Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Work in the animal care industry

Introduces the learner to the animal care workplace and industry. This module gives the learner the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in the industry and to place the modules in an appropriate context.

Participate in workplace communications

Supports the learner to develop verbal and written communication skills in a variety of workplace contexts. This will enable the learner to effectively communicate in the following modules.

Participate in workplace health and safety processes

Contains the knowledge and skills needed to conduct work safely in the animal care industry. It is important that the learner attains this knowledge and skill to be able to carry out future tasks responsibly.

Structured Workplace Learning

This module has been included for the work placement documentation.

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Enables the learner to identify areas of the workplace where resource improvements can be made. In hindsight of the previous modules, the learner can use the acquired knowledge and skill to identify resource inefficiencies in areas of food and water supply and hygiene.

Feed and water animals

Introduces the learner to animal dietary requirements and how to fulfil those through the supply of food and water. This module focuses on the daily animal care practices.

Complete animal care and hygiene routines

Introduces the learner to regular hygiene practices in animal care workplaces. With this module the student will learn about the daily animal care practices.

Provide basic care of domestic dogs

Provides the learner with the knowledge and skills to assist experienced staff in providing care for domestic dogs. In this module the student will learn how to identify common breeds of dogs, behaviour, how to train a dog and how to meet health and care needs.

Assist in health care of animals

Provides the learner with the knowledge and skill to assist experienced staff in the assessment of animal health. While this module focuses on animal health, it will also assist with the learning in the following module.

Provide basic first aid for animals

Provides the learner with insights into how to deal with first aid requirements. It also introduces the learner to emergency situations that may arise while working within animal care facilities.

Provide reception services for an animal care facility

Introduces the learner to the day-to-day activities that take place within animal care facilities. it also provides the learner with the knowledge and skills to manage administrative duties and provide customer assistance.

Provide information on companion animals, products and services

Provides the learner with the skills to be able to provide reliable advice. This helps the learner understand how to interpret information requirements to be able to provide quality information when working in an animal care facility.

Source information for animal care needs

This is an essential unit that will assist the learner in sourcing animal related information. It also contains important knowledge in regard to applying the correct medication dosages to the animal as required.

The course contains a minimum of 80 hours of work placement

The workplace will need provide a range of services to various animal species. The workplaces which would offer this could include:

• Veterinary practices

• Boarding facilities

• Retail pet stores

• Kennels and catteries

• Zoos

• Day care facilities for companion animals

• Animal welfare facilities

• Companion animal breeding facilities

Your work placement will need to be completed in Australia and you will be responsible for the costs of any travel, accommodation, statutory checks or other requirements related to your work placement.