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Certificate in Animal Care
This one-year full-time course is for people who wish to work in an animal care related industry.
A high level of commitment is expected and required of students in order to successfully achieve all areas of this course.
The course consists of 21 units and covers:
Unit No D7EJ 11 SAH: Feeding
Provides knowledge of the functions of nutrients and nutritional requirements for a range of companion animals during each life-stage and the practical application of this knowledge.
Unit No D7EC 11 SAH: Safe Working Practices
This unit allows students to achieve and apply the skills and knowledge of work-related hazards and Health and Safety legislation in relation to the care of small animals.
Unit No D7EG 11 SAH: Health Care
Provides both practical and theory knowledge of signs of health/ill-health, routine health care and first aid procedure in a range of companion animals.
Unit No D7EB 11 SAH: Dog Grooming
This unit allows students to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to monitor and maintain safety and cleanliness in the grooming environment, to describe different dog breeds and their grooming requirements and to carry out routine health tasks associated with grooming and in the preparation of dogs for grooming.
Unit No D7EF 11 SAH: Accommodation and Handling
Provides both practical and theory knowledge on providing and maintaining appropriate accommodation, handling techniques and exercise requirements of a range of companion animals.
Unit No E9TF 10 Basic Handling of Horses
This unit allows students to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to catch and tie up a horse.
Unit No E8WF 11 Stable and Grass Routine
This unit allows students to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to care for a horse, under supervision, on a day-to-day basis in the stable and in the field.
Unit No E9JR 11 Basic Care of Mammals
This unit involves students recognising various breeds and crosses of farm animal through working with them on the college farm. A basic understanding of the animals anatomy is also studied.
Unit No D0P6 11 Livestock Health and Hygiene
Through working on this unit students gain an understanding of the cause, prevention and cure of some of the common diseases affecting cattle and sheep. This also involves practical sessions with these animals to achieve that aim.
Unit No D0P7 11 Livestock Reproduction
In the context of farm animals, this unit describes the structure and function of the reproductive system and the process through which they come into and out of heat. Subsequently it follows the animal from service through to giving birth.
Unit No D7EM 11 SAH: Intro to Dog Training
This unit allows students to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to perform basic dog training routines.
Unit No D7E9 11 SAH: Reptile and Amphibian Care
Provides an introduction to the identification, husbandry requirements and health/disease issues of reptiles and amphibians.
Unit No E9L1 11 Anatomy and Physiology of Animals
Provides knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of animals to aid in their care and welfare.
Unit No D0VJ 11 Customer Service Skills
This unit allows students to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to create positive working relationships and to communicate with a range of customers.
Unit No D01D 10/11 IT 1 & 2
This unit allows students to develop skills in using a computer system to carry out some straightforward processing tasks.
Unit No D01B 10/11 Communications 1 & 2
This unit allows students to develop the ability to respond to and produce written and oral communication.
Unit No D7EE 11 Ornamental Fish Care
Teaches the identification, care and requirements of types of fish for life in an aquarium or pond.
Unit No D7EL 11 Avian Care
Teaches the identification, care and requirements of types of bird for life in a cage or aviary.
Unit No EA7H 11 Routine Estate Maintenance
This unit allows students to develop practical skills in a range of activities associated with estate work maintenance.
Unit No D01C 10 Numeracy
This unit allows students to develop skills of interpretation and communication of straightforward graphs and the use of basic numerical skills in everyday situations.
Unit No D11E12 First Aid Measures
The student is provided with the information and skills required to handle a 1st aid situation and to enable them to know the principles and rules of 1st aid at work.
Entry requirements
Essential
- Core Skills at Intermediate 1 level or above. This requirement can be tested at interview
- Candidates must have at least 2 weeks formal work experience within the animal industry, this must be sought by the candidate. We do not have a list of employers but make the following suggestions:
Local Pet Farms Veterinary Surgeries Boarding Kennels
Boarding Catteries Stables Dog Groomers
Scottish SPCA centre Dogs Trust
Please feel free to use your initiative. A letter must be produced from your work placement employer confirming your employment.
Progression
Progression to HNC is at the discretion of the College and students may be eligible to progress under the following circumstances:
Successful completion of all units on the Certificate course including the achievement of Communications at intermediate 2 level at first attempt.
Compulsory 2 weeks work experience can be undertaken in any animal related business and provides students with an insight into working in a particular environment. This is only necessary for students wishing to progress on to HNC. However all students are actively encouraged to take part as this can be an extremely valuable experience.
Completion of required small animal duties and weekend duties and having shown a high level of commitment.
Additional information
SSPCA experience - Students will spend several mornings working at the SSPCA Welfare Centre at Balerno to gain extra experience in a different environment and with different species.
External Visits - Students visit several establishments to observe how animals are housed/cared for and handling sessions with some exotic species.
Weekday & weekend duties within the animal care unit are an integral part of the course
Start date
Mid September each year
Finish date
Early June each year