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Free Level 2 Animal Care Course in York

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Animal Care Course in York. Classes run at Askham Bryan College, full-time during the day.

The course runs for one year. You'll learn how to plan and monitor animal feeding, maintain animal health and welfare, and handle and groom a range of species. Biology and animal accommodation are also covered. Teaching includes lectures, guest speakers, site visits, and hands-on practical sessions in the college's Animal Management Facility and Wildlife Conservation Park.

You'll finish with a City and Guilds Technical Certificate in Animal Care.

Who this course is for

For those looking for a level 2 course in Animal Care

What you will learn

  • You'll plan and monitor feeding programmes for different animal species.
  • You'll learn how to maintain animal health and welfare.
  • You'll study animal biology and understand how it relates to care.
  • You'll learn how to set up and maintain animal accommodation.
  • You'll practise animal handling and grooming techniques.
  • You'll gain work-related experience with a diverse range of animals.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom lectures, talks from guest speakers, and practical sessions in the Animal Unit and Wildlife Conservation Park. Your work is assessed continuously throughout the year. There are also end-of-year assessments and exams. Visits and work-related experience are built into the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Askham Bryan 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 shelter or zoo.
  • Animal Technician, works in a research or veterinary laboratory setting.
  • Kennel or Cattery Assistant, provides hands-on care in a boarding facility.
  • Zoo Keeper Assistant, helps maintain enclosures and care for zoo animals.
  • Pet Shop Assistant, advises customers and cares for animals in retail.
  • Wildlife Sanctuary Worker, supports the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, a natural next step for those wanting to deepen their knowledge and move into supervisory or specialist roles.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Animal Nursing Assistant route), for those interested in clinical animal care.
  • Apprenticeship in Animal Care or Veterinary Nursing, combining paid work with further study.
Apply on askham-bryan.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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