We offer three main career paths: Dog Training, Dog Grooming, and Veterinary Assisting. Within these paths, we provide six different certifications, including dual certification opportunities that allow you to study multiple trades for added job stability and increased income potential.

The Academy of Pet Careers is located in St. Charles, Missouri, in the greater St. Louis area. Our facility serves students from Missouri, Illinois, and all over the country. For out-of-town students, we provide off-campus housing to make you feel right at home during your studies.

Absolutely! We encourage prospective students to tour our 35,000 square foot facility to learn more about our programs, instructors, financial aid options, and more. If you're ready to come see us, please schedule a school visit. We also offer virtual school visits if you aren't local to St. Louis.

All of our programs are designed to get you career-ready quickly! Our shortest program is 30 days (Basic Dog Grooming), while our most comprehensive programs are 100 days. The Veterinary Assistant program is 5 months (100 days). Unlike traditional schools that can take 2-4 years to complete, you could be starting your dream job in the pet industry in just a few months.

Absolutely! Every program we teach is hands-on and simulates a real working environment. You'll spend your days learning with actual pets in our 35,000 square foot facility, which we share with Petropolis: Empowered Pet Care. This practical experience ensures you're ready to jump right into the industry from Day 1.

Throughout your program, you'll have opportunities to work with dogs of all different breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Veterinary assistant students also work with cats and exotic animals. This diverse hands-on experience is invaluable and ensures you're prepared to handle any situation you'll encounter in your professional career.

Pet Empowerment is our core philosophy and approach to animal care. It focuses on understanding the psychology of fear in pets so we can better serve them. Every student, regardless of their program, goes through animal behavior training that covers learning theory, canine communication, and pet empowerment practices. This education sets you apart from 90% of pet professionals in the field today.

We keep our classes small to ensure every student receives personalized, one-on-one attention from our expert instructors. This approach allows you to ask questions, get immediate feedback, and master skills at your own pace in a supportive learning environment.

Yes! We understand how important it is to find a job right out of school. We've developed a network of pet businesses and alumni to help you find your dream job when you graduate. Our graduates have been hired by notable companies like PetSmart, Petco, Banfield Pet Hospital, and many more. We also provide resources for students who want to start their own pet care businesses.

Yes! We offer an online dog training program, which is self-paced and allows you to start your dog training career from the comfort of your own home. Our online program still includes personalized attention from instructors and dedicated job support.

Yes, we are approved by many funding organizations to help with school expenses. We offer several financial aid options, including discounts, payment plans, and scholarships. Our admissions team is available to help you through the application process to see if you're eligible.

We offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee! Within the first 14 calendar days of your program (our "drop window"), you can discontinue your attendance and receive a full tuition refund (excluding equipment costs and deposit) with no questions asked. We want to make sure you've picked out the perfect program for you.

With over 30 years of experience educating pet professionals, we focus on modern techniques and methodologies that make you more desirable to employers. Our small class sizes ensure personalized, one-on-one attention from expert instructors. We also emphasize Pet Empowerment practices in all our programs, teaching you skills that most pet professionals never learn. Plus, our accelerated programs mean you can start your new career in months, not years.

No prior experience is required! Our programs are designed for both beginners who are new to the pet industry and those looking to enhance their existing skills. We'll teach you everything you need to know to succeed in your chosen career path.

Upon completion of your program, you'll earn industry-recognized certifications from The Academy of Pet Careers. We offer six different certifications across our three career paths. These credentials demonstrate to employers that you've received comprehensive, hands-on training in your field.

The first step is to contact our admissions team! You can fill out the contact form below, give us a call, or send us an email. Our friendly staff will answer all your questions, help you choose the right program for your goals, and guide you through the enrollment process. We're here to help you every step of the way!