CFCC Launches Assistance Dog Training Program

Cape Fear Community College is offering a new Assistance Dog Training program in collaboration with paws4people®, a nationally recognized leader in assistance dog services. This innovative workforce training program will provide students with hands-on, comprehensive instruction in the field of assistance dog training and animal care.

  Set to begin on October 8, the first course in the program, Introduction to Assistance Dogs, is now open for registration. This introductory class offers a pathway into a growing and impactful career, designed to equip students with the foundational skills necessary for working in animal care, management, and most notably, the specialized world of service and assistance animals.

  The program’s first two courses are open admission, allowing anyone interested in the field to explore and build a strong foundation. Beginning with the third course, the program transitions to a selective admission. Students must successfully complete a home visit assessment, a critical step that ensures they can safely and effectively house and train a paws4people® assistance dog-in-training.

  “This partnership is a unique opportunity to prepare students for high-demand roles in an incredibly meaningful field,” said Erin Easton, CFCC VP of Economic and Workforce Development and Career and Technical Education. “Graduates of this program will not only gain an industry-recognized certification but will also help change lives by supporting the development of service animals for individuals in need.”

  Through this program, students will gain skills applicable across a wide range of animal-related careers, from kennel and shelter operations to veterinary support and professional dog training.

  To learn more about the Assistance Dog Training program, visit cfcc.edu/job-training/assistance-dog-training/.