Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct animal care work practices with consideration to animal needs in an ethical and humane manner.
This unit is applicable to new entrants to the animal care and management industry. Animal care may occur in a wide variety of workplaces, including retail pet stores, kennels and catteries, shelters, veterinary practices, zoos, animal research facilities and others.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
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. Contribute to a productive work environment | 1.1 Collect and interpret information on working in the industry, including employment terms and conditions 1.2 Perform personal work practices to contribute positively to quality, productivity and effective relationships in the work environment 1.3 Comply with industry and workplace-specific management structures and lines of reporting 1.4 Follow work schedule according to workplace policies and procedures 1.5 Perform job-specific work practices and comply with the principles of ethical conduct, WHS guidelines, environmental processes and industry best practice 1.6 Observe and understand the need for workplace confidentiality |
2. Recognise animals in the workplace | 2.1 Identify a range of animals according to workplace requirements that are commonly found in the workplace 2.2 Describe animals using identifiable characteristics |
3. Use industry terminology | 3.1 Interpret and use industry terminology related to work personnel, equipment and work practices 3.2 Use language style, terminology and manner appropriate to the audience |
4. Incorporate animal needs in conduct of work practices | 4.1 Identify and follow workplace procedures relevant to animal care work 4.2 Complete work routines with consideration of animal health and wellbeing priorities 4.3 Handle and interact with animal with due consideration to the risks and the social and behavioural characteristics of the species 4.4 Comply with hygiene protocols to ensure animal health 4.5 Follow security protocols to ensure animal safety |
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 | Interpret detail in work schedule |
Sectors
General Animal Studies (GAS)