Pet Professional Academy
Where Young Animal Enthusiasts Become Pet Professionals
Building confidence, communication, and real-world pet-care skills.
Mesa & Chandler
Programs are offered at both Happy Pets Palace locations.
Hands-On Learning
Small classes of no more than 8 students allow for personalized instruction, close supervision, and real-world learning experiences.
Student Eligibility
Designed for ages 12–16 or students who have completed 5th grade.
Note: Younger students may qualify through our Younger Student Admission Process.
More Than Just Loving Animals
Pet Professional Academy is more than an opportunity to work with animals—it is a hands-on educational and career-exploration program that helps young animal lovers ages 12–16 turn their passion into practical skills. Through supervised experiences in dog behavior, safe handling, training, bathing, enrichment, pet photography and customer service, students discover what working professionally with pets is really like.
Along the way, students step away from their screens, build meaningful connections with people and animals, and strengthen the confidence, communication, responsibility and teamwork skills they will need for their first job and beyond. Whether your student dreams of a future in the pet industry or simply loves animals, Pet Professional Academy provides a safe, encouraging environment where they can learn, grow and discover their potential.
What Academy Students Will Learn
Animal Care & Safety
- Dog Safety & Body Language
- Responsible Pet Ownership
- Canine Wellness & Nutrition
- Bathing & Basic Spa Care
- Training & Enrichment
- 2-Year Pet First Aid & CPR Certification with Scholar Program
Professional Skills
- Pet Photography
- Cleaning & Sanitation
- Customer Service & Communication
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Career Exploration & Mock Job Interview
Meet the Founder & Instructor
Linda Huss founded Pet Professional Academy to give young animal lovers the opportunity to experience what working professionally with pets is really like.
“ Pet Professional Academy gives young animal lovers the opportunity to step away from the screen, connect with people and animals, and discover their potential through meaningful, hands-on experiences. By working alongside experienced pet-care professionals, students build confidence, communication skills, compassion and responsibility while preparing to enter the job market and exploring whether a future in the pet industry is a good fit for them.”
Pet Professional Academy Certification Programs
Apprentice Program
The starting point for every Academy student.
$250
2 days | 12–14 hours of instruction and participation for certificate completion
The Apprentice Program introduces students to the foundations of professional pet care through supervised instruction, hands-on activities and real-world learning.
Students begin developing an understanding of animal safety, care, communication, responsibility and the day-to-day expectations of working in a professional pet-care environment.
Scholar Program
Take their pet-care education to the next level.
$329
2 days | 10–12 hours of instruction and participation for certificate completion
After completing the Apprentice Program, students can continue into the Scholar Program for more advanced instruction, professional development and career preparation.
Apprentice & Scholar Certification Program Bundle
$499 (save $80)
Enroll in both the Apprentice and Scholar Programs together for the complete Pet Professional Academy experience. Students progress through both levels over four days of hands-on learning, building from foundational pet-care skills to advanced training and professional development.
4 days | 24–26 hours of instruction and participation for certificate completion
The Scholar Certification Program includes Pet First Aid training with instructor Deanna Young of Staying Alive LLC, provided on-site at Happy Pets Palace & Playground.
Every Student Receives
Every Pet Professional Academy experience includes more than hands-on learning.
Upon successful completion of the program, each student receives:
- A personalized Pet Professional Academy T-shirt (included with enrollment of Apprentice and Scholar Programs).
- A Pet Professional Academy Certificate of Completion recognizing their successful participation and achievement.
- A group photo to commemorate their Pet Professional Academy experience.
Private Booking Options
Looking for a Pet Professional Academy experience exclusively for your group? Private booking is available for groups of 4–8 students. Your group receives the same complete training and curriculum in a class reserved just for you.
Private Group
Your Group. Your Class. Your Schedule.
Bring Pet Professional Academy to your own private group. Create your own group of 4-8 students. Private Group bookings are perfect for Girl Scout troops, cheer teams, homeschool groups, birthday groups, church youth groups, and other youth organizations looking for a hands-on experience they can share together.
Private groups receive exclusive use of the class—no outside students are added—and we’ll work with you to arrange dates and times that fit your group’s schedule.
Private Group Pricing
- Apprentice Certification Program ($279/student)
- Scholar Certification Program ($359/student)
- Apprentice & Scholar Bundle ($549/student — Save $89)
Note: Scholar Program available to students who have successfully completed the Apprentice Program.
Private One-on-One Mentorship
For students who have completed the Pet Professional Academy program levels and are ready for individualized instruction.
2-Hour Private Session Pricing
- 1 student — $175
- 2 students — $135 per student
Note: Students must successfully complete both the Apprentice and Scholar Programs before booking a One-on-One Mentorship.
Student Eligibility & Enrollment
Pet Professional Academy is designed for young animal lovers who are ready for a hands-on, professional learning environment.
Students are eligible to enroll in the Academy if they are ages 12–16 or have completed 5th grade.
No previous professional animal experience is required. Students should be comfortable participating in hands-on activities, following instructions, and learning in a small-group environment.
Younger Student Admission
Students ages 10–11 who have not yet completed 5th grade may apply through our Younger Student Admission Process.
A readiness recommendation is required from a teacher, coach, mentor, club advisor, youth-group leader, or activity instructor who has worked directly with the student in an organized setting.
Note: Recommendations from parents, relatives, or family friends cannot be accepted.
To begin, simply complete our regular Enroll Now form.
A Younger Student Readiness Recommendation Form must also be completed and submitted to JoinHappyPets@gmail.com as part of the admission process.
To Apply:
Have an eligible adult complete the Younger Student Readiness Recommendation Form to begin the admission process for your student.
Complete our enrollment form and a member of our team will reach out to help with program selection, scheduling, and next steps.
Ready to Get Started?
Questions about Pet Professional Academy?
Call 480-207-1852 or email us at JoinHappyPets@gmail.com