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Free Level 1 Small Animal Care Course in Ashford

CostFREE
Duration11 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyABC awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 1 Small Animal Care Course in Ashford. Classes run at Craftworks College - Stourside Farm, a working farm setting with a wide range of animals on site.

The course runs full-time over 11 months. You'll learn how to look after small animals day to day, covering feeding, handling, health checks, and basic welfare needs. You'll also spend time with farm animals on site. Learning is built around six practical projects across the year, each one building on the last. Local employers get involved in the projects, and work experience placements are available.

You'll finish with a Certificate in Practical Small Animal Care Skills at Level 1.

Who this course is for

This course will provide students with a good foundation in learning and applying practical care looking after a range of small animals. There is also a range of farm animals on site as well which students will also be learning about and will undertake duties looking after them.

Entry requirements

An interest in animals

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to handle small animals safely and confidently.
  • You'll carry out daily care routines including feeding and cleaning.
  • You'll monitor animal health and recognise signs of illness.
  • You'll learn about animal welfare and what good care looks like.
  • You'll work with farm animals on site as well as small animals.
  • You'll take part in employer-led projects linked to real animal care work.
  • You'll develop practical skills through hands-on work at the farm.

How you will learn

You'll learn through six project-based units across the year, each one building on what you've covered before. Most of your time is hands-on, working directly with animals at the farm. Employers get involved in some projects, and you may take part in external work experience. Assessment is practical and project-based throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

Protective clothing is provided by the centre. Craftworks College - Stourside Farm will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal Care Assistant, supports the daily care of animals in a shelter or farm setting.
  • Kennel Assistant, looks after dogs in a boarding or rescue kennel.
  • Cattery Assistant, cares for cats in a boarding or rescue facility.
  • Farm Animal Assistant, helps with the daily care of livestock on a farm.
  • Pet Shop Assistant, advises customers and cares for animals in a retail setting.
  • Animal Sanctuary Worker, supports the welfare of rescued animals.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care, the natural next step for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge and take on more responsibility.
  • Level 2 Award in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, useful if you want to focus on understanding why animals behave the way they do.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management, suited to those aiming for supervisory roles or further study in animal science.
Apply on brogdalecic.co.uk →
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