Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Training Program Information

In emergency situations, animal disaster response personnel assess the extent of injuries, stabilize animals, provide food and water and manage veterinary field hospitals. Many animal rescue or rehabilitation training courses are geared toward professionals working in the fields of public safety, veterinary medicine or physical therapy. Training is often available through veterinary schools. Formal training toward a degree in veterinary medicine begins with associate degree programs.

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Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Training Programs

Certificate and professional training programs are offered by several universities through schools of veterinary medicine, biomedicine or agricultural science. Large animal rescue training is often aimed at firefighters, police officers and other emergency response personnel. Rehabilitation programs are often designed to enhance the training of veterinarians and animal physical therapists. Courses typically take place in an intensive program that lasts 1-2 weeks. Due to the intended audiences of these programs, applicants are expected to be practicing professionals in veterinary medicine, physical therapy or emergency response.

Program Coursework

Prospective animal disaster response team members learn about the management of farm incidents as well as large animal handling and restraints. Students practice rescue techniques on plastic or actual animals and work with relevant equipment. In addition to the basics of animal anatomy, students learn how to treat injuries, and some programs introduce holistic medical approaches. Topics of study might include:

  • Animal behavior
  • Animal diseases
  • Biosecurity
  • Emergency euthanasia
  • First aid
  • Liability issues
  • Tranquilizers

Popular Careers

Large and small animal rescue and rehabilitation professionals can work in a variety of industries. Many professionals can offer services in animal recovery and restoration, including:

  • Emergency medical technicians
  • Firefighters
  • Police officers
  • Veterinarians
  • Veterinary assistants
  • Animal physical therapists

Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology

Associate degree programs in veterinary technology offer courses that provide students with an understanding of the foundational principles of veterinary health management and nursing. Graduates of these programs can work under the direction of licensed veterinarians to offer rehabilitation services. Associate degree programs usually take two years of full-time study. Applicants are expected to have completed high school, taking at least one year each of biology and chemistry and three years of math. Due to liability concerns, students are required to be at least 18 years old before enrolling in clinical courses.

Program Coursework

Programs in veterinary technology offer courses to prepare students for eventual clinical hours practicing veterinary assisting and office duties. Students study diagnostics, small animal health management, large animal nursing and microbiology. Class topics teach instrument sterilization, oncology, animal disease and pathology. Specific courses could include:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Anesthesia
  • Hematology
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiology

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 79,870 veterinary technologists and technicians employed across various fields in 2010 (www.bls.gov). Professionals worked in academic institutions, biological labs, public health organizations and veterinary clinics.

The BLS anticipated employment opportunities for graduates from 2-year veterinary technician training programs would increase 36% from 2008-2018. The reason given for the rapid increase was a growth in the amount of money pet owners would be willing to spend on their animal companions. Veterinary technicians and technologists earned a median annual wage of $29,710 as of May 2010.

Continuing Education and Certification Information

Many bachelor's degree programs in veterinary technology are designed as completion programs for students who have already earned an associate degree in veterinary technology. Completion programs take two years of full-time study for students with approved prerequisite coursework and training.

All states require registration, certification or licensure for veterinary technicians and technologists. Requirements vary by state, but many states use the Veterinary Technician National Examination, administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, to test a professional's proficiency in veterinary medicine and procedures.

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  • Iowa State University

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    Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
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