Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage compliance within the companion animal industry, including the provision of high-level advice to clients on companion animal management and housing needs, maintaining external relationships, and keeping records.
This unit applies to individuals working in the companion animal industry sector including pet and aquarium shops, boarding kennels and catteries, companion animal training, grooming or breeding establishments and mobile animal facilities. These individuals analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
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. Provide high-level advice on companion animals | 1.1 Assess needs of client and animal needs 1.2 Provide advice on behaviour management for particular species and breeds 1.3 Provide advice on special dietary requirements, including food and water |
2. Manage animals in accordance with relevant codes of practice and legislative requirements | 2.1 Provide appropriate housing and equipment to animals kept on the premises in accordance with the physical, behavioural and social requirements of each animal 2.2 Develop, document and promote policies and procedures for animal management, WHS, security and environmentally sustainable work practices 2.3 Develop appropriate nutritional strategies for the range of animals kept on the premises 2.4 Arrange monitoring and care of young, sick or injured animals 2.5 Implement effective waste management strategies |
3. Provide advice on legislative requirements | 3.1 Provide advice on local council and companion animal legislative requirements 3.2 Provide advice on relocation options and disposal of dead animals according to legislative requirements 3.3 Provide advice on companion animal agencies 3.4 Provide advice on transportation and quarantine requirements |
4. Manage external relationships | 4.1 Conduct consultations and maintain relationships with veterinarians 4.2 Maintain relationships with suppliers, relevant industry associations and other stakeholders |
5. Maintain records | 5.1 Maintain records of medication and treatments provided to animals 5.2 Manage trading in animals that are subject to regulatory control 5.3 Report illness, disease or death in animals according to legislative requirements and industry standards |
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 |
Reading | Identify explicit information about companion animals, and their requirements for upkeep |
Oral communication | Discuss issues and provide clear advice and information Ask questions to clarify client concerns and information needs |
Sectors
Companion Animal Sector (CAS)