Level 2 Animal Care Welfare Assistant

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. Individuals will need to achieve the core skills and knowledge, behaviours and one option from the following list: Options: Animal Interaction and Handling, Rehoming; Movement and Transportation; Operational/Reception Duties; Breeding; Working Dog Handler; Wildlife Rehabilitation, Veterinary Care Support. Knowledge (Core) An Animal Care and Welfare Assistant will require a comprehensive understanding of: UK and EU Animal related legislation current legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines, Codes of Practice and ethics relevant to the workplace and the health and welfare of animals the species/breeds specific to your role and common characteristics signs that indicate potential problems with animals� health and welfare and the actions that should be taken the types of basic medication, routes of administering medication, safe handling and disposal of medication animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care accommodation and environment requirements that are suitable and safe for animals the use of different cleaning materials and equipment feeding, watering and basic nutrition and characteristics of foodstuffs how to safely approach/handle/restrain/move animals the behaviours of the animal, applicable to the species and how it impacts its care and welfare such as stress/distress/pain/fear/frustration how the animal you are working with learns and the basic principles of re-enforcement techniques how an animal�s natural behaviour impacts its diet and feeding patterns the different methods required to meet the animals� need for enrichment/exercise opportunities, appropriate to species and individual animal different skin and coat care requirements of animals in their care basic anatomy and physiology basic reproduction and obstetrics and reproductive behaviour, including neutering Data Protection and records in line with legislation, codes of practice and workplace requirements the importance of the human and animal bond the changing needs of animals� dependent on their life stage basic awareness of capture techniques hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine, zoonoses, anthroponosis, isolation protocols Skills (Core) An Animal Care and Welfare Assistant will be able to: comply with UK and EU Animal related legislation work effectively in a safe and healthy working environment following current / relevant health and safety legislation and work place policies identify and report potential hazards and breaches of security within animal accommodation/enclosures 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) maintain hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine and isolation dispose of waste in a safe and appropriate manner in line with legislative and workplace requirements store, use and administer medication in line with legislative and veterinary instructions as appropriate monitor, record and report the health and welfare of animals in line with animal welfare legislation and workplace policies observe and be aware of the behaviour of animals and take appropriate actions approach/handle/restrain/move/recapture animals as part of routine husbandry appropriate for the species and individual exercise/socialise animals and provide appropriate enrichment relevant to their specific needs provide appropriate care, for example coat, skin, scales, plumage and feet to ensure good health and appearance provide food and water to animals and monitor the intake store and care for foodstuffs identify and describe animals using appropriate methods to the species involved (e.g. scanning for microchips) maintain, update and reference correct records in accordance with current legislation deliver customer experience (internal and external), where applicable, in line with workplace policies and procedures respond to animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care requirements as appropriate