Become a dog trainer, dog groomer, or
veterinary assistant through immersive
online and in-person training in Missouri
The Academy of Pet Careers is a nationally-recognized pet
trade school that offers multiple fields of study. With programs
focusing on different areas of the pet industry, you can launch a
meaningful career that suits you. We are committed to raising
the standard for animal care and shape our programs around
Pet Empowerment principles.
30+
Years of experience educating
pet professionals
6
Certifications offered across
three career paths
892
Pet Empowerment
pledges made
35,000
Square foot facility
specialized for pet education
3 Career Paths, 6 Certifications, 1 Clear Purpose
Every APC program is built around real-world practice, not just theory. Our comprehensive curriculum places you in authentic working environments from the very first day at our St. Louis trade school. When you graduate, you're not just certified, you're prepared. Choose your path below and take the first step toward an in-demand career that genuinely matters.
- 5-month program (100 days)
- Advanced curriculum on par with vet tech programs
- Professional mastery of clinical skills upon entering the field
- Earning potential comparable to vet techs
- Dedicated job support and career resources
- Two certification programs, 60 or 100 days
- Build 60+ different skills/manners
- Master basic obedience training
- Learn advanced dog sports training
- Learn advanced service dog training
- Job support and business resources for entrepreneurs
- Two certification programs, 30 or 100 days
- Learn breed-specific patterns
- Build core skills, including brushing, bathing, drying and trimming
- Understand the science of a healthy skin and coat
- Job support and business resources for entrepreneurs
- Nationally recognized credential
- 100% online, self-paced program
- Personalized attention from expert instructors
- Dedicated student success coach
- Training toolkit provided for hands-on learning
- Job support and business resources for entrepreneurs
What Sets The Academy of Pet Careers Apart
Hands-On Learning
Every APC program is built around active, applied learning. You'll work directly with animals in environments that mirror the settings you're training to enter. This experiential model is what produces competent graduates who are ready to perform.
Accelerated Programs
Our programs are intentionally designed for efficiency without compromising depth. Every certification is achievable in five months at most. You'll enter the workforce faster with credentials employers recognize and respect.
Student Housing
APC draws students from across the country, so our school is built to support them. Our off-campus housing options make relocating for your education seamless, so distance is never a barrier to investing in your future.
Dual Certifications
APC's dual certification pathways allow you to pursue multiple disciplines, expanding your expertise and earning potential. Create a professional profile that is more versatile, more marketable, and more resilient in a competitive industry.
Career Support
Graduation is the beginning, not the end. Our dedicated career support team connects you with our robust network of pet industry employers and alumni, giving you a competitive advantage when it's time to launch your career or grow your business.
Financial Aid
We are approved by many different funding organizations. Our admissions team works directly with prospective students to identify every available financial pathway, so your education is an investment you can afford to make.
100% Money Back Guarantee
Our money back guarantee is a 14 calendar-day period at the beginning of a program that allows students to be sure that they have picked out the perfect program for them.
We stand behind the quality of the programs we offer. That's why every new student is protected by this 14-day satisfaction window. If, for any reason, your program is not right for you, a full tuition refund (excluding equipment costs and deposit) will be issued with no questions asked. Enroll with complete confidence.
Your Future in Pet Care Starts Here
At The Academy of Pet Careers, your education isn't spent behind a desk, it's spent doing the work. Our hands-on programs place you in authentic, professionally structured environments where true learning happens in real time. Because we deliberately keep our class sizes small, you'll never be just another student. You'll have direct access to expert instructors who know your goals and are committed to helping you reach them.
I highly recommend studying professional training at the Academy of Pet Careers! It is a lot of hands-on which is very helpful. The teachers and staff are so amazing and you can almost pretty much make your own schedule. You can go to school and still have a job and the staff is very understanding about your goals.”
Katarina Ziegler
Pet Companies That Hire Our Students
The APC Approach
Technical skill is only part of the equation. Every program is grounded in our foundational philosophy of Pet Empowerment: a science-based approach to understanding animal psychology, fear responses, and the human-animal bond. Our graduates don't just know what to do, they understand why animals behave the way they do, and how to respond with precision, patience, and compassion. This animal-first approach distinguishes APC graduates from the majority of pet professionals in the field today — and it's why pet care employers seek out our alumni.
Pet Empowerment Pledge
Regardless of program or career path, every APC student completes foundational training in animal behavior and canine communication. This curriculum, rooted in the principles of our Pet Empowerment Pledge, positions our graduates ahead of an estimated 90% of working pet professionals. It's not just an ethical commitment, it's a professional differentiator that proves you understand modern, compassionate animal care techniques.
Take a Virtual Tour Around Our Facility
The Academy of Pet Careers trade school shares a 35,000 square foot facility with Petropolis: Empowered Pet Care. Roam the
halls in our 3D virtual tour and see what makes APC the best place to start a pet career in Missouri/Illinois.
Mission & Vision
Joseph Schifano
Owner/President
The pet care industry is in high demand for qualified pet professionals. It is ever changing, and pets are treated more than ever as a part of the family. Therefore, calmness, and a gentle touch are key if you want to succeed as a pet professional.
At The Academy of Pet Careers, our mission is to empower pets and the people that care for them. After 30 years in the industry, we are proud that our students have been consistently getting hired by notable companies that work with pets, and many of them have started successful pet businesses themselves! So, we want nothing more than for you to thrive in a career you'll love. Our curriculum was designed to make you more desirable to employers and to set you up for success by only teaching you the most modern techniques and methodologies. The only limit to your success will be your ambition!
Hundreds of Success Stories
Jessica Durst
Highly recommended!
I completed the Professional Grooming program, and I just have to say Jan and Jackie were great teachers! Attentive, willing to help, and always supporting their students. Not only will you learn from them, but the other groomers that work there too! I only went part-time, and Jenny was completely understanding and willing to accommodate my schedule. I also suggest Read Moreeveryone take the Pet Empowerment Program with Jody. You will be hard-pressed to meet another person with as much knowledge as she has on animal behavior. Thank you to everyone at APC for all of the support you have shown your students!
Olivia Meylor
One of the best decisions of my life!
If you’re looking to jumpstart your career in the grooming industry, APC is the best way to start! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, it’s extremely hands-on, and the environment is great! Throughout your time here, you will have plenty of opportunities to work with all different kinds of breeds of all temperaments allowing you to gain the experience needed to be successful Read Morein the real world! If you truly have a passion and love for animals you will excel in this program! Attending APC has been one of the best decisions of my life!
Kristi Nosbisch
Two thumbs up!
I went to APC for PEP and Professional Grooming. This school exceeded my expectations!! The atmosphere is positive and welcoming! Everyone from admin to employees to instructors to maintenance is incredibly nice and helpful!! They couldn't have better instructors!! I'm 100% confident in opening my own grooming business after attending APC! Two thumbs up!!!
Join a community of certified pet professionals
who are raising the standard of pet care across
the country
Hundreds of graduates are thriving in roles across grooming salons, veterinary clinics, training facilities, and even entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you're starting fresh or leveling up, APC offers the education, credentials, and career support to get you there — faster than you think.
Not sure which program is right for you? Fill out the form to get in touch with our admissions
team. We'll help you find your path.
Learn more about which
program is best for you
Contact Us - General (New)
Learn how you can start a rewarding career working with animals. Become a Dog Groomer, Trainer, or Vet Assistant today!
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The Academy of Pet Careers is a proud member of MOSTRIVE, an organization for the betterment of trade schools and vocational education programs across Missouri. With MOSTRIVE, we will continue to promote high educational standards, maintain ethical and sound school policies, facilitate collaboration with other education organizations, and increase awareness of opportunities with privately operated schools.