Animal Care Diploma

Our Animal Care Diploma is designed to assist the student in understanding the basic needs of animals by introducing them to certain animal profiles. These range from dogs and cats to horses and reptiles. 

Students will then be able to comfortably understand animal breeds and, at an early stage, pass on any problems or information to vets or owners to provide a greater deal of care.

About Animal Care

The Animal Care Course is not designed as a veterinary assistants course, but rather as a possible introduction to the field of animal care and hopefully in the future encourage you to consider a career in animal management.

Module 1 – Cats.

• Discuss how important the breed of cat is as a selection criterion.
• Describe what impact improper feeding can have on a cat's health.
• Define whether it is possible to train a cat.

Module 2 – Dogs.

• Evaluate the dangers of inadequate feeding and overfeeding.
• Investigate canine nutrition.
• Discuss exercise.
• Define grooming.
• Analyse how a disease/illness is identified.

Module 3 – Horses.

• Discuss points you should consider when buying a horse.
• Define conformation.
• Describe the ideal stable.
• List for what purposes you would use a dandy brush.
• List for what purposes you would use a body brush.
• Identify the symptoms of Colic.

Module 4 – Birds.

• Describe the varieties of housing available to the bird keeper.
• Explain how to handle a bird correctly.
• Identify what clues you would look for if a bird seemed unwell.
• Discuss how you would identify and treat constipation.

Module 5 – Rabbits.

• Analyse the factors that one might need to consider when choosing a rabbit.
• Discuss suitable housing for a pet rabbit.
• Define a healthy diet for an adult working buck and investigate why caution is necessary when feeding fresh plants to your rabbits.
• Describe the correct way to handle a rabbit.
• Identify some common ailments a rabbit might suffer from.

Module 6 – Reptiles and Amphibians.

• Explain the distinguishing characteristics of reptiles and amphibians.
• Describe how you would house reptiles or amphibians.
• Discuss how you would generally care for reptiles/amphibians.
• Evaluate feeding routines.

Module 7 – Guinea Pigs, Hamsters and Mice.                         

• Describe suitable housing for a guinea pig.
• Evaluate what temperature guinea pigs should be kept at and discuss what happens if the temperature drops.
• Analyse what food should you never feed to a guinea pig and explain why.
• Explain what can happen if a female hamster with a litter is disturbed and how can this be avoided.