Elements and Performance Criteria
- Promote responsible pet ownership
- Interpret animal behaviour
- Identify anatomy and physiology as it relates to the stress response and behaviour management in animals
- Review animal learning theory and identify current techniques in behavioural management
- Provide appropriate environment and enrichment to promote and support normal behaviour in species
- Investigate socialising, environmental and activity behaviours in different species
- Determine a range of acceptable and unacceptable animal behaviours in different species
- Collect patient histories and identify a range of normal and abnormal behaviours in different species
- Assess the physical and social environment of the patient
- Assess risks or hazards to patient, other animals, self, owner, staff and public
- Inform the veterinarian of identified behavioural issues
- Facilitate behavioural consults
- Coordinate appropriate actions to reduce risk according to WHS requirements and practice policies as directed by veterinarian
- Assist in providing an appropriate environment for each behaviour consultation to occur
- Provide nursing support for behavioural consultations
- Provide appropriate behavioural advice as directed by veterinarian
- Prepare behavioural medications according to legislative requirements and as prescribed or directed by the veterinarian
- Provide after care for behavioural cases
- Design behaviour modification plan for patients using current humane methods that complies with legislative requirements
- Educate clients on behaviour management and implementation of behaviour modification plans
- Follow up and review behaviour modification plans in response to patient outcomes and progress with veterinarian
- Provide grief support to clients as required