This course is designed for those looking after small mammals at home, in temporary boarding, or in pet shops prior to sale. It combines essential techniques in housing, feeding and cleaning small animals, with key knowledge about small animal behaviours and characteristics.
The course consists of four compulsory units, with an optional fifth unit for those looking after larger numbers of small animals within the retail environment.
There are no prerequisites for this course. We classify our courses by level to guide students towards the best course based on their experience. However, we strongly believe open study should be just that. If you’re open to challenging yourself, our tutors will be on hand to help.
You can phone or email your tutor at any point during your course –
to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.
You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5 (optional)
There are no deadlines for this course. Simply study in the comfort of your own home, and in your own time.
Distance learning is designed to be flexible, but as a guide, students who can spend 4-6 hours a week studying tend to complete a single unit within a month.
On successful completion of this course you’ll receive the Animal Care College Certificate* in Care and Management of Small Companion Animals, graded to show the standard you have reached. There are no exams.
You will also receive the Certificate of Achievement at Level 2 from ABC Awards and Certa Awards when you complete this course**.
This confirms that you have completed a validated training course at a recognised level of study.
ABC Awards and Certa Awards have long-established reputations for providing high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. ABC Awards and Certa Awards combine over 180 years of expertise.
* The Animal Care College Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.
**ABC registration fees included.
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress your career in the animal care sector, or better understand your own pet.
Once it’s completed, you may wish to further your study. If that’s the case, we’d suggest:
Caring for Animals – Rabbits
Working and Caring for Animals in Pet Shops
If you’d like to turn what you’ve learned into a career, or you’re wondering how best to apply it to your existing role, get in touch with one of our tutors, or contact our support team from 9am - 5pm.
There are no prerequisites for this course. We classify our courses by level to guide students towards the best course based on their experience. However, we strongly believe open study should be just that. If you’re open to challenging yourself, our tutors will be on hand to help.
There are two ways you can enrol
Pay the total course fee of £295 in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
or
Pay a deposit of just £70, followed by 5 instalments of £45
Or with additional retail unit
Pay the total course plus additional retail unit fee of £325 in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
or
Pay a deposit of just £75 (including additional unit fee) followed by 5 instalments of £50