Lead with Purpose in the Animal Care Industry.
If you’re passionate about animal welfare and ready to grow into a leadership role, the Animal Welfare Business Administration Associate Degree from Rockford Career College is your next step. This program is designed to blend your love for animals with practical business skills—preparing you to manage shelters, lead nonprofit teams, and advocate for meaningful change in your community.
Throughout the program, you’ll explore animal care and behavior alongside training in administration, fundraising, public relations, and team management. You’ll learn how to develop policies, evaluate risk, improve shelter environments, and support staff and volunteers—all while making a lasting difference in the lives of animals.
This 100% online degree offers the flexibility to learn on your schedule while gaining the advanced knowledge you need to grow your career in animal services.
DURATION: 7 Months
CREDENTIALS: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
FORMAT: 100% Online
CREDITS: 110 quarter credit hours
Combine Animal Science with Real-World Business Skills
Gain deeper expertise in animal care while building a strong foundation in business leadership, shelter operations, and public advocacy.
What You’ll Learn in the Animal Welfare Administration Diploma
Shelter Leadership & Supervision: Learn how to oversee staff, manage teams, and foster collaboration in animal care environments.
Animal Health, Behavior & Ethics: Deepen your understanding of animal physiology, behavior, welfare, and ethical care practices.
Public Relations & Fundraising: Build skills in community engagement, donor relations, and fundraising to support animal-focused initiatives.
Policy & Risk Evaluation: Learn to identify and manage risks in animal shelter environments and enforce safety protocols.
Shelter Operations & Client Service: Develop customer service skills and understand how to lead efficient, compassionate shelter services.
This degree equips you to lead with confidence in animal-focused organizations.
Build a Career That Benefits Animals and Communities
With growing demand for animal welfare professionals who understand both care and leadership, this degree opens doors in a variety of settings. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet-related spending continues to rise, creating new opportunities in animal services and nonprofit leadership.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers such as:
Succeeding in this program means showing up not just for your coursework—but for your future career in animal welfare leadership. Here’s what we expect from you:
Take ownership of your schedule and stay engaged in online coursework
Collaborate with peers and contribute meaningfully to class discussions and projects
Approach the program with curiosity, compassion, and commitment
Apply what you’re learning to real-world situations, preparing for leadership roles
Reach out for help when needed—we’re here to support you every step of the way
This is your chance to grow personally and professionally. Show up ready to lead.
Start Strong With Supportive Admissions
At Rockford Career College, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Whether you’re continuing your education or returning after time away, our admissions team will guide you through every step.
To qualify for the Animal Welfare Business Administration program, you’ll need to:
Be at least 17 years old (students under 18 will need a parent or guardian’s signature)
Have a high school diploma, GED, HiSET, TASC, or a college-level degree
Complete a short digital readiness assessment to ensure online learning is a good fit
We don’t expect you to have it all figured out — that’s what we’re here for. During your admissions interview, we’ll help clarify your goals, answer your questions, and make sure this program aligns with your personal and professional vision.
We’re looking for students who are:
Ready to lead in animal care or nonprofit settings
Excited to pair business knowledge with animal advocacy
Looking for flexible, career-driven learning
Let’s build something meaningful — starting now.
Leadership-Ready Learning. On Your Schedule.
This associate degree is delivered fully online, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace—whether you’re working full-time, managing family life, or planning a career change.
Courses are structured in five-week modules. You’ll typically take two classes per module, with assignments, group projects, and instructor-led discussions to keep you engaged. Expect to dedicate 12–15 hours per week to reading, assignments, and applied learning.
You’ll also benefit from:
Ongoing access to your instructors through virtual office hours
Student success resources, including tutoring and tech support
A learning platform that keeps everything organized and on track
You’re building a career in leadership—so we’ve built this program to work around your life.
Q: How is the associate degree different from the diploma?
The associate degree is ideal for students who want to move beyond hands-on care and into leadership roles. It adds coursework in business administration, fundraising, public relations, and shelter supervision—expanding your career opportunities.
Q: Can diploma graduates transition into the associate degree program?
Yes! Students begin with the diploma and continue into the associate degree to build on their foundation. You can seamlessly apply credits and step into the next level of training without repeating coursework.
Q: What are the qualifications for admission into this program?
To enroll in the associate program, students should have completed a diploma or certificate in a related field and possess a minimum 2.0 GPA. You’ll also need to provide official transcripts and complete a brief readiness assessment.
Q: Is the entire program online?
Yes, this associate degree is fully online—giving you the flexibility to learn from anywhere, on your own schedule, while balancing work or family responsibilities.
Q: Do I need to have worked with animals before enrolling?
Not at all. While previous experience can be helpful, the program is designed for students at all stages—whether you’re already in animal care or just starting to explore the field.
Next Session Starts: October 13, 2025
Our Animal Welfare Business Administration Associate Degree is designed for people who already have 61 credit hours in an animal welfare-related concentration.
See our classrooms, meet our staff, and imagine yourself in a career that matters.
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Designed for Future Animal Care Leaders
Our Animal Welfare Business Administration Associate Degree is designed for people who already have 61 credit hours in an animal welfare-related concentration.
Questions about our Rockford campus? Let’s connect and talk about your future.
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See our classrooms, meet our staff, and imagine yourself in a career that matters.
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Worried about how to afford animal welfare administration training? Let us help! Our friendly financial aid team is here to help you explore funding, scholarships, and grants to help make Rockford fit your budget.
Rockford Career College
(A Branch Campus of Stautzenberger College-Maumee)
1130 S Alpine Rd #100,
Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: (815) 965-8616
or (888) 680-6682
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