Apprenticeship training course

Animal care and welfare manager (level 3)

Plan and manage the husbandry needs of domestic or wild animals in their care.

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 18 months
• Apprenticeship category: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Maximum funding: £9,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Animal collection officer
  • Animal day care supervisor
  • Animal welfare officer
  • Dog grooming stylist
  • Farm park supervisor
  • Kennel and cattery manager
  • Per retail manager
  • Pet retail manager
  • Senior animal technician
  • Wildlife rehabilitation officer
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Provide care for animals to meet their welfare needs and in accordance with company policy, legal and regulatory obligations.
  • Monitor and oversee animal care ensuring the five welfare needs are met and in accordance with company policy, legislation and regulations.
  • Evaluate animal behavioural characteristics in order to establish animal care requirements.
  • Assess and evaluate animal health using the least invasive methods and use this to inform the care plan.
  • Deliver medical and preventative treatments in accordance with company policies and following veterinary advice.
  • Handle and move animals using the least invasive, minimally aversive methods suitable for the situation.
  • Assess animal weight and carry out body condition scoring.
  • Produce care plans to meet the welfare needs of the animal.
  • Implement animal socialisation strategies to ensure animal health and welfare is maintained.
  • Select sustainable accommodation solutions that ensure the welfare, safety and security of animals.
  • Manage biosecurity risks by ensuring disinfecting, cleaning and waste disposal in line with company procedures and legislation.
  • Complete health and safety risk assessments.
  • Monitor compliance with risk assessments and provide feedback to support the development of health and safety policies.
  • Resolve customer complaints.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, supply chains and customers.
  • Supervise the day to day running of the business (including the allocation of resources, ordering stock and scheduling workload).
  • Keep up to date with advances in animal care working practices and technologies and identify opportunities for these to be applied.
  • Monitor the health and safety of animals and people in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Support and mentor colleagues and provide constructive feedback.
  • Seek feedback and identify personal development needs. Undertake and apply learning from relevant continual professional development.
  • Provide operational information to inform team goals and objective setting.
  • Monitor progress towards the achievement of team goals and objectives.
  • Assimilate information to make changes to the animal care provision.

Full information on Animal care and welfare manager (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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