ACMSPE310
Provide basic care of mammals


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify placental mammals and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.

This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for placental mammals. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.

The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.

Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.

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

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify mammals

1.1 Define the profile of placental mammals commonly held in a facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics

1.2 Identify external features using industry terminology

1.3 Classify mammals using industry-specific terminology

1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features

2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs

2.1 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour

2.2 Recognise signs of distressed mammals and report to supervisor

2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities

2.4 Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements

2.5 Implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific species

3. Catch, handle and restrain mammals

3.1 Identify WHS hazards associated with handling and restraining mammals, and implement methods to minimise risks

3.2 Select and use appropriate equipment to handle and restrain mammal

3.3 Approach and catch mammals while minimising risks to animal and others

3.4 Restrain mammals using approved animal welfare management procedures

4. Assist with health care needs

4.1 Identify signs of good health in mammals

4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor

4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement in accordance with level of job responsibility

4.4 Identify options for health enrichment activities and implement as directed by supervisor

5. Feed mammals

5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to mammal-specific feeding routines and diets

5.2 Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability

5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options

5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs

5.5 Distribute food

6. Maintain records

6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities

6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor

6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licenses and transport, where required

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 product labels accurately

Get the work done

Comply with relevant legislation requirements relating to mammals

Use problem-solving skills to prioritise daily tasks


Sectors

Species specific (SPE)