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Turn your love for animals into a successful career!

Wake Tech's non-degree courses provide instruction and hands-on practice to gain the knowledge and develop the skills to work in the pet care industry. Learn how to become a professional dog groomer or dog trainer, or learn practical wildlife rehabilitation for mammals and raptors.

Discover employment opportunities available in the industry or start your own service business in the growing field of pet and animal care. 

Animal Care Courses

Practical Wildlife Rehabilitation - Raptors

  • Course ID: SEF-3001DK2
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
Taught by one of the few federally-licensed raptor rehabilitators in the area, this course will teach you how to rescue eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and vultures. Course sections include capturing and controlling the animals, basic emergency care, supportive care, licensing, and paperwork.

Course Objectives

learn practical aspects of emergency raptor rescue and supportive care of injured birds.

use experience from class towards a federal raptor rehabilitation license.


Outline of Instruction

Capturing a hurt Raptor
a- types of traps available
b- what to keep in your car
c- emergency boxes and ways people can catch the bird for you
d- what to expect from the birds
e- exercise: building a carry box

Restraining and controlling the raptor
a- how to hold and restrain the bird through various injuries
b- how each type of bird tries to attack or escape
c- equipment used for raptor care
d- exercise: creating foot leashes for raptors

First aid and triage
a- most common injuries
b- minimum supplies to have on hand
c- determining what is rehab and what is veterinary
d- exercise: the figure 8 bandage, the ball bandage and a simple leg splint

Basic daily care
a- feeding and cleaning
b- signs of problems
c- healing indicators
d- exercise: feather repair

Licensing and paperwork.
a- license requirements for federal and state
b- paperwork records for each bird
c- year end reports
d- review of all topics covered


Contact Hours

12.5

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Website

https://www.fws.gov/permits/ltr/ltr.html

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

Course hours and optional lab are applicable toward the 100 hours required for a permit. https://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-10b.pdf


CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

None

Learning Supplies Needed

none

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Pass end of course exam.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Veterinary workers requiring CEUs, General Adult, Wildlife Rehabilitation License holders or those working towards obtaining a license.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Course is approved for CEUs by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

ANS-3500A3


Course Contact Information

Community & Career Education Staff
919-532-5700
[email protected]

No active courses available at this time.

To be notified when this course becomes available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

Practical Wildlife Rehabilitation - Mammals

  • Course ID: SEF-3001DQ2
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
Interested in mammal rehabilitation? A state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, will show you how to rescue some native NC wildlife, including Eastern grey squirrels, flying squirrels, opossums, cottontails, and fawns. Course sections include capturing, triage, animal control, supportive care, licensing, and paperwork.

Course Objectives

learn practical aspects of emergency mammal rescue and supportive care.

use experience from class to apply for a license.


Outline of Instruction

Identification
a) What species you can legally work with
b) Identifying- when an animal is in need of help and reuniting strategies

Capturing an Injured or orphaned mammal
a) What you will need in your car
b) The first 24 hours
c) Emergency set ups
d) How to determine injured, orphaned, reunite possibility
e) Exercise: building box set ups

The first 48 hours
a) Determine if vet care is needed
b) Treating shock
c) Initial triage

What you will need
a) Supplies and equipment
b) Preventing attacks and escape
c) Exercise- Incubator set ups

Basic daily care
a) Diet
b) Cleaning
c) Signs of problems
d) Exercise- splinting and penis wraps

Licensing and paperwork


Contact Hours

11

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

North Carolina Wildlife Commission

Website

https://www.ncwildlife.org

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

Course hours and optional lab are applicable toward a permit.


CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

None

Learning Supplies Needed

none

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None

Requirements for Successful Completion

100% attendance
Pass end of course exam.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Veterinary workers requiring CEUs, General Adult, Wildlife rehabilitation License holders or those working towards obtaining a license.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

SEF-3001DK2


Course Contact Information

Mike Langer
919-532-5526
[email protected]

No active courses available at this time.

To be notified when this course becomes available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

Become a Professional Dog Groomer

  • Course ID: ACM-3100B2
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
Learn the fundamentals of pet brushing and bathing in this course designed for pet owners and aspiring groomers. You'll discover proper brushing techniques for different coat types, safe and effective bathing methods, and essential hygiene care such as nail trimming and ear cleaning. The course also covers handling techniques to keep pets calm and comfortable during these fundamentals of pet brushing and bathing, as well as the proper use of maintenance tools. This class provides the confidence and knowledge needed to maintain a pet's cleanliness and overall well-being. If time permits, students will have the opportunity to practice some basic hands-on coat maintenance tasks.

Course Objectives

be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of dog grooming and proper dog hygiene.

be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of dog anatomy, dog psychology, and a variety of dog breeds.

be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to perform grooming tasks without causing injury to themselves and how to maintain a safe work environment for both humans and animals.

be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of customer service skills, record keeping, and appointment scheduling.


Outline of Instruction

Basics of dog anatomy, grooming techniques, and proper dog hygiene.

Basic dog psychology, dog temperaments, safe handling procedures.

Dog breeds, coat types, and recommended grooming cuts.

First aid, parasite infestations, common skin diseases.

Use and care of grooming tools.

Maintaining a safe work environment for humans and pets, performing grooming tasks without stress or injury to the groomer.

Customer service for dogs and their owners, basic bookkeeping, scheduling grooming visits, and how to work as an employee in the grooming industry.

As time permits, the course may include hands-on practice with dogs for tasks such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, eye care, dental care, and cleaning wrinkles. Additional tasks that may be included: bathing, brushing, and drying dogs with professional equipment; trimming and styling dogs according to their breed type.


Contact Hours

24

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

None.

Learning Supplies Needed

Instructional materials required for this course are listed in the Details section of the course posting.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is designed for those who are interested in working in the pet care industry, but it is also suitable for those who would like to learn how to groom their own pets.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Entry-level dog groomers

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Susan Shostak
919-334-1536
[email protected]

No active courses available at this time.

To be notified when this course becomes available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

Become a Professional Dog Groomer II

  • Course ID: ACM-3100C2
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
Take your pet-care skills to the next level with this advanced course designed to provide a strong foundation for getting started in the pet-care industry. Building on the fundamentals of brushing, bathing, and hygiene care, this course provides in-depth knowledge on safe trimming techniques, coat maintenance, and breed-specific grooming needs. Participants will learn how to use clippers, hold shears, and other grooming tools to shape and style a pet's coat while ensuring safety and comfort. The course also covers handling techniques for reducing stress and troubleshooting common grooming challenges. When time and space permit, students may have the opportunity for hands-on practice.

Course Objectives

be able to demonstrate practical knowledge of grooming standards for a variety of breeds.

be able to demonstrate practical knowledge of grooming tasks such as bathing, nail trimming, hand scissoring, and use of electric clipper.

be able to demonstrate practical knowledge of dog behavior commonly exhibited during grooming and how to maintain a safe working environment for both humans and pets.


Outline of Instruction

Grooming approaches for a variety of body styles. All-over trim versus body-contour trim. Sporting dogs and terrier trims. Introduction to hand-scissor trims.

Grooming and trimming the head area. Natural style. Rectangular style. Poodles with clean face and with top knots. Round or teddy-bear face. Tied-up and longer styled top knots.

Grooming and styling the ears. The beveled. The combo. The clipped (Boxer). The tassel. The natural style for ears.

Grooming and styling the feet and tail. Natural foot. Bladed all foot. Rounded foot. Beveled foot. Clipped tight foot. Natural tail. Flag tail. Plume tail. Carrot tail. Pom-pom tail.

Grooming Salon: Bathe and Dry dog. Brush out. Trim face, feet and nails.

Grooming Salon: Bathe and Dry dog. Brush out. All over body trim. Ears.

Grooming Salon: Bathe and Dry dog. Brush out. Full Shave Down. Nails.

Review all styles and grooming techniques. Discuss dog behaviors while they are being groomed. List steps needed to improve skills and apply for job positions.


Contact Hours

24

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

Students taking this course should have already successfully completed the course, Become a Professional Dog Groomer or its equivalent.

Learning Supplies Needed

Instructional materials for this course are listed in the Details section of the course posting.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

This course may be held in a dog-grooming facility.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is intended for those who are interested in employment in the pet-care industry. It is also suitable for those wanting to learn how to groom their own pet.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Entry-level dog groomers

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Susan Shostak
919-334-1536
[email protected]

No active courses available at this time.

To be notified when this course becomes available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

Pet Grooming Essentials Part 1

  • Course ID: ACM-3100D2
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
Designed for pet owners and those aspiring to work in the pet-care industry, this hands-on course combines demonstration with supervised practice to give students the skills and confidence to keep pets clean, comfortable and healthy. Learn techniques for safe bathing and drying, brushing techniques for different coat types and simple, effective methods for routine nail and ear care. By the end of the course, you're prepared to make regular pet care a safe, stress-free experience for both you and the animals in your care. Live animals may be used for demonstration and practice.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate safe handling practices to keep pets calm and secure during basic hygiene procedures

Apply proper techniques for bathing, drying and brushing of different coat types; nail trimming; and ear cleaning

Demonstrate correct procedures for cleaning and maintaining grooming tools


Outline of Instruction

Introduction to pet grooming basics, safety standards and proper handling of pets during procedures

Types of grooming equipment, routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment, best practices to ensure a clean and safe workspace

Techniques for brushing various coat types, de-matting and detangling

Techniques for bathing and drying various coat types, choosing the right shampoo and conditioner, safe handling

Understanding the importance of regular nail trimming and ear cleaning, techniques for nail trimming and ear cleaning, recognizing the signs of ear infections

Safe handling and restraint skills, the importance of restraint in grooming, calming techniques, how to read dog body language

Managing special needs such as senior dogs, dogs with medical conditions, understanding aggressive or anxious dog behavior, handling techniques for fearful or aggressive dogs, anatomy of canine skeleton structure and reference points for proper handling

Final exam, final project


Contact Hours

30

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

Students taking this course are not required to have any prior grooming experience, but they should be willing and able to be around live animals, including dogs of various breeds and sizes. Students may be required to participate in bathing, brushing, combing and trimming nails of a variety of dogs.

Learning Supplies Needed

For the most up-to-date information on textbook and supplies requirements, please refer to the section details on the registration page.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

During the lab portion of this course, the instructor and students must have access to a facility for bathing, drying and grooming dogs.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Final computed score including exams, assignments and participation must be 85% or higher.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is intended for those who would like to learn how to perform basic pet grooming procedures either for their own pet or for working in the pet-care industry.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Pet groomer, pet bather, kennel assistant, animal care assistant, pet resort attendant, dog trainer, retail sales associate in the pet-care industry.

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Pet Smart, Petsense (part of Tractor Supply), grooming salons such as Woof Gang, Paws-Abilities, Aussie Pet Mobile and veterinarians such as Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital and Community Veterinary Partners

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Pet groomer, pet bather, kennel assistant, animal care assistant, pet resort/daycare attendant, dog trainer, retail sales associate in the pet-care industry

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Community & Career Education Staff
919-532-5700
[email protected]

Current Opportunities
Details Section Date(s) Location Price Seats  
327524 04/22/26 - 06/10/26 BEC 154.00 15 Register

If you would like to be notified when additional sections become available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

Pet Grooming Essentials Part 2

  • Course ID: ACM-3100E2
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
Building on the skills developed in Part 1, this advanced course offers more in-depth training and instruction for pet owners and aspiring pet-care professionals. The focus includes pet-specific styles, cutting and scissoring skills, proper handling of equipment and effective handling of pets with special needs or grooming anxiety. Through a combination of demonstration and hands-on practice, students develop the confidence and expertise necessary to deliver safe, precise and compassionate grooming care, with a focus on basic salon styles. Live animals may be used for demonstration and practice.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate a working knowledge of electric clippers and scissors used for various grooming tasks

Demonstrate proper techniques for basic haircuts and breed-specific grooming requirements

Show correct procedures for cleaning and maintaining grooming tools


Outline of Instruction

Introduction to advanced grooming tools and safety, including safety and tool maintenance.

Basic haircutting techniques using clippers and scissors; techniques for creating even cuts and blending

Overview of breed-specific grooming requirements, including angulation and pattern-setting, styling tools and techniques for different breeds, such as poodles and terriers

Grooming tools for full-coated dogs, step-by-step process for trimming and styling full-coated dogs, how to deal with mats and tangles

Advanced cutting and scissoring techniques for detailed cuts, creating professional finishes for dogs that require more intricate cuts, blending haircuts for a natural look

Safe handling and calming techniques for anxious dogs during grooming

Final exam, final project


Contact Hours

30

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

Before taking this course, students should have already completed and passed Essentials of Pet Grooming Part 1. Exceptions to this must be approved prior to registering for the course.

Learning Supplies Needed

For the most up-to-date information on textbook and supplies requirements, please refer to the section details on the registration page.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

During the lab portion of this course, the instructor and students must have access to a facility for bathing, drying and grooming dogs.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Final computed score, including exams, assignments and participation must be 85% or higher.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is intended for those who would like to learn how to perform basic pet grooming procedures either for their own pet or for working in the pet-care industry.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Pet groomer, pet bather, kennel assistant, animal care assistant, pet resort/day care attendant, dog trainer, retail sales associate in the pet-care industry

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Pet Smart, Petsense (part of Tractor Supply), grooming salons such as Woof Gang, Paws-Abilities, Aussie Pet Mobile, and veterinarians such as Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital and Community Veterinary Partners

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Pet groomer, pet bather, kennel assistant, animal care assistant, pet resort/day care attendant, dog trainer, retail sales associate in the pet-care industry

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Community & Career Education Staff
919-532-5700
[email protected]

No active courses available at this time.

To be notified when this course becomes available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

Start a Pet Sitting Business

  • Course ID: ACM-3100AE
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
If you're an animal lover, find out how you can start your own pet-sitting business to translate your passion into a profitable career! Master the essentials of running a cat- and dog-sitting business. You begin with pet care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid and the identification of common diseases. You learn the basics of first aid and find out how to administer pills, liquid medications and injections to an uncooperative cat or dog. You discover how to handle home visits and impress your potential clients. You also explore sticky situations that can arise, such as lost pets, pets that die unexpectedly, and pets that need immediate veterinary care.

In addition, you delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, setting fees, business plans and low-cost marketing. Discover how to obtain required insurance, hire employees as your business expands and entice financial institutions to loan you money. Then, look at opportunities for expanding your pet-sitting services. Is a dog-walking service right for you? Can you train puppies? Do you want to look after other animals, including horses? By the end of this course, you have all the knowledge you need to become a professional pet sitter. In addition, you discover how your pet-sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you.

Course Objectives

Discover what you need to know about caring for pets, from nutrition to exercise to first aid, as well as everything that goes into starting a successful business


Outline of Instruction

Welcome to the World of Pet Sitting

Caring for Dogs

Caring for Cats

Canine and Feline Behavior

Pet First Aid and Emergencies

The First Meeting, Finances and Organizing Yourself

Servicing Clients and Home Visits

Sticky Situations and Medicating Pets

How to Market Your Pet-Sitting Business

How to Set up a Business

Accounting, Money Management and the Business Plan

Expanding the Business for Fun and Profit


Contact Hours

24

CEUs

No

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

N/A

Learning Supplies Needed

Hardware requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC, a Mac or a Chromebook.

Software requirements:
PC: Windows 8 or later
Mac: macOS 12 or later
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account

Instructional material requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Students must successfully pass 10 quizzes with a minimum grade of 70% by the second quiz attempt. If all quizzes are not passed with 70% or better by the second attempt, the final exam score must be 70% or higher on the first attempt. The final exam must be taken by the Wake Tech course end date.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Courtney Boney
919-532-5581
[email protected]

Current Opportunities
Details Section Date(s) Location Price Seats  
326292 02/11/26 - 04/03/26 Online 77.00 20
Course Cancelled

If you would like to be notified when additional sections become available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

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