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Companion animal concentration faces low junior interest and $3k–$5k funding gap
Summary
Trustees learned juniors did not initially choose the companion animal concentration; administrators will run a January exploratory and said state grant rules disallowed purchases of some animals, leaving the pocket pet lab understocked and needing an estimated $3,000–$5,000.
Administrators told the Board of Trustees on Dec. 17 that the new companion animal concentration is progressing but faces two issues: low initial student selection at the junior level and a funding gap for small animals used in hands‑on instruction.
The program lead reported that none of the 14 juniors initially selected the companion animal concentration, while seniors were split between companion animal and livestock. "We were sort of caught off guard of the lack of initial interest from the Juniors," the administrator said, and described a planned January mini‑exploratory to give juniors hands‑on exposure and potentially increase enrollment.
On resources, the board was told that state grant rules disallowed using certain grant funds to buy animals not covered by the grant, leaving the pocket pet lab with only rabbits. Administrators estimated they need about $3,000 to $5,000 to stock the pocket pet lab with guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and supplies. "We probably need about 3 to $5,000 in order to outfit that subprogram," the administrator said.
Trustees discussed insurance, waivers and operational limits for eventual grooming and daycare services, noting the school’s initial plan is to use trusted dogs and cats and not open services broadly to the public until liability and procedures are settled. The administration also described potential donations—300 bales of hay (to be auctioned for proceeds) and a separate feed donation valued at roughly $2,600—that could offset needs.
Next steps: the administration will run the January exploratory offering for juniors, continue to pursue donations and report back to the board with budget options or requests in the next fiscal cycle.
