This pathway prepares students for careers in companion animal care and management, a growing sector in metropolitan Atlanta, Savannah, and other Georgia urban areas. Students learn animal behavior, health management, grooming, nutrition, and facility operations relevant to kennels, shelters, and veterinary clinics. The program combines scientific understanding of animal physiology with practical care skills demanded by pet owners and professional facilities.
Curriculum covers species-specific knowledge for dogs, cats, birds, and other companions, emphasizing humane handling and evidence-based care practices. Students develop customer service skills crucial for positions in grooming facilities, boarding kennels, and retail pet supply operations. The pathway responds to Georgia's growing pet economy in urban centers where companion animal businesses continue expanding.
Georgia's veterinary and animal welfare organizations provide guest experts and field placement opportunities. Students gain exposure to current industry practices and emerging trends in pet health and wellness.
Companion Animal Systems at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Georgia standards require competency in animal behavior, health and nutrition, humane handling practices, and facility sanitation. Students must understand breed-specific characteristics and recognize signs of illness or distress.
Courses emphasize both theoretical knowledge of animal physiology and practical skills in grooming, feeding, and basic health assessment. Certifications in animal care, first aid, and facility management are integrated throughout the pathway.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Basic Agricultural Science |
| Animal Science and Biotechnology |
| Small Animal Care |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Veterinary Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $30,070 - $36,720
Pet Facility Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,790 - $58,950
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Work-based learning with veterinary clinics, boarding and grooming facilities, animal shelters, and pet supply retailers throughout Georgia's urban and suburban areas.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Georgia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Georgia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Georgia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Georgia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Georgia
Animal Production and Processing
This pathway prepares students for careers in livestock production and meat processing operations throughout Georgia's agricultural regions. Students learn about animal husbandry, health management, nutrition, and processing standards that meet both state and federal regulations. Georgia's poultry industry, centered in the northwest part of the state, represents a major employment hub with significant growth potential. The curriculum covers sustainable farming practices, quality control, and value-added product development for the growing consumer demand in Atlanta and surrounding metro areas. Students gain hands-on experience with modern equipment and industry-standard protocols used in Georgia's processing facilities. Career pathways lead to supervisory roles or facility management positions in the state's $3+ billion annual livestock sector. Georgia's agriculture extension system and university research partnerships provide students with access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship. The pathway emphasizes both traditional farming knowledge and emerging biotechnology applications in animal production.
Agriculture, Food & Natural ResourcesVeterinary Science
This advanced pathway prepares students for careers supporting veterinarians in clinical, research, and field-based animal health roles across Georgia. Students study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures relevant to various animal species. The program emphasizes laboratory techniques, medical terminology, and clinical reasoning essential for veterinary professionals. Georgia's growing companion animal market and food animal industries create strong demand for trained veterinary technicians. Curriculum integrates biology and chemistry concepts with practical veterinary procedures and case studies. Students develop skills in patient assessment, sample collection, instrument sterilization, and treatment assistance. The pathway connects to pathways in food animal production, companion animal care, and zoo management, reflecting veterinary medicine's broad applications. Clinical rotations provide authentic practice in professional veterinary settings. Georgia's veterinary schools and professional organizations support secondary education partnerships. Students gain exposure to career options ranging from companion animal practice to food safety and public health roles.
Agriculture, Food & Natural ResourcesReady to Build Companion Animal Systems Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Companion Animal Systems in Georgia.