Free Level 2 Animal Care Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train while working or volunteering in an animal care environment, building competence on the job over around 8 months. The course suits different animal care settings, with routes available to match your environment. You'll need some basic experience in animal care, or a Level 1 animal care qualification, to join. An initial assessment will confirm the right starting point for you.
Who this course is for
A Level 2 work-based Animal Care Award is for anyone with a job or work placement in the equine industry, who is looking for an introduction to Animal Care Level 2. You should ideally have a Level 1 or basic experience/skills in the animal care industry. It is a work-related, competence-based qualification. There are different routes available within this qualification to suit different animal care environments.
Entry requirements
This Level 2 course requires you to have some basic experience, and/or a level 1 animal qualification. You will need to be working or volunteering in an animal care environment. Please contact us directly to discuss your individual entry requirements to see if you are suitable for the course.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical animal care skills in your day-to-day work environment.
You'll learn how to handle and care for animals safely and responsibly.
You'll understand the health and welfare needs of the animals in your care.
You'll apply competence-based skills across tasks relevant to your specific animal care setting.
You'll build knowledge of safe working practices in an animal care environment.
How you will learn
This is a competence-based qualification assessed in your workplace. Assessment is carried out through observation of your practical work, professional discussion, and a portfolio of evidence gathered on the job. Different routes are available within the qualification to reflect different animal care environments. Your assessor will visit you at your workplace to observe and assess your practice.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Keits will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Animal care worker, supporting the daily welfare of animals in a care setting
Kennel or cattery assistant, looking after dogs and cats in boarding facilities
Animal sanctuary worker, providing hands-on care for rescued animals
Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for in-store animals
Zoo or wildlife park keeper assistant, supporting animal husbandry tasks
Veterinary support worker, assisting with animal handling in a clinical setting
What you could study next
Level 3 Animal Management Diploma: a natural next step if you want to take on more responsibility or move into supervisory roles in animal care.
Level 3 Animal Care Apprenticeship: combines further study with continued workplace learning and is recognised by employers across the sector.
Level 2 or 3 Veterinary Nursing qualifications: for those working toward a clinical animal care role.
