Small Animal Care (2013)

Demonstrate employability skills required by business and industry. 

Learn to work safely in the agriculture lab and work sites, demonstrate selected competencies in leadership through the FFA and agricultural industry organizations, and develop plans for a supervised agricultural experience program (SAEP).

Examine the industry involved in producing small animals.

Analyze safety issues involved with managing small animals.

Discuss the importance of the small animal industry to the economy of the United States. 

Explain the responsibilities and factors involved in owning and caring for a pet.

Distinguish between the concept of animal rights and the concept of animal welfare.

Describe the digestive system and the nutritional needs of companion animals.

Demonstrate an understanding of the reproductive processes of small mammals.

Investigate the development of the dog, classify the different types and breeds of dogs and demonstrate management of dogs

Investigate the development of the cat, classify the different types and breeds of cats and demonstrate care and management of cats

Assess the production and management of rabbits for food and as companion animals.

Outline the proper care for cavies.

Classify the characteristics of reptiles and how to care for them.

Recognize and explain how to care for birds as companions.

Define and explain the nature and care of aquatic pets. 

Communicate effectively through writing, speaking, listening, reading, and interpersonal abilities.

Demonstrate creativity by asking challenging questions and applying innovative procedures and methods.

Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills to locate, analyze and apply information in career planning and employment situations.

Model work readiness traits required for success in the workplace including integrity, honesty, accountability, punctuality, time management, and respect for diversity. 

Apply the appropriate skill sets to be productive in a changing, technological, diverse workplace to be able to work independently and apply team work skills. 

Present a professional image through appearance, behavior and language. 

Explain the role of the Agricultural Education program and the FFA in personal development. 

Demonstrate knowledge learned through a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP). 

Develop leadership and personal development skills through participation in the FFA.

Explore career opportunities in Veterinary Medicine and Small Animal Care through the FFA and Agricultural Education Program.

Explore the professional agricultural organizations associated with the course content.

Describe the history of animal domestication.

Explain the need of humans to have companion animals.

Describe the ways in which humans make use of companion animals.

List and discuss zoonotic diseases and the mode of transmission.

Explain the safety precautions used to prevent disease transmission.

State the proper handling procedures of small animals.

Summarize health problems that can result from small animal bites and scratches.

Identify and describe career opportunities available in small animal production.

Explain the uses of small animals for purposes other than for companion animals. 

Interpret supply and demand pertaining to the small animal industry in the United States.

List and explain the factors involved in choosing a pet.

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership.

Analyze the importance of proper pet health care.

Explain the concept and responsibility of euthanasia.

Define and differentiate between animal welfare and animal rights. 

Critique the issue regarding animal rights and animal welfare. 

Label a simple stomach system.

List and describe how enzymes are produced in the digestive system.

Interpret the function of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Explain the phenomena of how nutrients are used by the animal's body.

Compare and contrast the nutritional differences of mammals and reptiles.

List and describe the major parts of the female and male reproductive tract.

Compare the gestation periods for different companion animals. 

Explain the process of parturition.

Compare the nutritional needs of pregnant, non-pregnant and lactating females. 

Explain the importance of neutering and spaying non-breeding animals.

Explain the ancestry of the domesticated dog.

Summarize the characteristics of dogs that make them desirable as a companion animal.

Recall and explain how different breeds of dogs were developed.

Explain how dogs are classified according to use and size.

Analyze the nutritional needs of dogs. 

Construct a vaccination program for dogs.

Demonstrate the various grooming techniques used for dogs.

Describe the different methods used to train dogs. 

Explain the ancestry of the domesticated cat.

Summarize the characteristics of cats that made them desirable as a companion animal.

Recall and explain how different breeds of cats were developed.

Compare how cats are classified according to hair length and color.

Analyze the nutritional needs of cats. 

Construct a vaccination program for cats.

Assess the difficulties encountered when training cats.

Classify rabbits according to fur length, use, and ear type. 

Critique a meat type rabbit.

Compare and contrast management practices used in raising rabbits.

Summarize the characteristics of rabbits that make them desirable as companion animals. 

Explain the facility and environmental needs of a companion rabbit.

Analyze the nutritional needs of rabbits.

Construct a vaccination program for rabbits.

Summarize the characteristics of a cavie. 

Summarize the characteristics of a gerbil, hamster, and guinea pig.

Explain the housing needs of cavies. 

Analyze the nutritional requirements of cavies.

Construct a disease preventive program.

Compare the four orders of reptiles. 

Explain the differences between mammals and reptiles. 

Summarize the advantages of having reptiles for pets.

Outline safety precautions used in handling reptiles.

Analyze the nutritional requirements of reptiles.

Analyze three diseases that affect reptiles.

Summarize the hibernation process.

Summarize the characteristics of birds. 

Summarize the types and breeds of birds that make good companion animals.

Assess the importance of purchasing birds from a reputable dealer. 

Explain the housing needs of birds.

Analyze the nutritional needs of birds.

Show the procedure used to clip a bird's wing.

Construct a vaccination program for birds.

Draw conclusions on the need for bio-security of fowl diseases and the impact on the industry, other fowl and humans.

Summarize the importance of a quality aquatic environment. 

Compare and contrast the differences between freshwater and saltwater fishes and warm water and cold water fish.

List and provide examples of the equipment needed to raise aquatic pets.

Compare and contrast the differences in caring for saltwater and freshwater fish.

Analyze the nutritional needs of aquatic pets.

Summarize the common diseases and treatment of aquatic pets.

Discuss the reproductive process in aquaculture.