The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care is an online course for people who want to develop their knowledge and skills in animal care, while working or volunteering in a suitable animal care environment.

You can study online without attending College, making it easier to fit your studies around work and other commitments. During the course, you will learn about the health, welfare and care of a range of small animals.

Key facts

• Study method: Online distance learning
• College attendance: None required
• Duration: 12 months
• Start date: Start at any time
• Location: Study from the UK or overseas
• Support: You will have a distance learning tutor to support you throughout the course

Please note: The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 apply in England. Requirements for working in animal care may be different in other countries.

If you have any questions about the course please contact us.

Course content

You will study seven units:

• Unit 201 – Maintain animal health and welfare
• Unit 202 – Undertake practical animal feeding
• Unit 203 – Maintain animal accommodation
• Unit 204 – Undertake work related experience
• Unit 205 – Understand the principles of animal biology
• Unit 206 – Principles and practices of animal behaviour and handling
• Unit 210 – Introduction to animal breeds and grooming

You should allow at least 5–6 hours per week for studying during the course.

You will complete written assignments and practical assessments. Assignments are submitted online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Your practical assessments will take place during your work experience and will be supported by your workplace mentor.

Please note: The laws and regulations covered in this course are UK-based and may differ from those in your country.

Entry Requirements

To study this course, you will need to:

• Have a job or voluntary work placement in a suitable animal care environment before applying, as you will need to complete at least 150 hours of practical work experience (a minimum of 4 hours per week) in order to achieve the qualification.*
• Have access to at least three animal species for practical assessment. This must include dogs and cats, plus either small animals (rabbits or rodents) or exotics or large mammals (goats, camelids, donkeys, pigs or other available large mammals).
• Have a mentor with at least two years of relevant industry experience or a relevant Level 2 qualification or above
• Be able to read and write English, as the course is delivered in English
• Have a good level of Maths and basic computer skills
• Have access to a PC or laptop with a reliable internet connection for online learning

*Your job or voluntary placement could be in, for example, a rescue centre, pet shop which has animals for sale or a boarding kennels/cattery. You are able to have more than one work placement during the course to gain this experience.

Please note: Placements in wildlife hospitals or rescue centres that work only with wild animals are not usually suitable. Veterinary practice placements may be accepted, but these are considered individually and may need to be combined with another animal care placement.

Fees

Course fee for UK students: £1,750
Course fee for overseas students: £2,375
Awarding Body fee: £136.10*

Course fees must be paid in full before the course begins.

*The awarding body fee is payable by all students or employers. It is charged at cost and may change.