BTEC Technical Diploma 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 here on campus, 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.

Gain the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to care for animals and take your first steps towards a rewarding career in the animal care industry.

This engaging programme combines practical experience with classroom learning, giving you the opportunity to work with a range of animal species while developing greater independence and responsibility.

You will learn about:

• Animal health and welfare
• Animal biology
• Feeding and nutrition
• Animal behaviour
• Safe handling and restraint
• Maintaining animal accommodation
• Working safely in an animal care environment
• Practical skills for employment

With a strong focus on practical learning and employability, you will apply your knowledge through hands-on animal care, classroom study and work experience. The course is an excellent stepping stone towards Level 3 animal programmes, apprenticeships or employment in the animal care sector.

Assessment takes place throughout the programme, giving you regular opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge, practical skills and progress. You will be assessed through a combination of external examinations, written assignments, practical observations and vocational activities.

External examinations

Two units are assessed through externally set examinations:

• Animal Health
• Animal Welfare

Practical and internal assessments

Other units are assessed through a variety of engaging activities, including:

• Written assignments and reports
• Worksheets and case studies
• Observed practical tasks
• Practical animal handling and husbandry
• Maintaining clean, safe and suitable animal accommodation
• Vocational activities based on real animal care situations

You will build confidence by applying what you learn in the classroom to hands-on animal care. Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, so regular attendance, good organisation and meeting deadlines are important to help you succeed.

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

On successful completion, you could progress to a range of Level 3 Animal Management programmes at Plumpton College, including the T Level in Animal Science or the T Level in Animal Behaviour, subject to meeting the relevant entry and progression requirements.

The programme also helps prepare you for apprenticeships and employment across the animal care industry, including roles in:

• Animal care
• Kennels and catteries
• Animal charities
• Pet care
• Other animal-related businesses

Whether you want to continue your studies or move into employment, this course will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to take your next step.