Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, implement, monitor and review enrichment strategies for companion animals, and to communicate the strategies to staff members.
This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry, where it is necessary to develop and provide enrichment activities for animals in various companion animal sectors, including but not restricted to pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries, dog and cat breeding establishments, veterinary clinics, stables, captive animal establishments and properties on acreage that house companion animals. This unit applies to individuals who 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. Develop enrichment strategies | 1.1 Conduct research and consultation to determine appropriate strategies for particular animals and breeds 1.2 Develop enrichment strategies against known animal behaviour and traits 1.3 Incorporate animal welfare and WHS requirements into strategies as appropriate 1.4 Develop organisational procedures for enrichment according to the profile of animals 1.5 Align behavioural management budget allocation to short-term and longer-term strategies |
2. Implement enrichment programs | 2.1 Communicate enrichment strategies and procedures to staff, and provide training as necessary 2.2 Adjust animal husbandry regimes to incorporate enrichment strategies 2.3 Provide assistance to staff in implementing physical, social and food-related enrichment programs appropriate to the target species 2.4 Supervise staff members providing enrichment to animals according to workplace policies and procedures 2.5 Assess short-term management of animals exhibiting undesirable behaviour, and implement corrections |
3. Monitor and review enrichment strategies | 3.1 Monitor responses to implementation of enrichment strategy to determine their effects on animals, and document 3.2 Investigate and evaluate adverse consequences to an enrichment strategy 3.3 Collate enrichment program modification suggestions in consultation with staff, and implement where appropriate 3.4 Update short-term and longer-term enrichment strategies in line with review findings, and document 3.5 Align organisation behavioural management budget allocation to reviewed and updated strategies |
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 | Consult with experts about companion animal behaviours and appropriate methods of enrichment for those breeds Explain strategies and procedures to staff and engage their cooperation |
Reading | Research texts about breeds and their behaviours |
Sectors
Companion Animal Sector (CAS)