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Free Level 2 Animal Care Course in Lincoln – Riseholme College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Animal Care Course in Lincoln. Classes run at Riseholme College, full-time during the day.

The course covers animal health and welfare, feeding and accommodation, behaviour and handling, animal biology, breeds, and grooming. You'll also complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience. At the college's Animal Management Centre, you'll work hands-on with wallabies, lemurs, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and more. The course takes one year.

You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including Science, English, and Maths. You'll finish with a City and Guilds Technical Certificate in Animal Care.

Who this course is for

Please see our website for more details on this and other courses.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to maintain animal health and welfare.
  • You'll understand animal feeding and accommodation needs.
  • You'll develop skills in animal behaviour and handling.
  • You'll study the principles of animal biology.
  • You'll learn about animal breeds and grooming techniques.
  • You'll gain knowledge of health and safety in animal care settings.
  • You'll complete hands-on work with a wide range of species at the college's Animal Management Centre.
  • You'll build practical industry experience through a minimum 150-hour work placement.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions, practical work, and external work experience. Assessment includes written examinations, written assignments, and practical assessments. The course is 80% theory and 20% practical. You'll also spend time working directly with animals at the on-site Animal Management Centre and in the commercial kennels.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Riseholme College 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 kennel, cattery, or rescue centre.
  • Kennel Hand, looks after dogs in a boarding or rescue environment.
  • Zoo Keeper Assistant, helps care for animals in a zoo or wildlife park.
  • Animal Shelter Worker, supports rehoming and welfare work at an animal rescue charity.
  • Veterinary Receptionist, handles client care and admin at a vet practice.
  • Pet Shop Assistant, advises customers and cares for animals in a retail setting.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, the natural next step after this course and recognised for entry to university animal science degrees.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Animal Behaviour, for those interested in specialising in understanding and managing animal behaviour.
  • Veterinary Nursing Degree Apprenticeship, for those who want to train as a veterinary nurse while working in practice.
Apply on riseholme.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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