Take Your Animal and Pet Care Skills to the Next Level

Module 1: Pet Care

1. Introduction to Animal Care
2. Cats
3. Dogs
4. Birds
5. Fish
6. Rabbits
7. Reptiles and Amphibians
8. Guinea Pigs, Hamsters and Mice

This module is specifically designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in caring for various pets. Starting with an introduction to general animal care, the module then delves into the specific needs and care requirements of different pets, including cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits, reptiles and amphibians, as well as small mammals like guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice. Throughout this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique aspects of caring for each type of pet, equipping you with the necessary skills to provide the best care and maintain the health and well-being of a diverse range of animal companions.

Module 2: Animal Behaviour

1. Introduction: Influences and Motivation
2. Genetics and Behaviour
3. Animal Perception and Behaviour
4. Behaviour and the Environment
5. Social Behaviour
6. Instinct and Learning
7. Handling Animals
8. Behavioural Problems

Explore an in-depth exploration into the factors influencing animal behaviour, including genetics, environmental impacts, and social dynamics. This module comprehensively explains how various elements like animal perception, instincts, and learning shape behavior. You will learn about the intricacies of handling animals and addressing behavioural problems, equipping you with the skills to interpret and manage a range of behaviours effectively. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to enhance their ability to care for animals and respond appropriately to their behavioural needs.

Module 3: Wildlife Management

1. Introduction to Wildlife Management
2. Wildlife Ecology
3. Wildlife Habitats
4. Population Dynamics
5. Carrying Capacity
6. Wildlife Censuses
7. Wildlife Management Techniques
8. Wildlife Management Law and Administration
9. Wildlife Management Case Study
10. Research Project

Designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective wildlife conservation and management, this module covers various critical topics, including wildlife ecology, habitat management, population dynamics, and carrying capacity. You will learn about conducting wildlife censuses and the various techniques used in wildlife management.

Additionally, the module delves into the legal and administrative aspects of wildlife management and culminates with a case study research project, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field essential for anyone working with or caring for wildlife.

Module 4: Animal Welfare

1. Scope and Nature of Animal Welfare
2. Psychology and Sentience
3. Managing Animal Welfare
4. Animal Protection Services
5. Animal Rescue Services
6. Animal Health Services
7. Animal Welfare for Pets, Work Animals and Animals in Sport
8. Animal Welfare for Farm Animals
9. Animal Welfare for Wildlife: Free and Captive

Gain a thorough understanding of how to manage animal welfare effectively, covering topics such as animal protection services, animal rescue and health services. This module also extends to exploring animal welfare considerations across various contexts, including pets, work animals, animals in sport, farm animals, and wildlife in both free and captive environments. This module equips you with the knowledge to recognize and address welfare needs across a diverse range of animal populations, ensuring informed decisions and actions in the field of animal care and welfare.

Module 5: Primatology

1. Introduction To Primates – Scope, Nature, Anatomy & Physiology, Evolution And Taxonomy
2. The Strepsirhines
3. The Haplorhines
4. Diet And Nutrition Re Environment Feed And Supplements In A Nature Park Environment
5. Health - Illness Pests And Diseases Specific To Above
6. Primate Behaviour In The Wild
7. Psychological Wellbeing In Primates In Captivity
8. Breeding Programmes And Optimum Resources Needed For This
9. Conservation In The Wild - Of Individual Breeds
10. Managing Primates In Captivity

You'll learn everything you need to know about primates, their nature, physiology, taxonomy, evolution, diet and nutrition, particularly in a nature park environment, and explore their health challenges. You’ll also learn about their behaviour in the wild, their psychological well-being in captivity, and the essentials of breeding programs and conservation efforts for individual breeds. Managing primates in captivity is also a key component, providing practical knowledge for those working in zoological settings.

This course may be of interest to people working or aspiring to work in or as:

• Animal Shelters
• Veterinary services
• Pet Boarding
• Wildlife Shelters
• Pet Shops
• Pet-Minding

• All the required study materials and course notes.
• One-on-one mentor and a student support advisor available to you 5 days a week.
• Upon course completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, and a Statement of Attainment for each module completed.