An student puts a decorative scarf around a dog.

Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences

Students watch cattle walking across a pen on the first day of the fall term at Cal Poly Pomona.

Dream of working with animals? At Cal Poly Pomona, you can turn that dream into a purpose-driven career. You can gain hands-on experience working with cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and horses — all as a part of a STEM-based education. Choose animal science to prepare for veterinary school or animal industry careers. Or pursue the animal health science program to become a registered veterinary technologist, the veterinary equivalent of a nurse.

Distinct

The only four-year, accredited vet-tech program in the Western United States.* The only animal and veterinary science department in Southern California.

*American Veterinary Medical Association's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities

Our Programs

Bachelor's

Animal Health Science

With this degree, you are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam and become a registered veterinary technologist, the equivalent of a nurse.

Bachelor's

Animal Science

Want to become a veterinarian? Study animal science. But this major also offers other options, working as a researcher, farm manager, or in the animal health or food production industries.

Minors

Diversify your skills or develop a specialty by taking one of the minors offered within the Huntley College of Agriculture.

Master's

Agriculture - Animal Science Option

Develop research skills and prepare yourself to work in animal production, business or animal-related industries. This program will also help you gain entrance to professional schools or prepare you to pursue a doctorate.

The Polytechnic Experience

Work with Animals

Learn how to handle animals.

A female student in a mask cradles a dog.

Gain Clinical Experience

Examine animals. Participate in surgeries.

Cal Poly Pomona Pre-Vet students visiting Churchill Downs

Explore and Connect

Clubs, field trips, and internships offer opportunities to connect, like these Pre-Vet Club students did at Churchill Downs.

A student and sheep pose with a red ribbon they won.

Raise Animals for Competition

Join our Livestock Show Team

A horse runs on a treadmill at the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center

Discover Equine Science

Learn more about equine science at the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center.

Alumni Success Stories

“I love being able to not only treat animals, but to help people as well. Cal Poly Pomona provided me many opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with various species on campus.”

Lily Nguyen ('11, animal science, pre-vet option) Veterinarian