Courses

Whether you’ve dreamt of working with animals from a young age, or have decided later in life (perhaps following a career in a completely different field) that this is what you really want to do, our animal care courses will give you the underlying knowledge and skills needed to succeed and build a rewarding career.

Animal Care and Welfare Assistant (Level 2 Apprenticeship)Looking to work with animals? The level 2 animal care apprenticeship is suitable for those who are employed in an animal care environment, looking to gain an apprenticeship qualification and valuable animal care experience.Find out moreAnimal Care and Welfare Manager (Level 3 Apprenticeship)Looking to progress in the animal care industry? The Level 3 Animal Care and Welfare Manager Apprenticeship is suitable for those working in an animal care environment in a position of responsibility.Find out moreCity & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care Online learningAwarded 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’re 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!Find out moreCity & Guilds Level 3 Animal ManagementThis distance learning programme is designed to give you an advanced level of understanding and skills in animal welfare and management. During the programme you will learn about the health, welfare and care of a variety of animal species. You will also undertake work experience in an animal related environment; this will allow you to put into practice the animal care, handling and technical skills and knowledge you will be learning throughout the programme.Find out moreCity & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Animal CareThis City & Guilds qualification is aimed at those looking to increase their practical skills and knowledge, alongside employment or volunteering, in an animal care environment. The course covers the health, welfare and care of a variety of animal species, with an emphasis on the development of practical skills.Find out moreCity & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Animal CareAwarded by City & Guilds, this qualification is ideal if you have already worked in the animal care sector for some time and are working in a supervisory or managerial role. This course will demonstrate and develop your skills in planning and coordinating the care of animals and the leadership of staff in the workplace.Find out moreVetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal)The VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) is designed for those looking to gain the necessary qualification to be able to prescribe and supply veterinary medicine classes POM-VPS and/or NFA-VPS to companion animals. Find out moreVetSkill VTEC Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral HygieneIf you are looking to further your knowledge on dog oral hygiene, the Level 3 Award could be the one for you. Taught online with one in centre practical day at our Huntingdon or Leeds centres.Find out moreCity & Guilds Level 2 Award in Work-based Animal CareIf you’re working in a kennel and/or cattery environment, ensure you have suitable training or experience in accordance with the new ‘The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018’. A combination of online learning, and development of practical skills in the workplace, makes this Ofqual accredited City & Guilds qualification relevant to your day to day work.Find out more
Subject overview

Why choose to study animal care at The College of Animal Welfare?

  • Experienced and supportive teaching staff
    All of our animal care tutors and assessors have significant industry experience and knowledge, and all share a passion for pushing the profession forward. We want to ensure that you gain, not only an animal care qualification, but develop the skills and confidence to make a difference to the lives of the animals in your care and leave us inspired to go on to achieve your goals.
  • Increase your job prospects
    Animal care jobs can be highly competitive. By undertaking an animal care course you can give yourself an advantage by gaining a qualification that demonstrates your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
  • Regulated and respected
    Our animal care qualifications are Ofqual regulated and our college has been rated as a Good provider by Ofsted (July 2022). In addition, our Matrix accreditation underscores our commitment to delivering first quality information, advice and guidance to ensure that you choose the course that is right for you and your future ambitions.
Careers

Gaining a formal animal care qualification can open up a variety of professional opportunities to you. Depending on the qualification you undertake, your personal circumstances, career goals and skills, animal care training could help you pursue employment in, for example, a zoo, cattery/ kennels or rescue centre, perhaps looking to take on a supervisory or managerial role over time. Positions that you could consider include:

Assistance Dog Trainer | Dog Handler | RSPCA Inspector | Boarding Kennel/Cattery Assistant | Pet Shop Assistant | Animal Care Worker | Zookeeper | Animal Care Lecturer

If you would like to find out more about some of the career opportunities and animal care jobs available, our FREE annual Careers With Animals Day is a great place to start. This event provides you with the opportunity to listen to career talks, ask questions and gain advice about careers working with animals.

Alternatively, please feel free to request a call back if you would like to have an informal chat about your options; a member of our client advisor team would be happy to help you.