Welcome to the Small Animal Science program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, where students embark on an enriching journey into the world of veterinary science and animal care. Our program offers a comprehensive education that prepares aspiring animal enthusiasts for fulfilling careers in caring for and managing small animals.

Led by experienced instructors with a passion for animal welfare and expertise in veterinary science, our Small Animal Science program provides students with hands-on training in various essential skills, including animal husbandry, veterinary assisting, grooming, nutrition, and basic medical care. Through a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience in our dedicated animal care facilities, students develop the knowledge and compassion needed to provide quality care for small animals.

At Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, we believe in the power of experiential learning. That’s why our students can work directly with various small animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more, under the guidance of skilled instructors. Whether it’s grooming pets, administering essential medical treatments, or providing enrichment activities, our students gain valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for success in the field.

In addition to technical skills, our program emphasizes professionalism, communication, and empathy—essential for building strong relationships with animals and their owners. Students also can earn industry-recognized certifications, such as Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA), enhancing their credentials and employability in the competitive animal care industry.

Upon completing the program, graduates are prepared to pursue various career paths in small animal care, including veterinary assistant, animal shelter worker, pet groomer, kennel technician, and more. Whether you dream of working in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, pet grooming salon, or starting your own business, the Small Animal Science program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in the lives of animals. Join us and turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career today.

Small Animal Science teaches students specialized and advanced skills in areas such as veterinary assistance, the care and handling of animals in a laboratory or veterinary setting, and kennel and pet shop management. Students learn animal care clinical skills, caging and bedding procedures, animal first aid, wound healing and surgical nursing, and animal training/positive reinforcement techniques. In addition, students study internal and external parasites, zoonotic diseases, animal nutrition, exotic animals, biology and genetics, pharmacology, and animal husbandry. They develop basic and advanced dog grooming skills through in-class “doggie daycare” programs, where dogs are brought to the centers for grooming appointments. Students work with various animals, such as rabbits, cats, dogs, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, and rats. Students can participate in internships with local animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, kennels, pet shops, humane societies, and farms.

* Students at the Ormsby Educational Center can enroll in an Animal Science Program that includes working with large animals, such as horses, cows, and alpacas. This program maintains articulation agreements with the following higher education partners: Bryant & Stratton College, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Erie, and Trocaire College.

• Alfred State College
• Bryant & Stratton College
• Trocaire College 

• Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinary Technician
• Lab Technician
• Pet Therapy Assistant
• Dog Groomer
• Kennel Management
• Pet Shop Management
• Animal Trainer
• Animal Caretaker