Level 2

01 Sep 2025
1 Year
C2ANCPF1KN

Animal Care Technical Certificate

The Animal Care Technical Certificate is ideal if you have little experience of working with animals. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical activities and projects. The course emphasises hands-on training – you will develop practical animal handling skills and gain an understanding of the basic care of a wide range of animal species.

Through our unique partnership with Puxton Park, awarded the National Farm Attraction of the Year, you will gain practical skills by participating in the care of a diverse range of animals. Your classroom lectures will come to life as you carry out practical sessions at the park, enabling you to develop industry-specific skills. This hands-on experience will involve working alongside experienced staff and engaging with farm visitors, so you will also develop essential employability skills like communication, customer service and decision-making.

Our experienced tutors are industry specialists, and they are dedicated to teaching you the necessary theory to complement your practical knowledge. Our qualifications have been developed in collaboration with local and national employers and are successful in getting our students into animal management-related jobs and onto relevant degrees.

By studying with us, you will become part of our Animal Management Career Excellence Hub. This provides unrivalled access to potential employers. Through guest lectures, trips, work experience, and recruitment events, you will gain valuable industry insights and networking opportunities.

WHAT DOES THIS COURSE INVOLVE

  • Animal health and welfare

  • Animal feeding and accommodation

  • Animal behaviour and handling

  • Animal nursing

  • Surgical care requirements

  • Legislation and limitations

  • Hygiene and infection control

  • End-of-life care and processes

  • Dealing with emotional clients

  • The principles of animal biology

  • British wildlife species, habitats and rehabilitation

  • Caring for exotic animals

Practical experience at Puxton Park could include working with animals including tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus and stick insects.

ASSESSMENT METHOD

The assessment method for this course is an externally set assignment, as well as an external exam taken through City & Guilds, and a Health and Safety exam. ## FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

You can progress to a higher-level qualification, subject to meeting entry requirements. Alternatively, the course could lead to employment opportunities or an apprenticeship.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • 4 GCSEs at Grade 3/D or above (including English, maths, and science) OR minimum GCSE Grade 3/D and Level 1 Functional Skills.

  • A genuine interest in caring for animals, a willingness to learn and motivation to gain a relevant work experience placement will also be considered on application.

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

  • Ready to apply – please use the ‘apply now’ button at the top of this page.

  • I’d like to visit and see the facilities and chat to staff.

  • I have a quick question – use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

Please note that there is currently a review by the Department for Education on a number of level 3 qualifications as part of a national education review. While we hope to offer this course in the upcoming academic year, its availability may be subject to change following the conclusion of the review, which we hope will be concluded by December 2024. We understand this uncertainty may be disruptive and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of Government review, please be reassured that we are planning for all outcomes and are in no doubt that whatever the results of the review, we will be able to provide you with the right qualification and pathway to support you with your career goals and next steps. More information is available by clicking (here)[https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/important-update-government-qualification-reforms-and-course-offerings-2025]


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Once we have your booking we would love to keep you informed of other, similar events you may be interested in. You can unsubscribe at any time. Your personal information will be processed in line with our privacy notice available on our policy page. Is this ok (please tick)?

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By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

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