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home Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Animal care and welfare assistant - Working Dog Handler

Animal care and welfare assistant - Working Dog Handler

Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Level 2 - Technical Occupation

Looking after the routine day to day care of domestic and/or wild animals.

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Reference: OCC0397H

Status: assignment_turned_inApproved occupation

Average (median) salary: £21,372 per year

SOC 2020 code: 6129 Animal care services occupations n.e.c

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 6129/01 Animal boarding assistants
  • 3581/01 Animal health inspectors and officers
  • 5119/02 Beekeepers
  • 6129/02 Animal breeders
  • 6129/05 Animal walkers
  • 6129/06 Animal welfare workers
  • 9119/04 Milkers
  • 9119/05 Sheep shearers

Technical Education Products

ST0397:

Animal care and welfare assistant - Working Dog Handler

(Level 2)

Approved for delivery

TL0021a:

Animal care and management - Animal management and behaviour

(Level 3)

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Amazing Animals, Blue Cross, Cats Protection, 1st Choice Animals Ltd, Guide Dogs for the Blind, RSPCA, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Sequani Ltd, MRC Harwell Institute, Pet Industry Federation, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, A-Z Aminals, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Board of Great Britain, NASDU

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.

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Amazing Animals, Blue Cross, Cats Protection, 1st Choice Animals Ltd, Guide Dogs for the Blind, RSPCA, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Sequani Ltd, MRC Harwell Institute, Pet Industry Federation, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, A-Z Aminals, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Board of Great Britain, NASDU

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

Keywords:

Animal Care
Animal Care And Welfare Assistant
Animal Handling
Animal Interaction
Animals

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
K50: how the dogs’ characteristics (physical and sensory) are used by the dog to deliver the operational effect
K51: issues involving the dogs’ stress and emotional responses, i.e. how to gauge and read the theoretical and practical applications of the characteristics and how this can affect the dog’s performance in its specific role
K52: how to maintain trained behaviour to minimum operational standards
K53: individual dog body language and behaviour traits
K54: moving and transporting working dogs

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
S51: fit and maintain appropriate equipment, ensuring the dog can operate safely
S52: conduct refresher/maintenance training with the support of a helper and dog trainer at an appropriate frequency to maintain the minimum standard of operational performance.
S53: interpret the dog’s behaviour and indications and react accordingly to the operational situation
S54: ensure that the dog team (handler and dog) maintains the minimum standard of operational performance as determined by national standards or the employers’ policies and procedures
S55: operate the dog team within the legal and ethical framework associated with their employment
S56: transport working dogs

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

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

Technical Occupations

Levels 2-3

Higher Technical Occupations

Levels 4-5

Professional Occupations

Levels 6-7

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Level 2

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Level 3

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Level 5

eco

Agriculture, environmental and animal care