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PET CARE AAG100

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
Statement of Attainment

Study Pet Care Online

  • A foundation course for pet owners, and people working in the pet industry.
  • Written, developed, and is tutored by highly qualified and experienced professionals (including veterinary surgeons, former wildlife park manager, university lecturers).
  • Flexible, self paced, full tutor support, both on computer and field work builds a deep and broad understanding.

 

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COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

The course comprises 8 lessons as outlined, below.

Lesson 1. Introduction to Animal Care
Laws and licenses, Animal Charities and Societies (e.g. RSPCA, WSPA, Blue Cross), Pet Care Needs (feeding, watering, shelter, containment, fencing, caging, protection), Maintaining Health, Hygiene.

Lesson 2. Cats
Breeds (Lang Haired, Semi Long Haired, Short Haired, Oriental etc.), Cat Selection, Allergies, Containment, Sexing, De-sexing, Breeding, New-born Kittens, Exercise, Behaviour, Hygiene, Feed and Nutrition, Amount of Food, Watering, Grooming, Travelling, Care for a Sick Cat (Signs of illness, Temperature, Common ailments, Skin disorders, Ticks), Cats and Wildlife.

Lesson 3. Dogs
Dog Selection, Breeds (Pure and Mixed), Varying Size and Temperament, Grooming, Skin Care, Inherited Traits (aggression, deafness), Containment, Breeding, De-sexing, Exercise, Behaviour, Feeding, Canine Nutrition, Bones, Watering, Training, Travelling, Identifying Sickness.

Lesson 4. Birds
Bird Selection, Breeds (e.g. Canaries, Finches, Budgerigars, Small Parrots etc.), Sexing, De-sexing, Containment (Aviaries – selection, design, size, management),
Feed and Feeding, Watering, Grooming (Wing trim, Beak Trim, Nail Trim), Hygiene, Catching and Restraining, Travelling, Caring for the Sick Bird, Signs of Illness, Temperature, Supportive Therapy, Common Ailments (e.g. Abscesses, Alopecia, Apoplexy, Aspergillosis, Breathlessness, Constipation, Parasites), Safety in the Home.

Lesson 5. Fish
Fish Selection, Inside or Outside, Warm or Cold Water, Number of Fish, Types of Fish (Tropical, Marine, Cold Water), Costs, Size, Equipment (Tanks, Ponds, Pumps, Aquariums, Night lights), Water Quality, Changing Water, Feed (Pelleted, Live Feed – Daphnia, Brine Shrimp), Illnesses (Fungal, Bacterial, Parasites, Environmental).

Lesson 6. Rabbits
Rabbit Breeds (Large, Small and Dwarf), Selection, Legality (Illegal in some areas), Containment (Hutch or Cage), Environment (Temperature etc.), Feeding, Nutrition, Watering, Feed Quantities and Routine, Grooming, Handling, Moulting, Transporting, Sexing, Breeding, Identifying illness (Coccidiosis, Snuffles, Myxomatosis, Sore Hocks, Pasteurellosis, Ear Canker, Heat Stroke, Cannibalism, Circovirus Disease),
Care of Sick Rabbits

Lesson 7. Reptiles and Amphibians
Types (e.g. Salamander, Frogs, Venomous Snakes, Non-venomous Snakes, Shingle-backed Lizard, Tortoises, Terrapins, Axolotls, etc.), Selection, Legal Issues, Housing, Environmental Requirements (Moisture, Humidity, Warmth, etc.), Terrariums, Problems (e.g. Dehydration, Stress, External and internal parasites, Blisters, Scale Rot, Mouth Rot or Canker, Colds/pneumonia, Constipation and Diarrhoea, Cannibalism, Incomplete sloughing of the skin - shedding of the skin), Feed and Feeding, General Care.

Lesson 8. Guinea Pigs, Hamsters and Mice
Varieties, Selection, Containment, Sexing, Breeding, Grooming, Feeding, Watering, Illness (e.g. Skin Problems, Abscesses, Mites, Ringworm, Fleas, Respiratory Infection, Vitamin C Deficiency, Otitis, Salmonella, Stripping etc).

 

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

Course Duration: 100 hours.

Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.

         

LESSON AIMS

  • Discuss the general principles of pet care, as they relate to a wide range of different types of pets.
  • Describe routine care for cats. Compare the characteristics of different cat breeds.
  • Describe routine care for dogs.
  • Compare the characteristics of different dog breeds.
  • Describe routine care for birds as pets.
  • Describe routine care for fish · Describe routine care for rabbits as pets.
  • Describe routine care for reptiles and amphibians.
  • Describe routine care for rodent pets.


WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE

  • Develop timetables for husbandry tasks to be undertaken over a typical week, caring for a specific breed of animals.
  • Recognize things that indicate a dog is sick – diet and temperament.
  • Develop a checklist of things which should be done regularly to ensure the good health for pets.
  • Determine things a person should consider when trying to decide what type of pet to acquire.
  • Compare the requirements and restrictions for keeping different animals as pets in your locality.
  • Discuss the advantages/disadvantages of keeping different types of cats.
  • Explain why is it particularly important to de-sex cats and when de-sexing should be carried out.
  • Discuss the nutritional requirements of a cat, and identify the cause of N.S.H., and its early signs.
  • Describe problems associated with long haired dogs.
  • Discuss a dog’s sleeping requirements if it lives in a temperate climate.
  • Explain problems can arise through over feeding a dog.
  • Identify ideal diet for a dog.
  • Explain why puppies under 6 months should be allowed to exercise themselves.
  • Determine common signs of a general disease condition in a dog.
  • Explain why birds moult.
  • Discuss the characteristics of large, open aviaries, and all their requirements.
  • Discuss how a small bird should be caught in its cage.
  • Explain what breathlessness indicates in a bird.
  • Discuss factors are common in the care of all fish.
  • Explain why it is important to maintain the correct level of oxygen in water for fish.
  • Discuss differences in requirements for caring for salt water fish compared with freshwater fish.
  • Explain the handling, caging, feeding and other aspects of rabbit care.
  • Discuss different colours and breeds of rabbits.
  • Discuss the environmental/caging needs of all reptiles.
  • Discuss the feeding requirements of reptiles.
  • Explain the handling of reptiles.
  • Discuss the care of both sick and healthy amphibians and reptiles.
  • Explain how to determine the sex of a guinea pig, and the age do they reach sexual maturity.
  • Explain the temperature to keep guinea pigs at, and what happens if the temperature drops.
  • Explain the feed and nutritional needs of rodents.
  • Discuss what can happen if a female hamster with a litter is disturbed.
  • Explain how many litters a year could a female mouse produce if not prevented from doing so.
  • Explain health and disease problems associated with mice

Pet Care is an excellent foundation course for anyone who works with animals, or who wants to, and a great course for people interested in their pets.

 

Who Should Study This Course?

This course is suitable for different people including:

  • Veterinary assistants
  • Pet shop workers
  • Pet supplies workers
  • Animal breeders
  • Pet owners
  • Anyone interested in pat animals

Study with us to develop your pet care skills.

LEARN MORE.
If you have any QUESTIONS, please, contact us - use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to get in touch with our specialist animal and pet tutors. Choosing the right course is important and they are there to help and advise you on the making the right choice.
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Alison Pearce (animal)B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Masters Degree in Ecotourism. P.G.Cert. Ed. (Science). Alison's first job was in 1982 as a stockwoman, working with pigs in Yorkshire. Within a few years she of that she was working for the University of Western Australia as a Research Technician and instructor with their school of Agricultural Science.In 1989 she moved to Melbourne University as Unit Manager and Instructor in Animal Husbandry. By the mid 1990's she moved back to England to work in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing at Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture. Throughout her career, Alison has developed and delivered courses in veterinary nursing and animal sciences for vocational colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand and Australia. She has built a high level of expertise and an outstanding international reputation as an expert in animal sciences.
Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.
Cheryl McLardyA scientist, teacher, writer and animal scientist, with more than 20 years experience including: Sports Horse Stud Groom, Stable Manager, Yard Manager, Equine industrial Training Manager, FE Distance Learning Manager. Cheryl has travelled widely, working in England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand; and is now based in Scotland. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), Higher National Diploma in Horse Management, and a City and Guilds Teaching Certificate.
Marius Erasmus Subsequent to completing a BSc (Agric) degree in animal science, Marius completed an honours degree in wildlife management, and a masters degree in production animal physiology. Following the Masters degree, he has worked for 9 years in the UK, and South Africa in wildlife management, dairy, beef and poultry farming.


Check out our eBooks

Animal HealthUnderstand animal health issues, diseases and how identify and manage illnesses and injuries. Animals can become sick for many different reasons -diseases caused by infections, injuries, poisoning, genetic disorders, poor nutrition and other things.
Caring for DogsA book for both students and dog owners. This book has been designed to complement our dog care and pet care courses; but also to provide a sound foundation for choosing the right breed, and caring for a dog whether as a pet, or a working animal. Contents cover Breeds, Creating a healthy home for dogs, legal issues, dog biology, recognising poor health, parasites, illnesses, nutrition, reproduction, dog psychology, behavioural development, training tips, behaviour problems, grooming, working in the dog industry, and more.
Horse CareThis book is an accumulation of information from biology, agricultural science and veterinary medicine. It looks to explore and explain the fundamentals of appropriate horse care aims and techniques. In doing so it will consider horsemanship as a combination of art and science.
PoultryPoultry are entertaining as pets and life sustaining as a commercial product! Whether you are seeking a book as a beginner poultry keeper or if you are embarking on a new career in poultry production or management, this book is for you. Easy to read, easy to understand and packed with easy to implement practical advice. Know how to care for the health and wellbeing of poultry and make production a commercially viable enterprise.