Animal Services: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Animal Services programs prepare students for professional roles in the care, management, and support of domestic and agricultural animals through specialized training in health, behavior, and operational practices. This interdisciplinary field integrates practical skills with scientific knowledge to address the diverse needs of animal welfare, production systems, and service environments.
- Animal Health and Nutrition: Study of dietary requirements, disease prevention, and medical care essential for maintaining optimal animal well-being across various species.
- Behavioral Management: Exploration of animal psychology, instinctual behaviors, and training techniques to promote safe, humane, and effective interactions.
- Facility and Equipment Operations: Training in the maintenance, safety protocols, and efficient use of infrastructure and tools used in livestock and companion animal settings.
- Regulatory Compliance and Ethics: Understanding of industry standards, animal welfare laws, and ethical decision-making in animal handling and care.
- Reproductive and Breeding Practices: Instruction in reproductive cycles, genetic selection, and breeding management to support sustainable and responsible animal production.
- Emergency Response and Crisis Management: Preparation for handling animal-related emergencies, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and injury scenarios.
Animal Services Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Animal Services Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Animal Services degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Animal Services by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Animal Services programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Animal Services is found at Alamance Community College (ACC) (57 graduates), and York County Community College (YCCC) (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 65 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alamance Community College (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
57 | Graham, North Carolina | Public | alamancecc.edu |
York County Community College (YCCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Wells, Maine | Public | yccc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Animal Services programs
Which universities have the largest Animal Services programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Animal Services degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Alamance Community College (ACC) (57 graduates), York County Community College (YCCC) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Animal Services growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 37 in 2010 to 65 in 2023-24. This represents a 76% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
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