If you’re an animal lover and have an interest in learning about domestic, exotic and farm animals, pursuing a career and studying a course in animal care is a great route to take. Animal careers are exciting and incredibly fulfilling as you will be responsible for both looking after the well-being of animals and preserving animal welfare. Plus, there are an endless amount of career options available, almost as wide as the animal kingdom itself!
Whether you’re looking to become the next David Attenborough, want to work in animal rescue, or see a future in farming, we have plenty of different study programmes available that will prepare you for your dream career.
Below are just a few of the courses in animal care that we offer, for careers in the animal care sector from Dog Grooming and Veterinary work all the way through to Conservation:
Introduction to Land-based Studies (and Animal Care) Level 1
This qualification is ideal for students who are passionate about animals and want to learn more about how to care for them. You will develop your skills in areas such as preparing food and housing, grooming and health checking, as well as how to properly restrain animals.
Progress in careers such as: Pet Shop Assistant, Kennel and Cattery Worker, Dog Grooming Assistant
Entry requirements: 4 GCSEs at grade E/2 or above (or acceptable alternatives) including English Language, Maths and Science. Experience of working with animals is desirable, but not essential.
Animal Care Level 2
This study programme is for students who want to start a career in animal care and want to progress directly to employment in animal care, or to an animal care Apprenticeship. Students will cover topics such as animal welfare, feeding and handling, as well as undertaking a mandatory work placement at a local farm, zoo, or other animal establishment.
Progress into careers such as: Animal Care Worker, Animal Care Assistant, Kennel and Cattery Worker
Entry requirements: 4 GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, including English Language and Science.
Animal Management Level 3
This qualification is a two-year, full-time course that specialises in the animal management sector. It is designed for students who wish to progress into employment in an animal management role such as animal nutritionist, welfare officer, or technician. Students will cover topics such as breeding and genetics, animal welfare, animal behaviour and practical animal husbandry.
Progress into careers such as: Animal Technician, Animal Welfare Centre Manager, Pet Shop Manager, Animal Nutritionist, Rescue Centre Manager, Assistant Zookeeper, Animal Inspector
Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Double Science.
Dog Grooming Level 3
This study programme can help you become a dog groomer or build on an existing career in the industry. This course is ideal if you are wanting to gain the practical skills and knowledge that are important for working as a professional dog groomer such as health checking and handling, preparing, styling and finishing.
Progress into careers such as: Dog Groomer, Dog Grooming Salon Manager
Entry requirements: You must hold City and Guilds level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants to start this qualification.
Veterinary Nursing Apprenticeship Level 3
Do you aspire to be a registered Veterinary Nurse? To gain a qualification allowing you to competently nurse companion animals, take blood samples, develop laboratory skills, monitor animal anaesthesia, and assist with surgery? This study programme will allow you to train on the job, gain support from industry specialist tutors, work with advanced equipment, partake in practical training and gain an embedded qualification in dispensing medications.
Progress into careers such as: Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal
Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths, English and Science (or equivalent). Students must be employed in a veterinary practice in order to complete the Apprenticeship.
