Animal Care (Non-Agricultural)

Course summary

Love everything about animals, and fancy making a career out of caring for them? This is definitely the course for you! Taught at East Durham College's incredible animal care centre at our Houghall campus in Durham, this course teaches you to work with a number of small mammals, exotics as well as farm livestock and dogs too. There are many diverse businesses and opportunities within this sector, for example, pet shops, animal boarding establishments, animal sanctuaries, animal training (in entertainment, education, working animals such as uniformed/security dogs), pet animal grooming, animal welfare charities, animal care services (such as animal hydrotherapy, dog walkers/sitters), zoos and farm/wildlife parks (including wildlife rehabilitation), animal visitor attractions and animal related public services (e.g. dog/animal wardens). Working with animals is extremely rewarding, but it can require long hours with dedication and enthusiasm to be successful. This qualification is suitable if you are 16 years old or over. You may or may not have any previous knowledge or experience in animal care. You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working with animals, or progressing to further learning and training in this area. Topics: Maintain animal health and welfare Animal feeding and accommodation Animal behavior and handling Working in the animal care industry Health and safety for the land-based industries You will work with a range of species including small mammals, exotics, farm livestock and dogs.