Companion and Performance Animals

The Companion and Performance Animals program at the University of Alberta is a comprehensive interdisciplinary course of study designed to prepare students for diverse careers involving animals that provide companionship, support, and performance in various settings. This program offers a unique blend of scientific knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding necessary for working effectively with a wide range of animals, including therapy animals, service animals, performance animals, and domesticated companions. Students in this program gain foundational knowledge in animal behavior, physiology, health, and welfare, combined with specialized training in training techniques, animal handling, and management.

Throughout the program, students explore topics such as the psychology of animals, training methodologies, and the impact of human-animal interactions on well-being. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, animal care standards, and the development of effective communication skills to foster positive relationships between humans and animals. The curriculum includes hands-on practical experience in working with animals as well as coursework in animal-assisted activities, therapy, and performance disciplines. This prepares graduates to work in various fields, including animal training, therapy programs, wildlife and conservation organizations, research, and education sectors.

In addition to core courses, students have opportunities for internships and collaborative projects with industry partners, providing real-world experience and professional networking. The program also promotes interdisciplinary learning by integrating coursework from fields such as psychology, biology, and veterinary sciences, allowing students to develop a holistic understanding of companion and performance animals. Graduates from this program are equipped to pursue careers that improve the lives of animals and humans alike, contributing to animal welfare initiatives, training programs, and community outreach services. The University of Alberta’s Companion and Performance Animals program is dedicated to fostering responsible, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals committed to advancing the field of animal-human interactions and enhancing the quality of life for animals and society.

The Companion and Performance Animals program at the University of Alberta offers students a comprehensive education in the science, care, and management of animals used for companionship, entertainment, and performance. This multidisciplinary program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in animal assistance, training, therapy, and performance industries. Students will explore animal behavior, physiology, nutrition, and health, gaining a deep understanding of the needs and welfare of various species. The curriculum includes courses in animal training techniques, ethology, psychology, and communication, along with hands-on experiences in animal handling, training workshops, and supervised fieldwork. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations and humane treatment of animals, ensuring that students develop responsible practices aligned with contemporary standards in animal welfare. The program also offers specializations or electives in areas such as canine performance, equine assistance, or service animal training, allowing students to tailor their education toward specific interests. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to work effectively with animals in various settings, including rehabilitation centers, training facilities, therapy programs, and performance arenas. Additionally, students will learn about the legal and regulatory frameworks governing animal use and training, ensuring compliance and professionalism. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members, the program promotes experiential learning and fosters a community dedicated to advancing the field of companion and performance animals. Upon completion, students can pursue careers as professional trainers, animal behaviorists, therapy animal coordinators, or pursue further specialization or research opportunities. The Companion and Performance Animals program at the University of Alberta prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and performance of animals, supporting both their professional development and the betterment of animal-human relationships across diverse environments.

The Bachelor of Science in Companion and Performance Animals program at the University of Alberta is designed to prepare students for careers involving the care, management, and performance of animals used in companionship and various performance activities. The program requires a total of 120 credit hours, which includes both coursework and practical experience. Students must complete a set of core courses in animal biology, physiology, nutrition, and behavior to establish a strong foundational knowledge of animal sciences. Additionally, specialized courses focus on companion animals, performance animals, training techniques, and animal welfare.

Students are expected to engage in laboratory work and field studies to gain hands-on experience in animal handling, health assessment, and training. The program also emphasizes ethics and legal considerations in the care and use of performance and companion animals. Elective courses are available in related fields such as veterinary technology, animal rehabilitation, and business aspects of animal management, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career interests.

Internships or cooperative education placements are highly recommended and often required, providing students with real-world experience in settings such as animal training centers, shelters, and veterinary clinics. Communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving are integral components of the program, with assignments, presentations, and group projects woven throughout the curriculum. To be eligible for graduation, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in their core courses and complete all required credits within the designated timeframe. The program aims to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness necessary to succeed in diverse roles within the companion and performance animal industries.

Funding options for the Companion and Performance Animals program at the University of Alberta include a combination of scholarships, awards, student loans, and work opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to explore university-sponsored merit-based scholarships, which are often merit and need-based, awarded on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Additionally, provincial and federal government student aid programs, such as Canada Student Loans and Grants, may provide financial support to eligible students, helping to offset tuition costs and living expenses. The university also offers specific scholarships for students in animal-related disciplines, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of completing the program.

Part-time employment opportunities on or near campus can assist students in financing their studies while gaining relevant experience in the field of companion and performance animals. Cooperative education programs, if available, may also include paid work terms that allow students to earn income as part of their academic training. Some students may qualify for private or organizational sponsorships, especially those involved in research or community outreach projects related to animal welfare, training, or veterinary assistance.

Tuition fees for the program are published annually and vary depending on a student’s residency status, with domestic students paying a lower rate than international students. The University of Alberta provides detailed fee schedules and financial planning resources to assist students in budgeting for their education. Furthermore, the university’s Student Financial Services offers guidance and counselling to help students navigate their funding options, including applying for loans or grants.

In the absence of specific program-based scholarships directly tied to the Companion and Performance Animals program, students are advised to consult the university's general scholarship database, departmental awards, and external funding sources. Financial aid workshops and personal financial planning sessions are also available to help students develop strategies for managing the costs associated with their studies. Overall, a combination of institutional support, government aid, personal savings, and work opportunities forms the basis of financing studies in this program.

The Companion and Performance Animals program at the University of Alberta is designed to prepare students for careers involving the care, training, and management of animals that provide companionship and perform various functions to support human well-being. This program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior, health, nutrition, and welfare, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to work with a range of animals including dogs, cats, and other domesticated species. Students gain practical experience through internships, fieldwork, and hands-on training, which enhances their ability to handle animals and collaborate effectively with pet owners, trainers, and veterinary professionals.

The curriculum covers key areas such as animal psychology, animal physiology, training techniques, animal-assisted therapy, and ethics related to animal treatment. Additionally, it addresses the development of communication skills essential for working with animals as well as their owners. Given the increasing demand for professionals dedicated to animal welfare and specialized training, graduates from this program are well-positioned to pursue careers in pet training, animal behavior consulting, shelter management, veterinary assistance, and service animal coordination.

The program is tailored to meet current industry standards, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation. It also emphasizes ongoing research and innovation in the field of companion animals, preparing students to contribute to advancements in animal care practices. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, attend industry seminars, and join professional associations to stay updated on emerging trends and best practices.

Admissions requirements typically include a high school diploma with prerequisites in science and mathematics. The program fosters an inclusive learning environment supported by experienced faculty who are experts in animal behavior and welfare. Graduates of the program often pursue further certification or specialized training to enhance their expertise and career prospects. Overall, the Companion and Performance Animals program at the University of Alberta aims to develop compassionate, skilled, and knowledgeable professionals dedicated to improving the lives of animals and the humans they serve.