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Free Level 2 Animal Care Course in St Albans

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
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 St Albans. Classes run at Oaklands College St Albans Campus, full-time during the day over 36 weeks.

The course covers animal health and welfare, feeding and accommodation, behaviour and handling, animal nursing, exotic animal care, and the principles of animal biology. You'll also study health and safety for land-based industries and what it means to work in the animal care sector.

You'll need a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English, Maths and Science, with at least one at grade 4. Alternatively, a Level 1 Animal Care qualification with a Merit grade is accepted. You'll finish with a City and Guilds Technical Certificate in Animal Care.

Who this course is for

This qualification covers the skills you will need to progress to further learning and training, or to enter the world of work in the animal care industries. You will study the following mandatory content: � Maintain animal health and welfare � Animal feeding and accommodation � Animal behaviour and handling � Working in the animal care industry � Health and safety for the land-based industries � Animal nursing � The principles of animal biology � Care of exotic animals There is also a requirement to complete 150 hours of work experience.

Entry requirements

Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 9-3 to include English, Maths and Science. Either Maths or English have to be a grade 4 or a Level 1 in Animal care with an overall grade of a Merit.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to maintain animal health and welfare.
  • You'll understand animal feeding requirements and accommodation standards.
  • You'll develop skills in animal behaviour and safe handling.
  • You'll study animal nursing techniques and basic care procedures.
  • You'll explore the care of exotic animals.
  • You'll learn the principles of animal biology.
  • You'll understand health and safety practices for land-based industries.
  • You'll gain knowledge of working professionally in the animal care industry.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Oaklands College St Albans Campus. Teaching covers both theory and practical skills across all units. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, practical observation, and written tasks. Your progress will be assessed throughout the course rather than through a single final exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Oaklands College St Albans Campus 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 rescue centre.
  • Kennel or Cattery Assistant, looks after dogs or cats in a boarding facility.
  • Veterinary Receptionist, handles client bookings and front-of-house duties at a vet practice.
  • Pet Shop Assistant, advises customers and cares for animals in a retail setting.
  • Zoo or Wildlife Park Assistant, helps with animal husbandry and visitor education.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, a deeper study of animal science and management for those wanting to specialise further.
  • Level 3 Animal Care or Veterinary Nursing qualifications, for those aiming toward veterinary nursing roles.
  • Apprenticeship in Animal Care or Veterinary Nursing, combining work-based learning with further study.
Apply on oaklands.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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