BTEC First Award in Animal Care

Do you love animals? Are you looking to work with them in a cattery, kennel, pet shop or rescue centre?

If so, we’ve got a fantastic course for you at Plumpton College, where you’ll learn about household pets, exotics and large animals. You can look forward to plenty of practical, hands-on experience with our animals on-site, alongside learning the theory you’ll need to succeed in your future role. This course is designed to give you experience in animal care, working with household pets, exotics and large animals. You will spend one day a week on work experience, with three or four days at College divided between practical and theory sessions. The course is ideal for those wishing to develop a career in kennels, catteries, pet shops or rescue centres, or to progress onto the Subsidiary Diploma or Extended Diploma in Animal Management, subject to achieving Distinction grades.

This introductory course combines scientific knowledge with practical animal care. You’ll learn how to support animal health and welfare, understand behaviour and handle a range of species safely and confidently.

What you’ll learn

Topics include:

• Animal health – recognising signs of good and poor health and monitoring animals
• Animal welfare – understanding animal needs, welfare legislation and responsible care
• Animal behaviour – exploring normal and abnormal behaviour and animal communication
• Animal handling – developing safe handling and restraint techniques

You’ll combine classroom learning with practical experience, building a strong foundation for progression to Level 2 or Level 3 animal care programmes and future employment in the animal industry.

Assessment takes place throughout the programme through a combination of external assessment, written assignments and practical activities.

Animal Health – an externally set examination

Animal Welfare – internally assessed assignments

Animal Behaviour – internally assessed assignments and activities

Animal Handling – practical activities and observations demonstrating safe, appropriate handling skills

You’ll be assessed through written work, practical tasks and the application of your knowledge. Regular attendance and participation are important so you can demonstrate your understanding and practical skills.

4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above to include English or Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English or Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1

The First Award provides a foundation for further study in animal care. Depending on your achievement, English and maths results, attendance and overall readiness, you may progress to the Level 2 Technical Diploma.

The course also provides useful preparation for apprenticeships, volunteering and entry-level opportunities within the animal sector.