New York’s renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, founded by Deborah David and Janet Brav, has incorporated a fashion discipline for dogs into their curriculum.
The FIT program, which was started 12 years ago, attracts students from Japan, Korea, Mexico, South America, Chicago, and Washington D.C. since it is the only pet-specific higher education in the world. It was originally just as a two-year certificate program that teaches attendees on how to launch their own pet businesses. Recently, students have been taking part in a three-week intensive where they learn skills like pattern-making, illustration, and logo design to branding, merchandising, and marketing.
Dana Humphrey, a pet PR professional, became part of the program after she was invited as a guest speaker for a pet branding class.
The stories of Nieves and Marrero show that that the FIT program is an effective stepping stone for pet businesses. As of now, FIT continues to offer pet product design and marketing courses on an individual basis.
