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Free Level 2 Animal Care Course in Wigan

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 2 Animal Care Course in Wigan. Classes run at Wigan and Leigh College, full-time during the day. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply.

You'll study animal health, behaviour, nutrition, and welfare over 35 weeks. The course covers working in settings such as pet shops, animal boarding, grooming, zoos, and wildlife parks. You'll need a minimum of five GCSEs graded 3 or above, including maths or English and science.

You'll finish with a City and Guilds Technical Certificate in Animal Care at Level 2.

Who this course is for

This Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care is for you if you are looking to start a career within animal care industries. There are a growing number of career opportunities within this sector such as; pet shops, animal boarding, animal sanctuaries, animal training, pet grooming, zoos and farm/wildlife parks to name a few! You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working with animals, or progressing to further learning at Level 3 and beyond. Working with animals is extremely rewarding, but it can require long hours with dedication and enthusiasm to be successful.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded 9-3 including maths or English and science.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to monitor and maintain animal health and welfare.
  • You'll study animal behaviour and how to handle animals safely.
  • You'll understand the nutritional needs of a range of species.
  • You'll learn how to clean and maintain animal housing and environments.
  • You'll develop knowledge of common animal diseases and how they are prevented.
  • You'll explore the legal responsibilities involved in working with animals.
  • You'll gain practical skills relevant to settings such as kennels, zoos, and animal sanctuaries.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical, hands-on activities. Assessment is through assignments, practical observations, and written tasks linked to real animal care situations. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wigan and Leigh 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 kennel.
  • Pet Shop Assistant, advises customers and cares for animals in a retail setting.
  • Animal Boarding Assistant, looks after pets in a boarding or daycare facility.
  • Zoo Keeper Assistant, helps care for animals in a zoo or wildlife park.
  • Animal Groomer, provides grooming and hygiene care for domestic animals.
  • Animal Sanctuary Worker, supports the rescue and rehabilitation of animals.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management, the natural next step for those wanting to work in more specialist animal care roles or move into zoo or wildlife management.
  • Level 3 Animal Care Apprenticeship, combines work-based learning with further study.
  • Higher National Certificate in Animal Science, for those considering a degree-level route into veterinary nursing or animal science.
Apply on wigan-leigh.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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