Major in Companion & Performance Animals
Bachelor of Science in Animal Health
The Companion & Performance Animals Major
Turn your passion for companion and performance animals into a career with this major. These animals are found in search and rescue, sport, animal-assisted therapy, and service to improve the well-being of individuals. Courses cover the physiology, nutrition, behaviour and evolving role of companion and performance animals as well as the sociology and psychology of the human-animal bond.
This program leads to a number of other opportunities:
- Complete your Pre-Vet Concentration in this major, including your pre-veterinary medicine requirements for veterinary medicine programs at the University of Calgary or other institutions.
- Continue your studies to earn both a BSc in Animal Health and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in a partnership program with three years of study at the U of A and four years at the University of Edinburgh
Careers
- Animal-assisted Therapy
- Behaviour Consulting & Training
- Pet Industry Marketing Manager
- Technical Sales Representative
- Kennel Operator
- Equine Sports Therapist
Check out U of A’s Agriculture Career Guide for more options.
Unique opportunities
Many animal health students practice their skills by completing real-world projects and case studies as part of the ALES Mini-Internship Program. This optional program matches students with an industry specific organization for a visit and volunteer work over the fall or winter reading week, such as with a veterinary clinic. With placements all over Alberta, many students are exposed to animals they are not familiar with!
Featured Courses
Diverse and evolving roles of companion animals in human society. Pets and the companion animal industry. Topics include: behavior, cognition and training; breeds and breeding; performance; nutrition, health and physiology.
Function, metabolism, homeostasis, requirements and sources of nutrients and energy for animals. Laboratory will involve principles of diet formulation.
Fundamental principles of regulation and maintenance of the internal environment. Includes a review of mechanisms providing for homeorrhesis and well-being of domestic animals in response to changes in the external environment (e.g., light, temperature, social).
Basic behaviour principles for companion animal species such as dogs, cats, and horses, including application of fundamental training and learning techniques to resolve common behaviour problems.
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