Animal Behavior College Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers

Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program

Do you love dogs? Would you like to learn how to become a dog trainer? Animal Behavior College's Dog Trainer Program has certified more than 12,000 dog trainers (ABCDT) across North America since 1998. Our dog training certification program includes both real world training with a Mentor Trainer in your local area, who uses positive reinforcement dog training methods, as well as an online dog training course. This hybrid real world/home-study course, which includes LIMA (least invasive minimally aversive) compliant training techniques, ensures you’ll receive a solid academic and functional foundation in dog training.

On Campus Dog Trainer Program

Do you prefer to learn from our seasoned dog trainer in a brick and mortar classroom setting? We offer an On Campus Dog Trainer Program with one-on-one instruction to help you start on a fulfilling career path! In our immersive program, you learn about and work with dogs, prepare to run your own business and much more, all in beautiful California. How about turning your passion and love for dogs into a successful career in just 5 months?

Service Dog Trainer Program

Is your passion helping people? Would you also love to work with dogs? Have you been trying to find that "just right" successful career that combines both your passions? Animal Behavior College's Service Dog Trainer Program just might be the path to achieve your dream. Become a service dog trainer and have a lifelong career helping both people and pups! Our program is comprised of 9 comprehensive stages written by industry experts, and we assign you a personal Program Manager who will help you along your way!

NAVTA-Approved Veterinary Assistant Program

Do you enjoy helping and nurturing animals? Animal Behavior College can help you fulfill your passion of working with animals as an ABC Certified Veterinary Assistant (ABCVA). Our Veterinary Assistant Program is one of the few online programs approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Every student receives real work experience during the externship portion of the Veterinary Assistant Program in an approved veterinary hospital or clinic environment. Let us help you realize your dream of becoming a vet assistant.

Grooming Instruction Program

Wondering how to become a dog groomer? Animal Behavior College's Dog Grooming Program utilizes a proven system of hands-on training with an online dog grooming course. This multi-sensory format gives each student the education and experience needed to become a successful ABC Certified Dog Groomer (ABCPG). ABC focuses on gentle dog grooming techniques designed to protect the pet and provide a more relaxed grooming experience overall.

Cat Training Program

Are you a cat lover? Would you like to become a certified cat trainer and start your career in cat behavior training? Before you consider this as your new career you might be asking yourself, "Wait, can you train cats?" The answer is yes and in fact certified cat trainers are needed in the pet industry! Frequently behavior training is focused on dogs, but the reality is our feline friends need training too in order to correct negative behaviors like scratching, biting, spraying and more. Most importantly, by becoming a certified cat trainer you can help cats and their owners correct these problem behaviors which will result in cats staying in their forever homes, instead of being surrendered to shelters for easily corrected bad habits. Animal Behavior College's Cat Training Program combines an online course with shelter experience. Every student will have the opportunity to observe and handle cats of different breeds at a local animal shelter. Be the first in your area to become an ABC Certified Cat Trainer (ABCCT).

Aquarium Maintenance Program

Would you like to start your own aquarium maintenance company? Are you interested in learning more about the fishkeeping hobby and becoming an aquarist? Animal Behavior College's Aquarium Maintenance Program can help you turn your passion for fishkeeping and marine habitats into an enjoyable occupation. The opportunity to have a successful career in aquarium maintenance is better than ever. This extremely comprehensive program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to succeed in the vast sea of fish owners.

Zookeeper Assistant Program

Have you ever wanted to work in a zoo and care for animals on a large scale? Would you like to be personally involved in animal conservation, protecting endangered species, and wildlife rehabilitation? Animal Behavior College's Zookeeper Assistant Program can set you on the path to achieving your wildlife dreams. ABC's program will introduce you to the duties and responsibilities of working in a zoo as you learn about zoological environments and animal care, behavior, conservation, breeding and so much more!

Join the Growing Industry of Animal Careers

The 2021/2022 National Survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) says 70% of American households own a pet, which equates to 90.5 million homes. APPA research also shows that pet industry expenditures are rising. They estimate $109.6 billion dollars will be spent in 2021. Help animals while you become part of a thriving industry.1

I found out about ABC through social media, at first I was skeptical but I am so grateful I took the veterinary assistant program. I started my course beginning of January 2019 & by October 2019 I was working in an animal hospital!

This school got me started on working with animals! The enrollment was easy and everyone was super friendly! It was always so easy to get ahold of someone if I needed help and the best part was the externship!

This is such an amazing school! All of the staff is so helpful, they are willing to answer every question you have and guide you in the best way possible. This has been such a great opportunity for me and career path!

I had a great experience with ABC. When ever I had any questions they were answered quickly. They worked with me whenever life got in the way. Would definitely consider doing my dog training program with them.

I was able to continue studying despite having 2 surgeries & a heavy workload. ABC worked with me with all my issues and supported me until completion. I am very proud to have my ABC diploma!!!

Why ABC?

For nearly 20 years, we've been providing students a path toward a rewarding career with animals. We offer four animal career training programs in dog training, veterinary assisting, dog grooming and cat training—all of which can be done in the comfort of your own home. The flexibility, tuition and fun animal interactions are just a few reasons why our students choose us.

Why you should choose ABC:

Flexibility

Study for an animal career you'll really love in the convenience of your own home. By offering our animal care courses online coupled with over 6,000 training facilities, we allow you the flexibility to study at your own pace wherever you are. Stay on track and you can receive your dog training, veterinary assistant, dog grooming or cat training certification within one year.

Study Materials

We know learning requires applying what you've studied in a real-life work environment. This is why we provide you not only textbooks, but other materials needed to work with animals as well. Materials, such as instructional videos, veterinary assistant scrubs and a 37-piece grooming toolkit, are all included in your tuition.

Meet Our President

CEO and Director Steven Appelbaum is a professional dog trainer and animal lover himself. After growing Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc. (ABTA), the exclusive provider of dog obedience classes for Petco, Steven built a school for students aspiring to help animals. Steven is a member of the IACP, APDT, HSUS, PIJAC, DWAA and ASPCA.