Pet Culinary InstituteA nonprofit in formation by Shinto’s Pet Food
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SIX WEEKS OF PRACTICAL LEARNING

Small steps. Lasting habits.

Six courses run on a repeating weekly cycle. Families join the course currently running and continue until they have completed all six. Each course pairs a guided lesson with a household activity, a short knowledge check and a progress report. Lessons support family learning and conversations with your care team.

COURSE 1

Welcome Home

Build a shared household plan for your dog or cat.

Try it at home

Create a rest area, assign family responsibilities and collect adoption and care records.

Your take-home record

A home routine and first-week observation record.

Knowledge check

Who is responsible for feeding, rest, play and contacting your veterinarian?

COURSE 2

Food & Whole-Food Foundations

Learn what your pet eats and how to discuss feeding choices.

Try it at home

Read your current food label. Record the formula, feeding instructions, amount served and all treats or supplements. Bring questions about meal balance and changes to your veterinarian.

Your take-home record

A feeding record and a list of questions for a professional.

Knowledge check

Which foods are meals, which are treats or toppers, and what questions remain?

COURSE 3

Your Care Team

Organize the people, records and appointments that support your pet.

Try it at home

Make a contact sheet for your veterinarian, emergency clinic, adoption organization and trusted caregiver. Organize the care instructions your veterinarian provides.

Your take-home record

A care contact sheet and appointment calendar.

Knowledge check

Where will each caregiver find the records and instructions?

COURSE 4

Notice & Record

Practice clear observation without guessing at a diagnosis.

Try it at home

Keep a dated record of appetite, bathroom habits, energy, sleep, skin and coat. Describe what you saw and when rather than assigning a cause. Share concerns with your veterinarian.

Your take-home record

A weekly observation log and weekly reflection.

Knowledge check

Can you describe a change with dates, context and specific observations?

COURSE 5

Enrichment & Community

Build a practical support network and household activity plan.

Try it at home

List activities your pet enjoys, family boundaries and local resources. Choose activities appropriate for your individual pet with help from your care team.

Your take-home record

A family activity plan and two local support contacts.

Knowledge check

What helps your pet feel comfortable, and who can help when you need support?

COURSE 6

Your Next Chapter

Turn six weeks of learning into a plan you can maintain.

Try it at home

Review the weekly records. Identify what worked, what still needs support and the next questions for your care team. Complete the final reflection and knowledge check.

Your take-home record

A written care plan, final progress report and family graduation certificate.

Knowledge check

Which three routines will you keep, and what is your next learning goal?