Explore topics such as feeding, housing, health, behaviour, and handling of both domestic and farm animals and learn about health and safety, environmental enrichment, and the roles within the animal care industry.

This course provides students with an introduction to animal care, focusing on the safe handling, health and welfare, and routine husbandry of a range of domestic and exotic species. Students begin by developing an understanding of animal welfare, health and safety procedures, hygiene, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to explore the specific care requirements of a variety of species, including rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, exotic rodents, sugar gliders, tenrecs, ferrets, snakes, lizards, tortoises, terrapins, frogs, toads, and cold-water, temperate, and tropical fish. Students will get hands on experience in practical sessions where they will cover appropriate handling techniques, routine feeding and cleaning tasks, and basic health, hygiene, and behavioural checks.

The course will also cover enclosure design, enabling students to understand the environmental and welfare needs of different species and apply these principles when planning suitable animal enclosures.

Please see here for our Standard Entry Qualifications. Please note some of our technical qualifications have different requirements, please contact admissions for further information.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. We welcome learners who have a genuine interest in working with animals and are eager to learn in both practical and classroom environments.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and includes a combination of practical tasks, written assignments, and observations. You will build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in key areas of animal husbandry.

Progress to a Level 1 course in Animal Care or related field · Seek voluntary experience in animal shelters, farms, or veterinary practices · Begin developing a career pathway into roles such as animal care assistant, kennel worker, or farmhand.