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; canine, feline, avian, small animal, fresh water fish and reptile. The canine and feline specialties are now available in our new Distance Education Program format. Click here to find out how it works.

The other 4 specialties are 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 reptile modules would constitute a Certified Reptile 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 Distance Education specialties are comprised of the same updated information but included in a one online or CD Rom program.

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 (plus applicable taxes) for PIJAC Canada members and $75.00 (plus applicable taxes) for non members. There is a $10.00 increase in fees for on site registrations.

Homestudy modules are $55.00 (plus applicable taxes) for PIJAC Canada members and $65.00 (plus applicable taxes) for non-members.

Distance education programs are $129.60 (taxes included) for PIJAC Canada members and $151.20 (taxes included) for non-members.

Prices include workbooks and manuals (for the seminar and homestudy modules), a CD Rom or an online program (for the Distance Education Programs), exam,  correction and processing of examinations, issuance of certificates, postage and shipping.

If you should require any further information please contact our Member Services Coordinator at memberservices@pijaccanada.com or 1-800-667-7452.