The purpose of this cluster is to prepare students for employment or advanced training in the animal industry. The cluster focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the animal industry: planning management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety and environmental issues.

This cluster is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of a core, two programs, and five occupational completion points. When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure will allow students to complete specified portions of the program for employment or remain for advanced training. A student who completes the applicable competencies at any occupational completion point may either continue with the training program or become an occupational completer.

Students must complete the core, or demonstrate the mastery of skills standards contained in the core, before advancing in either of the programs: Veterinary Assistant or Science and Services.