinforcement methods when training animals, and maintaining accurate records about their clients’ animals.

6. Certified Pet Care Technician (CPCT)

Certified Pet Care Technician (CPCT) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). The CPCT program provides pet care professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide quality pet care services.

The CPCT certification is designed to assess a professional’s understanding of pet health and safety, nutrition, behavior and training, first aid and emergency preparedness. It also covers topics such as animal welfare laws, business operations and customer service.

To become certified as a CPCT, one must complete an online course that consists of 10 modules. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and includes quizzes at the end of each module. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass an open-book exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CPCT program is $99 USD for NAPPS members and $149 USD for non-members.

7. Certified Animal Control Officer (ACO)

A Certified Animal Control Officer (ACO) is a professional who has been trained and certified to enforce animal control laws, investigate cruelty cases, and provide humane care for animals. ACOs are responsible for enforcing local ordinances related to animal control, such as leash laws, licensing requirements, spay/neuter regulations, and rabies vaccinations. They also investigate reports of animal abuse or neglect and may be called upon to assist in the rescue of animals from dangerous situations.

The process of becoming a Certified Animal Control Officer varies by state and jurisdiction. Generally speaking, it requires a combination of education and experience in animal care or law enforcement. Most states require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and some require additional college coursework in animal science or law enforcement. In addition, many states require applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as animal behavior, handling techniques, safety protocols, and legal issues related to animal control.

The cost of becoming a Certified Animal Control Officer can vary depending on the state and jurisdiction in which you live. In most cases, there will be an application fee as well as fees associated with any required exams or courses. Additionally, most states require ACOs to obtain liability insurance coverage in order to practice professionally.

On average it takes approximately 6-12 months to become a Certified Animal Control Officer depending on the state’s requirements for certification.

8. Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES)

Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) is a certification program designed to provide humane educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively teach humane education. The program is offered through the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The CHES program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of humane education topics, including animal welfare, animal protection laws, and humane education best practices. The in-person workshop provides hands-on instruction from experienced HSUS staff members on how to effectively use humane education materials and activities in classroom settings.

To get certified as a CHES, you must complete both the online course and the in-person workshop. The cost of the CHES program varies depending on your location; however, it typically ranges between $200-$400 USD. The length of time it takes to complete the CHES program depends on how quickly you can complete both parts; however, most people can complete it within 2-3 months.

9. Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTS)

Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTS) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). It is designed to provide professional recognition for individuals who specialize in training cats and helping them with behavior issues. The CFTS certification is the only one of its kind that specifically focuses on cats.

The CFTS program consists of three levels:

Level 1: Cat Training Foundations – This level provides an introduction to cat behavior, learning theory, training methods, and problem-solving skills. It requires completion of a minimum of 30 hours of coursework, including online modules, webinars, and hands-on workshops.

Level 2: Cat Training Advanced Skills – This level builds on the knowledge gained in Level 1 and covers more advanced topics such as aggression management, socialization techniques, feline enrichment activities, and more. It requires completion of a minimum of 40 hours of coursework, including online modules, webinars, and hands-on workshops.

Level 3: Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist – This level is the highest level in the CFTS program and requires successful completion of both Levels 1 & 2 as well as passing a comprehensive exam. Once certified at this level, individuals can use the title “Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist” or “CFTS” after their name.

The cost for each level varies depending on where you take your courses but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD per level. The entire program takes approximately 6 months to complete if you are taking all three levels consecutively; however you can also take each level separately over a longer period of time if needed.

10. Animal Massage Therapist Certification (AMTC)

Animal Massage Therapist Certification (AMTC) is a certification program that provides animal massage therapists with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively practice animal massage therapy. The AMTC program consists of both online and in-person courses, which cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, nutrition, and business practices. The program also includes hands-on training with animals.

The AMTC certification process typically takes between one and two years to complete. During this time, applicants must complete all required coursework and pass a final exam in order to earn their certification. Additionally, applicants must also have at least 100 hours of supervised work experience in order to be eligible for the certification.

To get certified as an Animal Massage Therapist, applicants must first enroll in an accredited program through an approved school or institution. Once enrolled in the program, applicants are required to complete all coursework and pass the final exam before they can receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining an Animal Massage Therapy Certification varies depending on the school or institution offering the program. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $1,000-$3,000 USD for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include textbooks/materials fees and other miscellaneous expenses related to travel or lodging for any required in-person courses or exams.

Do You Really Need a Animal Services Certificate?

No, you do not need an animal services certificate to work with animals. Depending on the type of job you are seeking, a variety of skills and knowledge may be necessary. For example, if you want to become a veterinary technician or assistant you will likely need to take classes in order to receive certification in that field. If you are looking for a job in animal rescue or sheltering, then hands-on experience working with animals is often preferred over any type of certification.

In some cases, having an animal services certificate can make it easier to get hired as it shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about animal care and safety protocols. Furthermore, it may also give employers confidence that you understand the basics of handling animals correctly and safely. However, if you do not have any prior experience working with animals or if your desired job does not require specific certifications, then getting an animal service certificate is likely unnecessary.

Ultimately, whether or not an animal services certificate is necessary will depend on your individual situation and the job requirements for the position you are applying for. It is important to research what qualifications are required for the role before deciding whether or not investing in a certification would be beneficial for your career goals.

Related: Animal Services Resume Examples

FAQs About Animal Services Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming certified in animal services?

Answer: Requirements vary depending on the type of certification and specialty, but typically include a combination of education, experience, and testing. Many certifications require a college degree or related work experience, as well as passing an exam.

2. Are there any online courses available to help prepare for animal services certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are a variety of online courses available to provide instruction and practice for those seeking certification in animal services.

3. How much does it cost to get certified in animal services?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the type of certification and specialty, but typically range from $100 to $1000 or more.

4. How long does it take to become certified in animal services?

Answer: The amount of time required can vary greatly based on the type of certification and specialty chosen, but most certifications take several months or more to complete.

5. Is there any way to recertify my animal services certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require periodic recertification in order to maintain current knowledge and skills. This may involve taking additional classes or completing continuing education credits within a specific period of time.