Introduction

Rabbits and rodents are among the most popular small companion animals worldwide, yet their specialized care is often overlooked. Rabbit & Rodent Care Fundamentals Training Course is designed to equip pet owners, veterinary assistants, and animal enthusiasts with comprehensive knowledge on small mammal husbandry, health management, and welfare practices. Participants will gain hands-on expertise in areas such as nutritional planning, behavioral enrichment, disease prevention, and safe handling techniques, ensuring that these animals thrive in both domestic and professional settings.

With a focus on evidence-based practices, practical case studies, and expert-led guidance, this course bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. Learners will explore advanced strategies for stress-free handling, environmental enrichment, and emergency care while building confidence to provide high-quality care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other rodents. This curriculum also highlights emerging trends in pet wellness, preventive care, and ethical husbandry, making it an essential foundation for anyone seeking professional or personal growth in small mammal care.

Programme Curriculum

Rabbit & Rodent Care Fundamentals Training Course

Introduction

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

Understand fundamental biology and anatomy of rabbits and rodents.
Master proper housing and environmental enrichment techniques.
Develop expertise in balanced nutrition and feeding strategies.
Learn handling, restraint, and behavior interpretation for small mammals.
Recognize common diseases and preventive healthcare practices.
Apply sanitation and biosecurity protocols in small mammal care.
Conduct stress-free grooming and hygiene routines.
Implement emergency care and first aid procedures.
Analyze case studies on behavioral problems and solutions.
Explore ethical breeding and reproductive management practices.
Understand veterinary care coordination and record-keeping.
Integrate sustainable and eco-friendly care practices.
Stay updated with trending innovations in small mammal wellness.

Target Audience

Pet owners of rabbits and rodents
Veterinary assistants and technicians
Animal shelter staff
Pet store employees
Animal behaviorists and trainers
Aspiring veterinary students
Small animal breeders
Animal welfare volunteers

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Rabbits & Rodents

Overview of small mammal species, breeds, and lifespan
Comparative anatomy and physiology
Natural behaviors and instincts
Role of rabbits & rodents in human society
Case study: Behavioral assessment of a rescued rabbit

Module 2: Housing & Environmental Enrichment

Cage setup, space, and bedding selection
Temperature, humidity, and lighting considerations
Creating stimulating environments
Social housing and compatibility strategies
Case study: Improving welfare through habitat enrichment

Module 3: Nutrition & Feeding Strategies

Essential nutrients and dietary requirements
Feeding schedules and portion control
Handling selective eaters and dietary issues
Supplements, treats, and toxic foods
Case study: Managing obesity in pet rodents

Module 4: Handling, Restraint & Behavior

Safe lifting, holding, and transport techniques
Understanding body language and stress signals
Behavioral enrichment through interaction
Training techniques for positive reinforcement
Case study: Resolving aggression in a guinea pig

Module 5: Health & Preventive Care

Recognizing signs of illness
Vaccination and parasite control
Routine health check-ups
Dental and grooming care
Case study: Early detection of dental disease in rabbits

Module 6: Emergency Care & First Aid

Common emergencies and triage
Handling injuries and sudden illness
Safe medication administration
Record-keeping for emergency care
Case study: Treating a rodent with respiratory distress

Module 7: Ethical Breeding & Reproduction Management

Responsible breeding practices
Pregnancy monitoring and birth support
Neonatal care and weaning protocols
Preventing inbreeding and genetic disorders
Case study: Successful rearing of orphaned kits

Module 8: Professional & Sustainable Care Practices

Eco-friendly waste disposal and cleaning
Record-keeping and veterinary collaboration
Staying updated on scientific research
Advocacy for small mammal welfare
Case study: Implementing sustainable care in a shelter environment

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

Interactive lectures and presentations.
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Expert-led Q&A sessions.
Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Species-specific nutrition habitat setup handling and restraint health monitoring

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000