Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide professional pattern and style grooming services for companion animals.
The unit applies to individuals who work in the companion animal industry sector where pattern and style grooming services are provided for companion animals at their home, or at a companion animal facility. 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. Assess grooming needs | 1.1 Establish grooming needs of animals with client 1.2 Assess animal's coat length and condition, including condition of the ears, eyes and toenails in relation to its age and breed 1.3 Check animal for parasitic infection 1.4 Check general health and temperament of animal with the client, and document 1.5 Report observations of the animal's condition to the client 1.6 Inform the client of grooming procedures and give advice regarding required maintenance regimes for the animal's coat and condition |
2. Prepare animal and grooming environment | 2.1 Determine risks associated with grooming the animal and manage according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 2.2 Identify appropriate grooming pattern and style in accordance with breed standards, client preference, health of the animal and condition of its coat 2.3 Select and prepare grooming equipment and supplies relevant for the condition of the coat, its pattern and style 2.4 Restrain the animal and handle it safely and humanely according to its age, health and breed characteristics |
3. Perform grooming services | 3.1 Carry out pre-bathing procedures, including brushing and de-matting, as required 3.2 Bathe, rinse and dry animal using appropriate bathing procedures according to workplace policies and procedures 3.3 Operate grooming equipment safely according to workplace grooming procedures and manufacturers’ instructions 3.4 Style the animal's coat as required using industry-recognised grooming techniques and according to pattern, style and client requirements 3.5 Complete additional grooming services as required |
4. Complete grooming services | 4.1 House and monitor animal until owner’s arrival 4.2 Clean grooming equipment and area and return equipment to storage, audit supplies and document 4.3 Collect and dispose of waste material according to environmental and legislative requirements 4.4 Document grooming services provided and update business records for compliance and invoicing requirements 4.5 Return animal to client, provide advice on home-grooming care 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 | Discuss and negotiate client preferences for grooming |
Sectors
Companion Animal Sector (CAS)