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Level 2 Animal Care Course Online

Cost£1,308.00
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Level 2 Animal Care Course. Study online, at your own pace, from anywhere in the UK. You study through an online learning environment and are supported by a distance learning tutor throughout. The course costs £139.20 in City and Guilds awarding body fees. You'll learn about the health, welfare and care of small animal species. You'll also need to complete 150 hours of practical work experience in an animal care setting, at a minimum of four hours per week. The course runs over 12 months and you can start at any time.

Who this course is for

Awarded by City & Guilds, this online course (distance learning), is an ideal way to gain an internationally recognised animal care qualification without attending College. If you are looking for the flexibility of studying a qualification alongside your existing commitments, for either personal interest or because you dream of working with animals, then this course could be for you! During the programme you will learn about the health, welfare and care of a variety of small animal species. You will also undertake at least 150 hours of work experience in an animal related environment; this will allow you to put into practice the skills and knowledge you will be learning throughout the programme.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements. However you should have a sound level of numeracy, literacy and ICT skills, have a passion for animals and be up-to-date with your tetanus vaccination.

You should either be employed, or have a voluntary work placement arranged, in a suitable animal care environment before applying as you will need to complete a total of 150 hours of practical work (min 4 hours per week) in order to achieve the qualification.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn about the health and welfare needs of a variety of small animal species.
  • You'll develop knowledge of how to care for animals in a way that helps them thrive.
  • You'll apply your learning through at least 150 hours of hands-on work experience in an animal care environment.
  • You'll learn how to recognise signs of ill health and understand when animals need attention.
  • You'll build practical skills in day-to-day animal care and husbandry.

How you will learn

You study through an online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and are supported by a dedicated distance learning tutor. Assessment is work-based and portfolio-led, drawing on your practical experience in your animal care placement. You'll need a workplace mentor with at least two years of relevant industry experience, or a relevant Level 2 or above qualification. You can start at any time and study around your existing commitments.

What you will need to bring

You'll need to be employed or have a voluntary work placement arranged in a suitable animal care environment before you apply. You'll need to complete 150 hours of practical work (at least four hours per week) and have a workplace mentor in place. You should also have a sound level of numeracy, literacy and ICT skills, and be up to date with your tetanus vaccination. The College of Animal Welfare will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant: day-to-day care in kennels, catteries or shelters
  • Veterinary receptionist: front-of-house support in a veterinary practice
  • Pet shop assistant: advising customers and caring for animals in retail
  • Animal rescue worker: supporting rehoming and welfare at rescue centres
  • Stable hand or groom: care and handling of horses in an equine setting
  • Zoo or wildlife park keeper assistant: supporting animal care teams

What you could study next

After completing this level 2 animal care qualification, you could move on to a Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management, which goes deeper into animal behaviour, nutrition and business skills. If you want to work in veterinary nursing, a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing is the route to explore. Some learners also go on to higher education courses in animal science or zoology.

Apply on caw.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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