Enhancing Career Opportunities for Nebraskans: Companion Animal Careers

Learn more about careers with companion animals and the opportunities in Nebraska!

You could win a $500 CASNR scholarship, I-Pod, pet products, and more just for attending!

When: October 27th and November 3rd from 7 - 9 PM

Where: At locations across the state. Scroll down for more information about host sites.

For a printable flyer about the program, click here. 

The Nebraska Companion Animal Conference is a two part program that aims to increase both youth and adults knowledge and understanding of the companion animal industry. This program will aid in career exploration and college preparation for Nebraska youth interested in the companion animal industry.

Companion animals play an important role in our lives. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the US spent $41.2 billion on their pets in 2007 and that number is estimated to increase over $2 billion in 2008. As the industry continues to expand, more career possibilities are becoming available.

Program Outline:

Oct. 27: Companion Animal Career Exploration

• If you think you want to work with companion animals, but don't know what you can do. This evening of the conference will focus on the wide variety of career opportunities available.
  
• Segments focused on the variety of career opportunities available with companion animals including:
• Pet food industry
• Health care industry
• Pet supplies and services
• Dog training and showing
• Exotic animal industry

Nov. 3: Companion Animal Career Prep

• Now you know what you want to do, but how do you get your dream job with companion animals?
• Segments focused on how to get started on the right foot to your new career including:
• What should you be doing already?
• What programs will be of most benefit?
  
• How does 4-H help prepare me for a career?
• What opportunities are there at at UNL?

Speakers include representatives from:

• Animal Assisted Crisis Response
• Domesti-Pups
• Clay Center Critter Center
  
• Henry Doorly Zoo
• Herpetologist
  
• K-9 Pen Pals
  
• Lincoln Children's Zoo
• Natura Manufacturing
• Nature's Variety
• Nebraska Humane Society
• Nestle Purina PetCare
• Prairie Skies Dog Training
  
• Sergeant's Pet Products
• University of Nebraska - Lincoln
  
• and More!

Host sites include:

• Ainsworth , NE: Ainsworth High School
• Alliance , NE : Box Butte County Extension Office
• Beatrice , NE: Gage County Extension Office
• Blair , NE: Washington County Extension Office
  
• Columbus, NE: Central Community College
• Curtis , NE: Frontier County Extension Office /NCTA Veterinary Hospital
  
• Dakota City , NE: Dakota County Extension Office
  
• Hebron, NE: Thayer County Courthouse
• Ithaca , NE: Saunders County Extension Office
• Kearney , NE: Buffalo County Extension Office
• Lincoln, NE: UNL’s Chase Hall, East Campus
• Omaha , NE: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office
• Ord , NE: Valley County Ag Complex Technology Center
• Rushville , NE: Sheridan County Extension Office
• Seward , NE: Seward County Extension Office
• Valentine, NE: Cherry County Extension Office
  

Contact your local extension office for more detailed location information.

Program sponsors: