Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Animal care and welfare assistant - Animal Interaction and Handling
Looking after the routine day to day care of domestic and/or wild animals.
Summary
Animal Care and Welfare Assistants look after the routine day to day husbandry and care of domestic and/or wild animals under guidance in a variety of different settings. The work is carried out individually or as part of a team in places such as kennels and catteries, laboratories, animal welfare centres, farm parks, rehabilitation centres, retail outlets and in the transportation of animals. Animal Care and Welfare Assistants must have a strong work ethic and be prepared to work irregular hours in all weather conditions. They must maintain safe working practices and taking responsibility for themselves, animals and others. Typical job roles include: kennel/cattery assistant; animal technician, animal welfare assistant; animal day care assistant; animal collection officer; wildlife rehabilitation assistant; zoo keeper assistant, pet retail assistant, animal handler, veterinary care assistant, farm park assistant.
Typical job titles include
- animal collection officer | animal day care assistant | animal handler | animal technician | animal welfare assistant | farm park assistant | kennel/cattery assistant | pet retail assistant | veterinary care assistant | wildlife rehabilitation assistant | zoo keeper assistant
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
UK and EU Animal related legislation
K2:
current legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines, Codes of Practice and ethics relevant to the workplace and the health and welfare of animals
K3:
the species/breeds specific to your role and common characteristics
K4:
signs that indicate potential problems with animals’ health and welfare and the actions that should be taken
K5:
the types of basic medication, routes of administering medication, safe handling and disposal of medication
K6:
animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care
K7:
accommodation and environment requirements that are suitable and safe for animals
K8:
the use of different cleaning materials and equipment
K9:
feeding, watering and basic nutrition and characteristics of foodstuffs
K10:
how to safely approach/handle/restrain/move animals
K11:
the behaviours of the animal, applicable to the species and how it impacts its care and welfare such as stress/distress/pain/fear/frustration
K12:
how the animal you are working with learns and the basic principles of re-enforcement techniques
K13:
how an animal’s natural behaviour impacts its diet and feeding patterns
K14:
the different methods required to meet the animals’ need for enrichment/exercise opportunities, appropriate to species and individual animal
K15:
different skin and coat care requirements of animals in their care
K16:
basic anatomy and physiology
K17:
basic reproduction and obstetrics and reproductive behaviour, including neutering
K18:
Data Protection and records in line with legislation, codes of practice and workplace requirements
K19:
the importance of the human and animal bond
K20:
the changing needs of animals’ dependent on their life stage
K21:
basic awareness of capture techniques
K22:
hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine, zoonoses, anthroponosis, isolation protocols
K23:
the preparation of animals for interaction/handling, depending on the animal, the environment and the interaction/handling activities to be undertaken
K24:
signs which indicate mental and physical condition of the animal in response to handling/interactions
K25:
the importance of accurately assessing animal behaviour and welfare before, during and after interactions/handling activities
K26:
the importance of positive reinforcement to the animal and how to provide it
K27:
the monitoring, reporting and recording processes relating to animal responses and animal welfare during interaction and handling
Technical Educational Products
- ST0397: Animal care and welfare assistant - Animal Interaction and Handling (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0397A
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £21,537 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 6129 Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 6129/99 Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
S1:
comply with UK and EU Animal related legislation
S2:
work effectively in a safe and healthy working environment following current / relevant health and safety legislation and work place policies
S3:
identify and report potential hazards and breaches of security within animal accommodation/enclosures
S4:
clean and maintain animal accommodation/enclosures/environment and equipment and provide appropriate resources including species specific enrichment (e.g. hiding, perches and areas to dig)
S5:
maintain hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine and isolation
S6:
dispose of waste in a safe and appropriate manner in line with legislative and workplace requirements
S7:
store, use and administer medication in line with legislative and veterinary instructions as appropriate
S8:
monitor, record and report the health and welfare of animals in line with animal welfare legislation and workplace policies
S9:
observe and be aware of the behaviour of animals and take appropriate actions
S10:
approach/handle/restrain/move/recapture animals as part of routine husbandry appropriate for the species and individual
S11:
exercise/socialise animals and provide appropriate enrichment relevant to their specific needs
S12:
provide appropriate care, for example coat, skin, scales, plumage and feet to ensure good health and appearance
S13:
provide food and water to animals and monitor the intake
S14:
store and care for foodstuffs
S15:
identify and describe animals using appropriate methods to the species involved (e.g. scanning for microchips)
S16:
maintain, update and reference correct records in accordance with current legislation
S17:
deliver customer experience (internal and external), where applicable, in line with workplace policies and procedures
S18:
respond to animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care requirements as appropriate
S19:
Beyond routine animal husbandry as listed in the core i.e. for animals with specific needs, unknown or unpredictable behaviour: i.e. animals recovering from routine operations such as neutering, or who may be obese, pregnant or fearful. Behaviour such as barking or pulling on the lead or who react unpredictably when meeting other animals.
S20:
follow a prepared interaction/handling plan to prepare the animal and resources required i.e. muzzle, collar leads, harnesses, head collars, crush cage, grasper, snake hook, hoods
S21:
undertake interaction/handling activities and use methods such as desensitisation and socialisation in accordance with the interaction/handling plan
S22:
handle the animal throughout the interaction/handling to promote the animal’s health, normal behaviour and physical and emotional welfare
S23:
monitor, report and record the response and welfare of the animal throughout interaction/handling activities
S24:
apply techniques which take into account the animal’s welfare and emotional wellbeing, such as positive reinforcement to interact/handle the animal
Technical Educational Products
- ST0397: Animal care and welfare assistant - Animal Interaction and Handling (Level 2) Approved for delivery
Technical education progression
- Reference:
- OCC0397A
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £21,537 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 6129 Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 6129/99 Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
B1:
Maintain safe working practices, which must be adhered to at all times with constant situational awareness and adaptability to ensure safety of the animal(s), themselves and others. Have the ability to work efficiently to meet time deadlines and workplace requirements.
B2:
Have a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn. Be respectful, punctual, reliable, trustworthy and diligent and prepared to work irregular hours, in all weathers. Take a pride in their work, showing commitment and loyalty, whilst conducting themselves in a professional manner.
B3:
Have responsibility for themselves, others and the animal(s) in their care, showing respect, empathy, patience and tolerance in all situations. Work with methods that reduce any risk of physical injury and emotional stress to animal(s), themselves or others. Manage your own emotional wellbeing and resilience. Accurately report any concerns, incidents and abnormalities.
B4:
Have the ability to work both individually and as part of a diverse team as required, understanding their role and changing priorities when the situation dictates. Show respect to their fellow workers.
B5:
Respect the need for confidentiality and adhere to data protection policies. Communicate effectively with colleagues, visitors and customers/clients. Demonstrate good interpersonal and active listening skills. Know when to ask for advice or guidance.
B6:
Professional and ethical responsibilities and the values of your work place. The limits of your own authority, expertise, training, competence and experience. Industry knowledge, respect and empathy for animals. Awareness of new ideas and openness to develop skills and new ways of working. Use social media responsibly. The legal duty of care under animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice and other relevant legislation affecting the keeping of animals
Technical Educational Products
- ST0397: Animal care and welfare assistant - Animal Interaction and Handling (Level 2) Approved for delivery Technical education progression
- Reference:
- OCC0397A
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £21,537 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 6129 Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 6129/99 Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
