Middle School CDE

Small Animal Care

The Middle School Small Animal Care contest introduces students to the identification, health, nutrition, and care of small and companion animals.

Event

What Students Will Do

Students demonstrate their knowledge of animal identification, health and nutrition, industry terminology, animal care technologies, animal welfare, and careers related to small and companion animals.

Eligibility

Who Can Compete

Students in grades 6–8 may compete individually or as a team of 3–4 members.

Contest Scope

Small & Companion Animals

Contest content may include cats, dogs, rabbits, aquarium fish, guinea pigs, birds, and other small household animals.

Location & Time

2026 Virginia FFA State Convention

The Middle School Small Animal Care contest will be held during the Virginia FFA State Convention in June 2026.

     

2026 Contest Information

Small Animal Care

2026 Practicum

Small Animal Care Practicum

View the practicum descriptions and information for the 2026 Middle School Small Animal Care contest.

View 2026 Practicum

2026 Contest Materials

Current contest materials and resources for the 2026 event.

2026 Area Small Animal Care Answer Key for Bubbling View → 2026 Area Small Animal Care Identification View → 2026 Area Small Animal Care Multiple Choice Test View → 2026 Area Small Animal Care Problem Solving View →

Contest & Study Resources

Contest Guide Middle School CDE Handbook Updated November 2025 Identification Middle School CDE ID Sheets View identification sheets

Looking for More Resources?

Past contest materials and additional study resources are available in the Middle School Small Animal Care resource folder.

Browse Small Animal Care Resources