Professional Animal Workers (PAWS)

​This 10-week program in partnership with the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) prepares job seekers with disabilities to work in:

  • Animal shelters
  • Kennels
  • Veterinary offices
  • Animal hospitals
  • Pet daycare centers
  • Independent pet and grooming shops
  • Retail pet stores

The classroom portion of this program is offered at the DORS WTC location and is taught by a CCBC instructor. The on-the-job training occurs at community veterinary and animal care centers.

Training Includes:

  • Animal first aid & CPR
  • Computer literacy and basic office skills
  • Basic animal care skills – feeding, watering, grooming, bathing, exercising and cage cleaning
  • Off-campus internship

Program Requirements:

  • Sixth-grade reading level
  • Ability to remain calm in high stress situations
  • Ability and desire to work with animals
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
  • Basic computer knowledge

PAWS Handout

PAWS Handout PDF 

A young man washing a dog in a large metal sink.
PAWS students get extensive hands-on experience both in the classroom and through internships in the community.

A young man carring a horse saddle. 



The Vocational Rehabilitation program receives 78.7% of its funding through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
For the Federal fiscal year 2024, the total amount of grant funds awarded was $51,885,242.
The remaining 21.3% of the costs ($15,395,878) were funded by State appropriations.