Companion Animal Sciences Institute

If you are considering an education through The Companion Animal Sciences Institute, this page will help explain how things work and where, on the web site, you can find information you need.

Introduction

First you may want to read the home page for an introduction. The Companion Animal Sciences Institute is dedicated to helping students and graduates develop their careers with dogs (and even cats and parrots). We provide exceptional resources and instruction toward that end. Although The Companion Animal Sciences Institute operates completely through distance education with no residency requirements, we provide both hands-on, academic and practical career development assignments including, now some programs of study with internship components. Optional practicums and supervision modules further help the student develop their professional hands on skills.

Three Phases

The Companion Animal Sciences Institute makes use of a three-phase system of helping students develop their professional careers in dog training and behavior consulting. 

• Phase one involves our courses and diploma programs of study, which make use of academic exploration of important principles and techniques, practical assignments for professional development and hands-on assignments to develop training skills. Graduates are awarded certificates, diplomas and are not required to move to further phases if they do not wish to.

• Phase two is for graduates that wish further support with their career development. This is our Practicum program. It takes off where the diploma program leaves off, providing even more hands-on experience in the field of either dog training or dog behavior consulting.

• Phase three is for graduates that have completed their Practicum and wish further career development opportunities. This is our Supervision program. Graduates choosing to take advantage of formal supervision start to work more complex professional cases under the supervision of an established and qualified professional. Following phase three graduation, consultants should ideally be prepared to begin taking independent consultation cases.

How to Get Started

Here is how it works taking a course or program of study through The Companion Animal Sciences Institute:

• Step #1. Explore the diploma and certificate programs and courses and decide what would be best for your goals. Ask us any questions you like to help ensure you make the right choice for yourself.
• Step #2. Click the ENROLL link to complete the enrollment application. You will be notified whether you are accepted or not and if you are accepted you will receive the enrollment agreement to complete.
• Step #3. Make tuition Payment and order required materials. Payment plans are available.
• Step #4. Start studying the required materials and working on your assignments.

What the Student Gets

• Access to industry leading professionals (faculty) with extensive experience and knowledge for questions, help and discussion. Learning and professional development support from successful experts in the field.
  
• Access to fellow students, many of which are established professionals, willing to help with coursework, cases you may be working or problems you may be having with your own dog.
• Access to the Student Library for borrowing books.
• FREE membership with http://www.iiacab.com
• Course notes to help you learn more about the topics.
• Access to Guest Speakers when they are available as well as transcripts from previous Guest Speaker visits.
  
• Right to use The Companion Animal Sciences Institute Student logo for marketing and advertising purposes.
• FREE subscription to the Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior (behavioral students) including all back issues.

  

What the Graduate Gets

• Solid foundational education from a respected educational institution, and necessary knowledge to work professionally with dogs.
  
• Continuing Education Units for CCPDT recertification requirements.
• Credits toward certification through the IAABC
• Diploma credentials and appropriate letters representing graduation (e.g., Dip.DTBC.).
• Opportunity to seek Professional Membership through the IIACAB.
  
• Right to advertise and market The Companion Animal Sciences Institute graduation and use the Companion Animal Sciences Institute Graduate logo
• Letter of recommendation from The Companion Animal Sciences Institute identifying your graduation that can be used for employment opportunities or with certification through professional associations (graduate of a diploma program).
• Access to practicum and supervision opportunities toward credit for hands-on skill practice and competencies.

Mission

The mission of The Companion Animal Sciences Institute is to provide advanced science-based education in animal behavior, training, behavior modification, fitness and nutrition in a distance format that promotes both academic knowledge and hands-on skill practice in order to help students advance their professional competence.

Course Approvals, Memberships, Continuing Education Units and Certification Options

See our Course Approvals page.

Faculty

Our Advisor Board members and instructors are industry leading professionals with extensive experience and education. Each of us is dedicated to the career development of our students and graduates. If you would like to know more about the faculty please visit our faculty page.

Further Information

For further information please explore the web site through the links to the left and visit our FAQ page. And of course do not hesitate to email us with any questions you might have. We are pleased to provide answers.