An education built around better animal care.
Explore our online program in anesthesia-free canine teeth cleaning, with a foundation in oral health, technique concepts, responsible care, and the business skills behind an animal-care service.
WELL ANIMAL INSTITUTE
Learn the foundations. Understand the responsibility.
A course that connects oral-health knowledge, canine care considerations, and thoughtful business planning.
A practical curriculum, with purpose.
Our published coursework introduces three connected areas of learning—so students can understand the subject matter, the limits of non-anesthetic care, and the realities of a service-based business.
Canine oral health
Study anatomy, physiology, tooth disease, and the importance of recognizing concerns that need a veterinarian's attention.
Techniques & care
Explore hand-scaling concepts, record keeping, and working with different canine temperaments through written and video instruction.
Business foundations
Learn about business planning, branding, digital marketing, insurance, and foundational decisions involved in opening a business.
What's included in the coursework?
The program pairs canine dental topics with a substantial business and marketing component. Here are the subjects currently listed by the school.
Oral health fundamentals
Anatomy · Physiology · Tooth disease
Handling & technique concepts
Hand scaling · Record keeping · Considerations for difficult dogs
Starting a business
Business structure · Naming and branding · Mission and vision · Business plans · Banking and EIN considerations
Reaching your customers
Target markets · Marketing and sales plans · Social media · Website planning · Advertising · Business insurance
CALM HANDLING & POSITIONINGKnowing the limits of care matters.
Anesthesia-free tooth cleaning is not a replacement for a complete veterinary dental procedure. It cannot provide dental X-rays, extractions, or treatment of disease that requires veterinary intervention.
Recognizing warning signs, understanding when to stop, and referring dogs for appropriate veterinary assessment are essential parts of responsible animal care. Students also learn about calm positioning, handling, and practical scaling concepts used in appropriate cases.
How the online program works.
Four clear steps, from reviewing the requirements to completing the course assessment.
Review the program
Read the current course details, equipment requirements, enrollment forms, and applicable practice restrictions.
Complete online lessons
Study written materials and videos within the published 90-day completion window.
Submit your assessment
Complete an online test and submit a scaling video with required before-and-after oral photographs.
Explore continued learning
After successful completion, receive your course completion certificate and consider optional in-person experience.
What is required for completion?
The published assessment includes a final online test, a submitted video of the student scaling a dog, and before-and-after photos documenting both inside and outside views of the mouth.
Below is an example of the kind of visible tartar reduction and documentation students are expected to understand as part of the program. Contact the school for detailed submission instructions, case expectations, and assessment criteria.
Your next step, with clear expectations.
Review what the online course costs, what is included, and what additional expenses you should plan for before you apply.
The optional five-day hands-on experience is available by arrangement for an additional $2,000 and, according to the published program, may be scheduled within one year of receiving a course completion certificate.
Online course tuition
Confirm the current catalog, terms, course eligibility, and equipment requirements with the school before paying.
Answers before you enroll.
Important details to consider when deciding whether this online program fits your goals.
Can residents of Colorado enroll?
Not at this time. Well Animal Institute is not currently accepting Colorado residents into the online program. If you are based in Colorado, please contact K-9 Smiles to inquire about available employment opportunities.
Is this a fully online course?
The main course is presented through online written lessons and videos, with a final test and required photo/video submissions. A separate five-day hands-on experience is optional and has an additional fee.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The published timeframe is 90 days to complete the online program. Ask the school about specific access dates and extensions before enrolling.
What does the completion certificate mean?
It recognizes successful completion of the Well Animal Institute course and its published assessment. It is not a veterinary license or authorization to perform restricted services. Students are responsible for understanding laws where they intend to practice.
Will I need to buy equipment?
Yes. The published program says students receive a list of equipment they must purchase separately. Request the current equipment list and expected cost from the school.
Can I take the optional hands-on training later?
The published program allows students to arrange five additional days of hands-on learning for $2,000, with eligibility up to one year after the course completion certificate date. Confirm current availability and scheduling with the school.
Ready to explore what's possible?
Read the requirements, review the enrollment documents, and contact the school with questions before making your commitment.