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Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

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Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare (RQF)

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OUR PASS RATE
Animal Care & Veterinary Science (National Average 74.9%)
86.8%

Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare (RQF)

Key Points

  • Gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to look after small animals
  • Learn how to identify injury and illnesses
  • This Ofqual regulated qualification meets the DEFRA Animal Activity Licensing Regulations
  • Complete the qualification at your own pace
  • Benefit from flexible learning to work around current work and family commitments

Overview

The Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare is designed to combine your interest in animals with an understanding of animal health and welfare. 

You’ll learn how to care for a range of small, companion animals. This will include the fundamentals of treating wounds and injuries, identifying stings and insect bites and other problems. 

Throughout the course, you’ll develop key skills to help identify animal behaviours and assess their needs. You will also learn about animal welfare legislation and codes of practice to ensure you deliver the best care.  

The course allows you to understand the best practices for animal care, whether you want to start a career in animal care, or simply want to take better care of your pets 

Once you have completed your qualification you’ll be able to apply for job roles within the animal care sector.  

Getting Started 

At learndirect, you’re able to progress with your learning without impacting on your current schedule. Online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best. 

You can plan your learning around your existing commitments, easing the stress of juggling work, home life and study. 

What’s more, the course material is all online, so you can start studying from the moment you have enrolled. You can log in to the student portal at a time that suits you best.  

Throughout the course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the core elements of small animal care. As well as gain the expertise to seek out employment within the animal care sector. 

Modules

The course' consists of 2 compulsory units.

Unit 1: Small Animal First Aid 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the principles of animal First Aid
  • Know the contents of an animal First Aid kit
  • Understand the provision of animal First Aid
  • Know the examination of an animal requiring First Aid
  • Know how to administer First Aid treatment to small animals

Unit 2: The Needs of Small Animals 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand how to care for small animals
  • Know how to monitor animal health and welfare
  • Know the welfare needs of small animals
  • Understand small animal behaviour
  • Know legislation in relation to small animal care

Entry Requirements

This course is open to anyone aged 16 and above. However, it is expected that learners have working knowledge of at least Level 2. 

Minimum Age Restriction 

16 

Average Completion Timeframe 

You have 24 months to complete your course. 

Certification Timeframe 

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment. 

Course Fees 

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered. 

When studying your Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare you’ll be assessed internally by our qualified experts. After each unit, you study there will be an assignment for you to complete. 

When Are You Assessed? 

You’re in control of the pace and place of your learning. Therefore, you can decide when you’re ready to complete your assignment.  

Once you feel confident enough that you’ve grasped the concepts in the unit you’re able to upload your assignments.  

SEG Awards

SEG Awards logo

Skills and Education Group Awards (SEG) 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare (610/3425/3). 

Skills and Education Group Awards continually invest in high quality qualifications, assessments and services in their chosen sectors. As a UK leading sector specialist, SEG continues to support employers and skills providers to enable individuals to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to raise professional standards across the sectors. 

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

Once you’re qualified, you’ll be able to seek employment in a range of animal care careers. Whether you want to work in the pet care sector or with animal charities.

You’ll have an accredited qualification to combine with your love for animals. Should you choose to study further you’ll have developed a solid foundation in animal care to build on through further education and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small animal care involves providing for the physical and emotional needs of a variety of small companion animals, from rabbits and hamsters to guinea pigs and chinchillas. This includes creating a clean and safe habitat, feeding them a species-appropriate diet, providing opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation, and recognising signs of illness so you can get them veterinary care when needed.
Even though they're small, tiny pets come in a big variety! From burrowing hamsters to climbing chinchillas, each species has evolved with specific instincts and dietary needs. This means their happy homes need to cater to their natural behaviours, like providing space to burrow or climb, and their food should be tailored to their biology, whether it's herbivore pellets or vitamin C-rich veggies.
Studying a small animal care course like this Small Animal Care and Welfare Level 3 Award can benefit you both as a pet owner and as someone considering a career with animals in the UK. The course will equip you with the knowledge to provide excellent care for your own pet, from proper nutrition and habitat setup to recognising health issues. This not only strengthens the bond with your furry friend but also saves on vet bills due to preventable problems. For a potential animal career, the course gives you a strong foundation. It can prepare you for entry-level roles and help ready you for higher-level industry qualifications for professional careers, making you a more competitive candidate for coveted animal jobs.
The world of small animal care offers diverse opportunities in the UK. You could become a veterinary nurse assisting in pet treatment, a pet shop assistant offering expert advice to owners, a pet sitter providing boarding services, or even work at an animal rescue, caring for abandoned pets and finding them forever homes.
This course will give you a head start in your animal care career by equipping you with crucial knowledge from day one. Unit 1 dives into small animal first aid, teaching you to assess situations, use first aid kits effectively, and administer basic care – valuable skills for jobs in veterinary practices, shelters, or even pet sitting. Unit 2 goes beyond, covering the essential needs of various small animals, including proper care, health monitoring, welfare considerations, behaviour patterns, and even relevant UK laws – giving you a well-rounded skillset and understanding.

Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare (RQF)

Key Points

  • Gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to look after small animals
  • Learn how to identify injury and illnesses
  • This Ofqual regulated qualification meets the DEFRA Animal Activity Licensing Regulations
  • Complete the qualification at your own pace
  • Benefit from flexible learning to work around current work and family commitments

Overview

The Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare is designed to combine your interest in animals with an understanding of animal health and welfare. 

You’ll learn how to care for a range of small, companion animals. This will include the fundamentals of treating wounds and injuries, identifying stings and insect bites and other problems. 

Throughout the course, you’ll develop key skills to help identify animal behaviours and assess their needs. You will also learn about animal welfare legislation and codes of practice to ensure you deliver the best care.  

The course allows you to understand the best practices for animal care, whether you want to start a career in animal care, or simply want to take better care of your pets 

Once you have completed your qualification you’ll be able to apply for job roles within the animal care sector.  

Getting Started 

At learndirect, you’re able to progress with your learning without impacting on your current schedule. Online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best. 

You can plan your learning around your existing commitments, easing the stress of juggling work, home life and study. 

What’s more, the course material is all online, so you can start studying from the moment you have enrolled. You can log in to the student portal at a time that suits you best.  

Throughout the course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the core elements of small animal care. As well as gain the expertise to seek out employment within the animal care sector. 

Modules

The course' consists of 2 compulsory units.

Unit 1: Small Animal First Aid 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Know the principles of animal First Aid
  • Know the contents of an animal First Aid kit
  • Understand the provision of animal First Aid
  • Know the examination of an animal requiring First Aid
  • Know how to administer First Aid treatment to small animals

Unit 2: The Needs of Small Animals 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand how to care for small animals
  • Know how to monitor animal health and welfare
  • Know the welfare needs of small animals
  • Understand small animal behaviour
  • Know legislation in relation to small animal care

Entry Requirements

This course is open to anyone aged 16 and above. However, it is expected that learners have working knowledge of at least Level 2. 

Minimum Age Restriction 

16 

Average Completion Timeframe 

You have 24 months to complete your course. 

Certification Timeframe 

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment. 

Course Fees 

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered. 

Excellent Marking

Assessment

When studying your Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare you’ll be assessed internally by our qualified experts. After each unit, you study there will be an assignment for you to complete. 

When Are You Assessed? 

You’re in control of the pace and place of your learning. Therefore, you can decide when you’re ready to complete your assignment.  

Once you feel confident enough that you’ve grasped the concepts in the unit you’re able to upload your assignments.  

Qualifications

SEG Awards

SEG Awards logo

Skills and Education Group Awards (SEG) 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Level 3 Award in Small Animal Care and Welfare (610/3425/3). 

Skills and Education Group Awards continually invest in high quality qualifications, assessments and services in their chosen sectors. As a UK leading sector specialist, SEG continues to support employers and skills providers to enable individuals to achieve the skills and knowledge needed to raise professional standards across the sectors. 

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

Once you’re qualified, you’ll be able to seek employment in a range of animal care careers. Whether you want to work in the pet care sector or with animal charities.

You’ll have an accredited qualification to combine with your love for animals. Should you choose to study further you’ll have developed a solid foundation in animal care to build on through further education and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small animal care involves providing for the physical and emotional needs of a variety of small companion animals, from rabbits and hamsters to guinea pigs and chinchillas. This includes creating a clean and safe habitat, feeding them a species-appropriate diet, providing opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation, and recognising signs of illness so you can get them veterinary care when needed.
Even though they're small, tiny pets come in a big variety! From burrowing hamsters to climbing chinchillas, each species has evolved with specific instincts and dietary needs. This means their happy homes need to cater to their natural behaviours, like providing space to burrow or climb, and their food should be tailored to their biology, whether it's herbivore pellets or vitamin C-rich veggies.
Studying a small animal care course like this Small Animal Care and Welfare Level 3 Award can benefit you both as a pet owner and as someone considering a career with animals in the UK. The course will equip you with the knowledge to provide excellent care for your own pet, from proper nutrition and habitat setup to recognising health issues. This not only strengthens the bond with your furry friend but also saves on vet bills due to preventable problems. For a potential animal career, the course gives you a strong foundation. It can prepare you for entry-level roles and help ready you for higher-level industry qualifications for professional careers, making you a more competitive candidate for coveted animal jobs.
The world of small animal care offers diverse opportunities in the UK. You could become a veterinary nurse assisting in pet treatment, a pet shop assistant offering expert advice to owners, a pet sitter providing boarding services, or even work at an animal rescue, caring for abandoned pets and finding them forever homes.
This course will give you a head start in your animal care career by equipping you with crucial knowledge from day one. Unit 1 dives into small animal first aid, teaching you to assess situations, use first aid kits effectively, and administer basic care – valuable skills for jobs in veterinary practices, shelters, or even pet sitting. Unit 2 goes beyond, covering the essential needs of various small animals, including proper care, health monitoring, welfare considerations, behaviour patterns, and even relevant UK laws – giving you a well-rounded skillset and understanding.
OUR PASS RATE
Animal Care & Veterinary Science
86.8%
(National Average 74.9%)
100% online
learning
2 units
70 guided
learning hours

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