The mission of the Animal Care and Training Program (ANCT) is to continually achieve excellence in the education of leaders to meet the future challenges of working safely, humanely, and intelligently with animals. 

The 2 year program prepares students for a variety of positions in public and private animal parks, zoos and oceanariums and for careers in animal handling and training for the many facets within the animal care industry.

The successful completion of this program entitles the student to a Certificate in Animal Care and Training.  If courses that satisfy Moorpark College's General Education requirements are also (or have been) taken, the student will earn an Associate of Science Degree. 

The Animal Care and Training (ANCT) Program was established as a major at Moorpark College in 1974. Combining classroom learning with hands-on, real life work experience; Bill "Briz" Brisby, a Professor at Moorpark College, started the program with one animal - "Kiska" the wolf.  In 1990, the animals relocated to the current location of 5 acres overlooking all of the beautiful Moorpark College campus. This is The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, one of only two zoos in the United States located on a college campus, and where a variety of about 125 animals live. The Teaching Zoo serves as the “living classroom” for the students of the Animal Care and Training Program.  This collection provides the student with a unique opportunity to learn about domestic and non-domestic animals and to develop the skills necessary to work in facilities caring for all types of animals.

View the Program Highlights above to learn more about the ANCT Program. For Questions about the ANCT Program and application process email EATMapplication@vcccd.edu or call 805-378-1441.