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Level 2 Animal Care Course in Huntingdon – The College of Animal Welfare

Cost£2,195.00
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryWork based
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 2 Animal Care Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in an animal care role, building your qualification around the practical experience you already gain on the job. Course materials are delivered online through a virtual learning environment, so you can study in your own time at work or at home. A personal tutor supports you throughout, with contact by email, phone, and video call. The course typically takes 12 months. You need to be employed or on work experience in a suitable animal care setting, such as a boarding kennels, cattery, animal charity, or zoo. There are several pathways, including Animal Care and Welfare, Animal Training, and Pet Care and Retail.

Who this course is for

This City & Guilds programme is ideal for those who are working with animals, looking for a qualification that reflects their practical skills and knowledge. This course is studied on a work based learning basis. Whilst the majority of students choose to undertake the Animal Care and Welfare pathway of this qualification, there are other pathways available such as Animal Training and Pet Care and Retail; allowing you to tailor the course to your interests, job requirements and career objectives.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements; however you should be employed in a suitable animal care environment (such as a boarding kennels, cattery, animal charity or zoo).

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of animal health, welfare, and behaviour in a working environment.
  • You'll learn how to handle and care for animals safely and responsibly.
  • You'll understand the legal requirements around animal care, including licensing regulations for kennels and catteries.
  • You'll build skills relevant to your chosen pathway, whether Animal Care and Welfare, Animal Training, or Pet Care and Retail.
  • You'll learn how to monitor animals for signs of illness or distress and respond appropriately.
  • You'll develop your understanding of nutrition, housing, and environmental needs for different species.

How you will learn

You study through an online virtual learning environment, working through course materials at your own pace. Your practical skills are assessed in your workplace. A personal tutor reviews your work, gives feedback, and stays in regular contact by email, phone, and Microsoft Teams. No college attendance is required. You can start at any point in the year.

What you will need to bring

The College of Animal Welfare will confirm anything you need before you start. You will need access to a computer or device to use the online learning platform, and you must be working or on work experience in a suitable animal care environment.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant. Day-to-day care of animals in kennels, catteries, or shelters.
  • Kennel or cattery worker. Hands-on role in a licensed boarding facility.
  • Zoo keeper assistant. Supporting animal care teams in zoo or wildlife settings.
  • Animal charity worker. Rehoming, welfare checks, and animal handling in a rescue setting.
  • Pet shop or retail assistant. Animal care and advice in a pet care and retail environment.
  • Animal trainer assistant. Supporting training programmes for domestic or working animals.

What you could study next

A Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management is a natural next step if you want to move into a supervisory or specialist role. A Level 3 Animal Management qualification covers more advanced welfare, legislation, and management skills. If your employer offers it, an Animal Care Apprenticeship at Level 2 or Level 3 combines structured training with employment. Some learners go on to study animal behaviour, veterinary nursing, or zoology at college or university.

Apply on caw.ac.uk →
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