Contact
New Bolton Center Kennett Square, PA
Emergencies & Appointments:
610-444-5800
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Ryan Hospital Philadelphia, PA
Emergencies:
215-746-8911
Appointments:
215-746-8387
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Learning Opportunities at Penn Vet Working Dog Center

Educational Programs


Our Education Mission

The Working Dog Center brings together individuals who are scientific, passionate, curious, and enthusiastically engaged in the quest for knowledge.

We welcome all members of the working dog industry who believe knowledge is the foundation for enhanced performance.


Working Dog Practitioner Program

A program for veterinarians, technicians, allied professionals, and veterinary students that provides specialized instruction through a blended program of online courses and hands-on learning in workshops and preceptorships. Instructors include specialty certified practicing veterinarians with real life experience and subject matter experts in the working dog field. The Working Dog Practitioner program is RACE-approved for continuing education credits.

Learn more about the Working Dog Practitioner Program...


Penn Vet Working Dog Conference

Starting in 2010, we have been hosting this gathering of working dog professionals including veterinarians, academics, working dog handlers, breeders, students, behaviorists, and those interested in what makes a better working dog.

We look forward to presenting a collaborative working dog conference in the Spring of 2025. More details to come.


Train the Trainer 

The Train the Trainer model is used in many types of work and educational environments, including laboratories, schools, hospitals and the corporate sector. This type of training has become ubiquitous because of how user-friendly and intuitive it can be. 

Learn more about our Train the Trainer program...


Internships, Externships & Fellowships

A variety of opportunities for college and gap year students wishing to expand their working dog knowledge and veterinary students looking to complete their externship in working dog medicine.

Learn more about internship, externship & fellowship opportunities....


Classes & Citizen Science

Classes: The Penn Vet Working Dog Center offers a variety of classes open to the public for puppies and adult dogs, including obedience, agility, and speciality courses like first aid and fitness. We partner with Capable Canine to manage the registration and promotion of our classes.

Check out all the classes available to the public...

Citizen Science: The Penn Vet Working Dog Center Training Team has extended an invitation to establish a research collaboration with citizens competing in odor work with their dogs. This program gives you and your dog the opportunity to impact working dog research and advance your K9s detection skills. We partner with Capable Canine to manage the registration and promotion of our Citizen Science classes.

Learn more about the Citizen Science program...


Canine Handler Academy

This summer program offers opportunities for incoming 7th, 8th and 9th graders as well as counselor opportunities for high school students. The goal is to create a unique and fun experience that will educate and inspire the next generation of veterinarians, working dog handlers, and canine enthusiasts.

Learn more about Canine Handler Academy...