Level 2 Animal Care Skills Course in Canterbury. Classes run at Canterbury College, full-time during the day. The course is free if you are under 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply, so contact the college for details. You'll gain the knowledge and practical experience to start a career in animal care and welfare. The course runs for 44 weeks and covers animal health, handling, feeding, nutrition, and accommodation. You'll work with a range of animals at the college's Spring Lane Campus, putting your skills into practice.
Who this course is for
Gain the knowledge and practical experience to start a career in animal care and welfare.
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in animal health and welfare
You'll practise safe animal handling and restraint techniques
You'll learn about animal feeding and nutrition
You'll understand how to set up and maintain animal accommodation and enrichment
You'll gain knowledge of working professionally within the animal care industry
You'll build experience working with a variety of animals, including reptiles, small mammals, and farm animals
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, and group work at Canterbury College. A key part of the course is hands-on experience at the Spring Lane Campus, where you work directly with animals. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks and coursework. You'll also have opportunities for employer engagement activities and trips that connect your learning to the wider animal care sector.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Canterbury College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Animal care assistant, supporting the daily care of animals in a shelter or rescue centre
Kennel or cattery assistant, looking after dogs and cats in a boarding facility
Zoo or wildlife park keeper assistant, working with a range of species
Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for animals in store
Veterinary receptionist, supporting a veterinary practice team
Animal groomer, providing grooming services for domestic animals
What you could study next
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, for a deeper study of animal science and behaviour and stronger routes into zoo keeping, veterinary nursing, or wildlife conservation
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths, which Canterbury College supports alongside this course and which many employers and further study programmes ask for
Level 3 Animal Management (Veterinary Nursing pathway), if you want to work toward a veterinary nursing career
