THE PROGRAM
In today’s pet industry consumers are very savvy and demand high quality customer service. Clients expect information and advice they can count on to be informative and accurate. When dealing with pets, either your own or your client’s, only the best will do.
PIJAC Canada’s Certified Companion Animal Specialist Program (CCASP) was developed by veterinarians and pet industry experts to effectively train people who work with pets on a regular basis in the field of proper animal husbandry. The CCASP covers six specialties; feline, avian, small animal, fresh water fish and reptile. The sixth specialty is canine, which is now available as part of our new Distance Education Program. Click here to find out how it works.
Each specialty is comprised of two modules; a seminar and a homestudy. Each seminar and homestudy includes an open book exam. Once both exams are successfully completed you will be issued a designation certificate for your chosen topic. For example, completion of both feline modules would constitute a Certified Feline Specialist Certificate.
THE STEPS
The seminar module covers nutrition, housing, sanitation, health maintenance, disease and illness recognition/prevention/treatment and routine care of livestock. Each four-hour seminar is presented by a knowledgeable veterinarian (or expert in a particular specialty) and supported by an accompanying Power Point presentation. Seminar events are held across Canada throughout the year. A schedule of these events can be found at www.pijaccanada.com.
The homestudy module covers facility maintenance, breed/species identification and behaviour traits. The program is loaded with vital information regarding the husbandry of pets. Homestudy order forms can be found at www.pijaccanada.com. (Note: Homestudies and seminars can be completed in any order.)
THE BENEFIT
No matter which sector of the pet industry you work in, whether store, shelter, clinic, pet sitter, groomer, breeder or hobbyist, one of the keys to building successful, long term business relationships is to provide the best quality care to the animals and the highest quality service to your clients. Educating yourself through the Certified Companion Animal Specialist program will help lead you to that success.
THE COST
Seminar pre-registration fees are $65.00 for PIJAC Canada members and $75.00 for non members. There is a $10.00 increase in fees for on site registrations.
Homestudy modules are $55.00 for PIJAC Canada members and $65.00 for non-members.
Prices include workbooks and manuals, exam forms, correction and processing of examinations, issuance of certificates, postage and shipping and all applicable taxes.
If you should require any further information please contact Jacynthe Lacroix, Member Services Coordinator at memberservices@pijaccanada.com or 1-800-667-7452.
