YQCA Certification

Welcome to the dedicated page for the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) program, specifically tailored for Polk County 4-H members. Here, you will find all the essential information regarding training sessions, participation requirements, and resources to ensure that our youth are well-equipped to uphold the highest standards of animal care.

YQCA certification will be required for all members enrolled and exhibiting in 4-H at their county fair in an animal science project. If you are a first year 4-H'er or doing an animal science project for the first time this year need to plan to get the certification. This can be completed with either the Online course, Zoom Class, or the In-Person Trainings.

Whether you are involved with market animals or not, these certificates are required for all small animal, horse, dog and livestock members (goat (all), sheep, hogs, beef, dairy cattle, and llama). They must be completed for you to exhibit your project animals at the county fair.

YQCA certificates are good for three years.

Certificates/Proof of Certification must be submitted to the 4-H Program [email protected] by June 15th.

Web Based Training and Certification

Follow the video below for guidance through the process of taking the training online, on your own schedule. This option costs $12 but is a good choice for busy families who cannot attend the in-person or zoom options.

All 4-H Members must submit their certification to 4-H staff by emailing [email protected]

In the email, you must include:

Member Name
Screenshot of Certificate

Zoom Alternative Trainings

Horse, Dog, and Small Animal 4-H'ers can either take the YQCA training in person or online, or you can take what may be a more relevant zoom training.

May 14th Alternative Quality Assurance and Ethics - Small Animal (including Dogs! Zoom Links

May 27th Alternative Quality Assurance and Ethics - Horse Zoom Links

Credit: Alyson Yates (Cropped from original)

Sign-Up for the YQCA in person Certification Course

YQCA is designed as an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness for youth ages 8 to 21 producing and/or showing pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry.

Polk County 4-H is offering these in-person training opportunities for 2026: (subject to change, we will reach out when dates are finalized)

April 6th, 2026 at 6:00pm
May 4th, 2026 at 6:00pm
Tentative: May 16^th, 2026 (at Livestock Learning Day) – Two sessions, see Livestock Learning Day page for more info.
June 4, 2026 @ 6:00pm

All trainings will be held at the OSU Extension Office - Polk County. (Except for the Livestock Learning Day sessions)

You must register through the YQCA Program, we are unable to process any registrations locally. For assistance, see the video below or contact [email protected]

In-Person Certification Registration Instructions

This video explains how you can create a YQCA account, add children, purchase and take in person instructor-led courses, and download or print your certificate. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected]

YQCA Certificate Submission

This video explains how you can create a YQCA account, add children, purchase and take online courses, and download or print your certificate. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].