WelcomeWelcome Animal Science II- Small Animal Care

It all Adds up! Thousands of jobs are related to small animal care. About $38.5 billion dollars input into the national economy.

Why Small Animal Care? It has been estimated that there are 64 million American homes that have pets. (That’s over 60% of homes.) Keeping a pet teaches you: Parents view small animal ownership as way for children to learn responsibility and social skills. Elderly benefit from improved quality of life and companionship

What species is used as watch, work and help animal? List some on your paper

Uses of animals in society… Dogs are useful as watch dogs, police dogs, & seeing eye dogs. Watch this video

Uses of animals in society… Valuable means of testing new products such as drugs and vaccines. (Hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccines were perfected through small animal research)

Benefits… Pet therapy…assists patients in overcoming illnesses, improve vital signs, relieve depression, and provide a better quality of life for senior citizens and disabled

Meat- it used to be for dinner This species is an excellent source of meat that is low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat while being a highly palatable food source for protein –RABBIT

Some small animals are used to provide products such as fur/wool for the production of coats, hats, gloves, and other articles of clothing. –LIST SOME EXAMPLES

Entertainment Animals used in petting zoos, circus, parks, etc. increases an appreciation of animals. TRUE

What is up Doc? Rabbits are one of the more versatile small animals in that they are raised not only for pets but for food, clothing, and research purposes also.

B- Economic Impact

Did you Know??? 15,000-18,000 retail pets stores Biomedical research supported by $15 billion in taxes/ charity and uses over 65 million small animals 6 million small animals are used in educational facilities for dissection

4 million small animals were used for the LD50 test. –The What test? LEATHAL 50 The LD50 test determines the dosage of a substance that will kill 50% of the animals given that dosage

Americans spend about $20.3 Billion annually on their pets. Veterinary expenses = $9.2 billion Supplies and OTC medicines = $9.3 billion Grooming and Boarding = $2.7 Billion

Dogs require TWICE as much vet care as cats –Any guess as to why? Pet food manufacturers produce $15.4 billion in sales

C- General Pet Ownership

General Pet Ownership There are about 10 million more cats than dogs, with each cat owner averaging owning 2 cats. –81.7 million cats to 72 million Dogs

However, dogs are found in more households than cats. 37.2% of homes for Dogs 32.4% of homes have cats

# of types of pets in USA Rank as pets in America 1 st = Cats 2 nd = Dogs 3 rd = Fish 4 th = Birds 5 th = Rabbits

E- Types of Jobs with Small Animals

1- The Pet industry is 1 SMALL area of Animal Care! Other Jobs include: –Lab Animal Care –Zoos –Animal Health –Animal Training –Biological Sciences

Small Animals Workers also supply FOOD, EQUIPMENT AND HEALTHCARE to small animals

More Jobs with Small Animals RESEARCH! –Hospitals, Colleges and Universities, Diagnostic Labs and firms in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries

EXHIBITORS Some Jobs include operating –Animal Acts –Carnivals –Circuses –Public Zoos –Marine Mammal Displays