City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care Online learning

You will study the following units:

Unit 201 – Maintain animal health and welfare
On completion of this unit, you will be able to maintain and promote the health and welfare of a range of animals. You will be able to identify any signs of ill health or impending problems and know how to support and monitor an animals’ recovery.

Unit 202 – Undertake practical animal feeding
During this unit you will learn how to recognise, prepare and select appropriate feeding equipment and foodstuffs needed to keep animals at their optimum nutritional state, including the feeding requirements of animals during different life stages.

Unit 203 – Maintain animal accommodation
This unit looks at the design, construction and maintenance of animal accommodation. On completion you will know how to source accommodation which meets the welfare and safety needs of a range of species, and understand the cleaning and preparation requirements for a variety of animal housing.

Unit 204 – Undertake work related experience
As part of the qualification you will be required to undertake at least 150 hours of work experience in the animal industry; this could be gained through voluntary work or paid employment. This practical experience will increase your confidence and give you the opportunity to apply your new knowledge and skills in the working environment.

Unit 205 – Understand the principles of animal biology
During this unit you will gain an understanding of how the animal body works. You will look at the structure and function of cells and the different body systems. You will also learn how animals are grouped and named and look at the principles of reproduction and heredity.

Unit 206 – Principles and practices of animal behaviour and handling
You will look at the principles of animal behaviour and handling, and how these can be applied in practise. You will be able to identify normal and abnormal behaviour and learn the skills and knowledge to approach animals based on their displayed behaviour to minimise risk and stress.

Unit 210 – Introduction to animal breeds and grooming
At the end of this unit you will gain an understanding of the concepts of animal evolution and domestication, and be able to identify commonly kept breeds of dogs, cats and other pet species. You will also learn how and why we carry out practical small animal grooming.

Assessment

You will complete both assignments and practical assessments. Assignments will be submitted via our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Your practical assessments will be supported out by an allocated mentor in the organisation where you undertake your work experience.

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. This could be in, for example, a rescue centre, pet shop which has animals for sale or a boarding kennels/cattery*.

You will need access to at least three animal species as part of your practical assessment in order to achieve the qualification; this must include companion dogs and cats and then either small animals (rabbits or rodents) or exotics or large mammals (goats, camelids, donkeys, pigs or other available large mammals). You are able to have more than one work placement during the course to gain this experience.

You will also require a mentor, this is someone with 2 years minimum relevant experience within the industry or who has a relevant level 2 or above qualification.

If you are studying this programme overseas, please be aware that the programme is delivered in English and therefore you must be competent in reading and writing English language.

* Please note that work placements in wildlife hospitals or rescue centres dealing solely with wild animals are not advisable. Veterinary practice placements will be considered on an individual basis and may need to be used in conjunction with another animal care based placement.

Course fees can either be paid in full before the beginning of the course, or via our ‘Pay As You Learn’ monthly payment scheme. A CAW Loans2Learn scheme is also available, details can be found below.

If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, you will be able to continue to receive support and access to your course by paying monthly direct debit payments until certification of your award.

Course Fees

Awarding Body Fees: £171.40

* Awarding Body Fees are payable by all students or employers and recharged at cost and may be subject to change.

CAW Loans2Learn Scheme
The CAW Loans2Learn scheme is a personal loan that can help you to spread the cost of your course into manageable payments. The loan can be used to fully or partially cover your course fees (but does not cover any awarding body fees, such as enrolment and examination fees). More information can be found here.

Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page. Before making any financial decision it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.

These are current figures and may be subject to change.

On completion of this online course, you will receive a City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care certificate; demonstrating to employers and clients your underpinning knowledge and skills. This internationally recognised qualification will give you the confidence to apply for animal care jobs. Examples of the types of jobs in animal care you may be considering applying for can be found below.

• Career profile: Rescue Centre Worker
• Career profile: Dog Walker / Pet Sitter
• Career profile: Kennel / Cattery Worker
• Career profile: Pet Shop Assistant
• Career profile: Zookeeper

You may also look at progressing onto a higher level animal care course to continue your learning such as the City & Guilds Level 3 Animal Management.