Animal training instructor
Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Level 4 -
Planning, managing, delivering and reviewing the training of animals.
Reference: OCC0398
Status:
SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 6129/04 Animal trainers (excludes performing animals)
- 5119/04 Falconers
Technical Education Products
Employers involved in creating the standard:
Animal Behaviour and Training Council, Guide Dogs, Dogs Trust, Ministry of Defence, British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Other stakeholders included: IAT Education, iPet Network
Summary
This occupation of Animal Training Instructor ATI is found in animal rescue, rehoming and rehabilitation centres, animal and disability charities, public service providers, security and Defence, search and rescue agencies, zoos and safari parks, commercial animal training companies and sole-providers of animal training.
The occupation varies dependent on species. The occupation enables animals to be used in different ways. This could include supporting companionship, assistance, competition, entertainment and security. In some cases, animal training is a critical addition to delivering health and welfare by enabling the animal co-operative care.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to plan, manage and deliver the humane training of animals, with particular emphasis on tailoring training to suit a diverse range of guardians and environments. The term guardian' covers owners, keepers, handlers and related stakeholders..
ATIs plan, teach and manage animal training that incorporates positive, reward based training methods. They work with guardians to help them introduce and reinforce desirable behaviours and avoid or modify undesirable behaviours. This may involve training the animal to undertake specific tasks, or more general training. They develop and adapt training plans to deliver appropriate goals at an appropriate rate. They will often train, mentor or supervise less experienced staff, colleagues or guardians.
Working patterns could involve irregular hours and operating in all weather conditions.
ATIs are required to show empathy, respect, patience, and tolerance in all situations to people and animals.
In their daily work, an ATI interacts with a diverse group of guardians and their animals. Guardians could have specific physical, emotional or medical needs and be working in complex, constrained, high-profile or dangerous environments and situations.
The ATI may be required to work with other professionals such as, behaviourists, veterinary surgeons, healthcare providers, para-professionals and colleagues to assess the animal, develop, deliver and adapt the training plan.
An ATI will be responsible for the safety and welfare of animals, guardians, other colleagues and animals and themselves. They must ensure that all training is carried out appropriately and in a suitable environment.
An ATI is responsible for ensuring the training plan is relevant, effective, fit for purpose and under continuous review.
An ATI must ensure that training complies with relevant animal welfare and veterinary legislation for example, the Animal Welfare Act 2006; Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966; Animal Welfare (Sentience) 2022.
Employers involved in creating the standard:
Animal Behaviour and Training Council, Guide Dogs, Dogs Trust, Ministry of Defence, British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Other stakeholders included: IAT Education, iPet Network
Typical job titles include:
Keywords:
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
Duties
Duty D1
Gather information and knowledge required and incorporate into training plans for animals and their guardians.
Duty D2
Assess and meet the physical, psychological and emotional needs of animals and guardians.
Duty D3
Create training plans to deliver desired animal behaviours and effects.
Duty D4
Teach guardians to train, work with and manage their animal(s) in accordance with training plans.
Duty D5
Assess the progress of animals and guardians against training plans and modify them accordingly.
Duty D6
Undertake risk assessments and manage health and safety.
Duty D7
Maintain records in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
Duty D8
Undertake continuing professional development and keep up to date with current legislation and policies.
Duty D9
Manage resources and environment to deliver efficient and effective training plans.
Duty D10
Support organisational governance and quality assurance.
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
Agriculture, environmental and animal care