Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide animal grooming services for companion animals. It addresses the requirements to maintain and restore animal comfort within an established grooming environment.
This unit is applicable to individuals who work in the companion animal industry sector where grooming services are provided under supervision. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised. This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish client requirements | 1.1 Identify breed type grooming characteristics 1.2 Establish animal profile 1.3 Evaluate animal condition 1.4 Establish owner's desired outcome |
2. Plan grooming routine | 2.1 Determine and minimise the risks associated with grooming the nominated animal according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 2.2 Consider time limitations, budget and available facilities in preparing grooming plan individual animal requirements 2.3 Confirm grooming plan with supervisor based on animal and client needs 2.4 Prepare grooming equipment and supplies |
3. Groom animals | 3.1 Restrain animal for grooming, and monitor for signs of distress 3.2 Implement grooming techniques used to address matted or knotted coat 3.3 Groom coat to meet owner’s desired outcome 3.4 Implement techniques used to clip or file nails |
4. Trim coat for animal comfort | 4.1 Select and prepare tools to be used for coat trimming 4.2 Identify risks associated with using coat trimming equipment and minimise risks according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 4.3 Trim coat to restore animal comfort 4.4 Remove hair from ears and around eyes and feet to meet owner’s requirements and to ensure animal comfort 4.5 Bathe and dry animal to industry standard |
5. Complete grooming and trimming procedures | 5.1 House and monitor animal until owner arrives 5.2 Clean grooming equipment and area and return to storage, audit supplies and document 5.3 Collect waste material and dispose of according to environmental and legislative requirements 5.4 Document grooming services for invoicing 5.5 Review grooming plan with supervisor 5.6 Return animal to owner and discuss any follow up requirements |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Oral communication | Determine client expectations and discuss grooming options |
Writing | Document outcomes on grooming plan |
Numeracy | Shampoo dilution rates |
Reading | Review and comprehend product information on shampoo and other products |
Sectors
Companion Animal Sector (CAS)