Online Class: How to Care for House Pets

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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9Lessons
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20Exams &
Assignments -
1,028Students
have taken this course -
2Hours
average time -
0.2CEUs
Course Description
Imagine stepping into your home and being greeted not just by a playful puppy or a purring cat, but by the vibrant chirp of a bird, the gentle twitch of a rabbit’s nose, or the curious gaze of a guinea pig. For those looking to expand their family beyond the typical cats and dogs, there’s an exciting world of exotic pets waiting to be explored. From hamsters to snakes, these unique companions offer endless joy, a fresh sense of adventure, and a rewarding experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
But caring for an exotic pet requires more than just love. It demands understanding, knowledge, and a commitment to their well-being. That’s where Universal Class’s course, "How to Care for House Pets", becomes your invaluable guide. This course is designed to help you navigate the world of exotic pet care, ensuring that both you and your new companion enjoy a fulfilling life together. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a rabbit, the inquisitiveness of a bird, or the fascinating presence of a snake, this course will help you provide the best care possible for your unique pet.
The Joy and Benefits of Owning an Exotic Pet
Exotic pets bring a distinctive energy into a home. Each species has its own set of behaviors, traits, and needs, making the bond between pet and owner one-of-a-kind. A well-cared-for exotic pet can become a source of endless fascination and companionship. For example, rabbits are known for their playful nature and can even be litter-trained, while birds, like parrots, can become great conversationalists. Guinea pigs form strong emotional connections with their owners, chirping with excitement when they hear their voice or footsteps.
But owning an exotic pet isn’t just about companionship. Studies show that pets, in general, contribute to better mental and physical health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that pet ownership helps reduce stress, lowers blood pressure, and decreases the risk of heart disease. Exotic pets, in particular, can provide a soothing presence, especially in households where a more traditional pet might not be the best fit. Their daily care routines and playful antics can add structure and joy to your life, promoting relaxation and offering a sense of purpose.
Choosing the Right Exotic Pet for You
Selecting the right exotic pet for your home is a journey of self-discovery. Each animal has unique characteristics that make it suited to different types of households and personalities. The course guides you through this decision-making process, offering insights into how to match a pet’s needs with your lifestyle. Do you prefer a pet that’s independent, or one that thrives on interaction? Are you looking for a pet that requires minimal space, or do you have room for a larger enclosure?
For families with children, it’s crucial to choose an age-appropriate pet. Hamsters and gerbils, for example, are small and relatively easy to care for, making them great starter pets for younger kids. Birds and guinea pigs, on the other hand, require more attention and interaction but can become wonderful companions as children grow. The course covers how to evaluate the space, time, and level of care different pets need, ensuring you make an informed decision that leads to a happy, long-term relationship with your pet.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. A Harmonious Connection: Choosing the Right Animal Companion
Pet ownership offers companionship and significant health advantages like reduced depression and healthier cholesterol levels. Selecting a pet suited to your lifestyle and living environment fosters a joyous, enduring bond.Lesson 2. Companions in Childhood: Selecting the Best Pet
The lesson highlights the importance of pets in developing children's skills and emotional resilience, influencing both social skills and physical health. By aligning pet characteristics with a child's age and maturity, families can ensure mutual growth and well-being between a pet and its young caretaker.Lesson 3. Navigating the World of Pet Ownership
Finding a suitable pet involves understanding the responsibilities of pet ownership, from financial to emotional. Investigate various options like shelters, online services, and breeders, to choose a healthy and well-adjusted pet for your home.Lesson 4. Understanding Pet Ownership: Responsibility Beyond Food and Water
Owning a pet goes beyond just feeding and requires significant time, space, financial resources, and commitment to ensure their well-being. Assessing your living situation, budget, and long-term plans are crucial to provide a happy life for your pet.Lesson 5. Pet Care Essentials
Maintaining a clean, hygienic environment is essential for pet health and can include litter training for some animals. Regular cleaning of cages and enclosures prevents bacterial spread and enhances the comfort and well-being of the pet.Lesson 5. Pet Care Essentials
Maintaining a clean, hygienic environment is essential for pet health and can include litter training for some animals. Regular cleaning of cages and enclosures prevents bacterial spread and enhances the comfort and well-being of the pet.Lesson 6. Keeping Pets Clean: The Key to Their Health
Curiosity in pets may lead to exposure to invisible dangers, highlighting the importance of keeping harmful substances secure. Safeguarding their environment helps protect pets from poisoning or injury caused by everyday household items.Lesson 7. The Vital Role of Observant Pet Ownership
Preventive care can significantly extend pets' lives and improve their quality by addressing health issues early through vigilant observation. For smaller pets, spaying, neutering, and maintaining clean environments prevent common ailments and ensure well-being.Lesson 8. Establishing Alpha: A Guide to Pet Trust and Communication
Pet Facilitated Therapy (PFT) programs utilize the comforting presence of temperament-tested animals to provide therapeutic benefits and companionship, demonstrating the healing power of pets. These programs bring comfort to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and various community settings, enhancing well-being and emotional health.
Learning Outcomes
- Define the specific space and care requirements of a chosen pet based on your living situation and lifestyle.
- Identify at least three physical and mental health benefits of pet ownership supported by research findings.
- Define the responsibilities suitable for children of different age groups when caring for pets, ensuring alignment with their capabilities and maturity levels.
- Identify appropriate pet options based on children's age and capacity, considering the necessary care and potential risks associated with each type of pet.
- Evaluate the health and temperament indicators of a pet before making a purchase to ensure a suitable match for your home environment.
- Identify and, compare the advantages and potential challenges of obtaining a pet from a shelter, online service, or breeder.
- Calculate and articulate the annual financial obligations necessary for the upkeep of at least three specific household pets, taking into account food, medical, and general care expenses.
- Define the spatial requirements for at least three common household pets, including rabbits, hamsters, and rats, based on their size and needs.
- Define the specific dietary needs for a variety of pets including rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, rats, guinea pigs, birds, and snakes.
- Demonstrate the ability to maintain a clean and healthy environment for different types of pets, including proper litter training and enclosure maintenance practices.
- Demonstrate the ability to maintain a clean and safe environment for various small animals through appropriate litter training and regular cleaning practices.
- Identify the specific dietary needs of different small pets, including rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs, and explain how to meet these needs effectively.
- Define the steps needed to create a hygienic environment for a pet by maintaining cleanliness in their living areas.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I like how informative this class was and I will take everything I learned as I search for my new pet." -- Eleni M.
- "I am so pleased to take this course, thank you for sharing all the information. I so much appreciate everything that I've learned." -- Faith S.
- "Overall good experience. I learned some useful things and It was short, easy to get through, and straight to the point. I learned everything I needed in as little time as possible." -- Maren S.
- "I am glad that I took this class, I didn't feel confused about anything." -- River P.
- "I really liked the instructor, seemed very kind." -- Jacqueline S.
- "Enjoyed the course, lerned a lot of information." -- Natasha G.