Animal Handling Courses

There are many reasons that individuals opt for education in animal care and handling. Many areas have local health codes which require that all pet shops or businesses that sell, groom or board cats, dogs or other small animals must have someone with formal certification in animal care and handling on duty when the business is open to the public. There are also support positions in establishments that feature or care for animals in which people with experience and/or certification in animal care and handling may be employed (e.g., positions other than veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians or wildlife managers). Positions such as law enforcement and the military, which make wide use of specially-trained dogs, can also include education in animal care and handling as a requirement for positions in which personnel train, utilize and interact with these animals.

Animal handling requires skill, competence, knowledge of risks and diseases, and respect for the humane treatment of the animals being handled. It is important to know the proper safety precautions relative to animals being handled, to have a clear understanding of relevant laws, and to have a plan for the final disposition of animals in a variety of circumstances.

If the potential for disease transmission is significant (since some animals are rabies vector species or carry other zoonotic diseases, or may be seriously ill or injured), euthanasia is sometimes the preferred option. If required or necessary, euthanasia must be performed in accordance with state laws. Guidelines for euthanasia have been established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), but their application in field settings is sometimes difficult.

Training Venues

Some organizations also offer education in animal care and handling that is specialized toward wildlife or positions in laboratory animal (research). The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is a membership association of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry who are focused on the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals, as well as quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals. In the U.S., the use of animals in research, testing and education is subject to a multitude of laws, policies, regulations and standards. Two such laws/policies include the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Public Health Service (PHS) policy, which require documentation that personnel are appropriately trained in animal care and use. All personnel conducting research with vertebrate animals must be appropriately qualified and trained before working with animals. AALAS offers several levels of training for individuals who are employed in the area of laboratory animal science.

Organizations such as the Global Wildlife Resource (GWR) offer animal care and handling courses focused on wildlife which “strengthen success and confidence in the field and maximize animal care.” These are typically open to anyone with an interest in such education, but are generally geared toward:

• Wildlife and Zoo Professionals
• Veterinarians and Vet Techs
• College Students
• Animal Control Officers
• Exotic Ranches and Sanctuaries
• Wildlife Rehabilitators

The areas covered in wildlife handling courses vary, but typical areas often include:

• General Animal Care
• Ethics of Wildlife Capture
• Recordkeeping and Legal Responsibilities
• Principles of Physical Capture
• Principles of Chemical Immobilization
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Immobilizing Drugs
• Patient Monitoring
• Veterinary Emergencies
• Euthanasia
• Safety

Training Modalities

Certification and non-certification courses in animal care and handling can provide a good foundation for those interested in this area of study, and there are numerous organizations that provide both general and specialized training. In most localities, these organizations provide at least some training geared toward various certifications in keeping with federal, state and local regulations pertaining to animal handling. The length and degree of training vary depending upon the venue and application (e.g., laboratory animal science, animal control, wildlife management), as well as the regulations involved.

In recent years, the offerings for training in animal care and handling are wide and far more accessible than in the pre-digital age. As well as in-person (classroom) courses offered by universities, zoos and private organizations, webinars and online courses covering this area of study are now widely available.

Interested in learning more about safe capture? The San Diego Zoo now offers courses in safe capture techniques and best practices. Learn reliable, safe, and effective techniques for the species you work with and the scenarios you encounter!

About NexGen Pharmaceuticals

NexGen Pharmaceuticals is an industry-leading veterinary compounding pharmacy, offering sterile and non-sterile compounding services nationwide. Unlike other veterinary compounding pharmacies, NexGen focuses on drugs that are difficult to find or are no longer available due to manufacturer discontinuance or have yet to be offered commercially for veterinary applications, but which still serve a critical need for our customers. We also specialize in wildlife pharmaceuticals, including sedatives and their antagonists, offering many unique options to serve a wide array of zoo animal and wildlife immobilization and anesthesia requirements.

Our pharmacists are also encouraged to develop strong working relationships with our veterinarians in order to better care for veterinary patients. Such relationships foster an ever-increasing knowledge base upon which pharmacists and veterinarians can draw, making both significantly more effective in their professional roles.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this blog post is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medications shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular medication. You should consult your veterinarian about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), nor has the FDA approved the medications to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Medications compounded by NexGen Pharmaceuticals are prepared at the direction of a veterinarian. NexGen Pharmaceuticals compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.

NexGen Pharmaceuticals, LLC does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific dosing, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, veterinary care providers or other information that may be contained in this blog post. NEXGEN PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS BLOG POST.