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Level 2 Animal Care Course in Bristol – South Bristol Skills Academy

Cost£1,285.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Level 2 Animal Care Course in Bristol. Classes run at South Bristol Skills Academy, full-time during the day, three days a week over one year. You'll study animal care theory in the classroom and gain hands-on experience through visits to pet shops, wildlife centres, and animal shelters, as well as handling and feeding farm and exotic animals. To join, you'll need three GCSEs at grade C or four at grade D, including Maths and English. This level 2 animal care qualification is a solid starting point for work in the sector or for moving on to a higher-level course.

Who this course is for

Over three days each week you will learn the theory of animal care as well as spending time in practical environments. These range from visits to pet shops, wildlife centres and animal shelters to the handling and feeding of farm and exotic animals belonging to local community projects. The Diploma is an ideal starting point for working in the industry or progressing to a higher level course.

Entry requirements

You will need:----Three GCSEs at grade C or four at grade D (to include Maths and English)--

What you will learn

  • You'll learn the theory behind animal care, health, and welfare.
  • You'll develop practical skills in handling and feeding farm and exotic animals.
  • You'll gain experience working with animals in real community and shelter settings.
  • You'll understand animal behaviour and how to recognise signs of illness or distress.
  • You'll learn safe working practices when caring for a range of species.
  • You'll explore the different environments animals are kept in, from pet shops to wildlife centres.

How you will learn

Learning is split between classroom sessions and practical placements. You'll attend South Bristol Skills Academy three days a week, covering animal care theory in class and applying it through visits to pet shops, wildlife centres, animal shelters, and community animal projects. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, practical observation, and written tasks linked to the Diploma units.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Bristol Skills Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant, supporting daily care in kennels or catteries.
  • Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for in-store animals.
  • Animal shelter worker, rehoming and caring for rescued animals.
  • Farm animal handler, working with livestock on farms or smallholdings.
  • Wildlife centre assistant, supporting conservation and public education.
  • Veterinary receptionist, front-of-house role in a vet practice.
  • Zookeeper assistant, entry-level support role in a zoo or safari park.

What you could study next

A Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management is the natural next step. It goes deeper into animal science, nutrition, and welfare, and opens doors to supervisory roles or further study. You could also look at a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management if you want to keep higher education options open. Some learners go on to degree-level study in animal science, zoology, or veterinary nursing.

Apply on cityofbristol.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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