Raise Your Paws for Responsible Pet Owners Month!

February 2020 is Responsible Pet Owners Month!

Traditionally, this is a time to recognize pet guardians and educate the public on what steps pet owners need to take to ensure the well-being of their pets.

What defines a responsible pet owner?

According to Cynthia Conner, Hocking College’s Animal Assisted Therapy program manager, the following represent the benchmarks all pet owners should strive for:

• Make sure your pet gets a physical and exam yearly.
• Keep your pet healthy by making sure they get their regular recommended American Veterinary Medical Association-approved vaccines.
• Insist your pet get a yearly fecal exam for possible zoonotic parasites.
• Follow your vet’s recommendation to keep your pet on heartworm, flea and tick medication all year round to prevent illness of Lyme disease.
• Have your pets spayed and neutered at six to eight months of age. Not breeding lowers their risk of serious health issues and cancer later in life.

Conner said the following are highly recommended books about dog and cat care:

• “Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones” by Debra Horwitz, John Ciribassi, and Steve Dale
• “Dog Food Logic: Making Smart Decisions for Your Dog in an Age of Too Many Choices” by Linda Case
• “Think Like A Cat: How TO Raise A Well-Adjusted Cat” by Pam Johnson Bennett

Would you enjoy working with dogs for a living?

Hocking College’s Associate of Applied Science in Animal Assisted Therapy degree includes majors in both Equine and Canine.  Also included are two short-term certificates in Canine Training Specialist and Certified Pet Grooming.

This two-year program prepares students to gain employment in the Animal Assisted Therapy industry and gives them the foundation they’ll need to prosper and advance a thriving industry.

The curriculum is designed with a common core of coursework providing interdisciplinary educational elements critical for student success in the field of Animal Assisted Therapies.

During the second year, students concentrate their studies on either canine or equine therapies to prepare them to seek employment in their chosen field.

More about Hocking College’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program

Since 2018-2019 school year, Hocking College has offered three programs any dog lover would enjoy:

• Animal Assisted Therapy (Canine)
• Canine Trainer Certificate
• Dog Groomer Certificate

For more information on any of these programs please contact Canine Therapy Program Manager Cynthia Conner by email at connerc31052@hocking.edu or by phone at 740-300-5057.

If you would like to schedule grooming or boarding at our up-to-date and caring Hocking College Grooming and Boarding Facility for your pet’s call 740-300-5056.