Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge needed to identify what animal care' means in a workplace and how one's own individual responsibilities contribute to animal care as a whole within a specific workplace or industry. It may or may not include hands-on animal care but more importantly includes being part of a whole system that supports and contributes to animal care.

The unit also includes contributing to animal care through the use of an appropriate mix of technical skills, handling unexpected contingencies in relation to animal care, and reflecting on animal care procedures in order to make improvements to one's own work.

This unit is designed for use in a Pathway qualification or skills set. It should not be used in a qualification that has a direct job outcome.

Application of the unit 

The application of this unit does not cover or allow for administering medications, applying chemicals or using anaesthetics (even under supervision). Some possible work contexts where this unit could apply may include an aquaculture enterprise, a farm, a pet shop or an animal refuge. The unit should be regarded as a fundamental unit for Certificate I pathways into the agri-food industry. It should be applied to a specific animal care project or task which has a defined beginning, middle and end, occurs over an extended period of time, and is reflective of the particular agri-food industry and organisation.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Identify and plan appropriate animal care approach.

1. Workplace approach to working with animals  is identified, understood and considered in relation to work activity.

2. Individual responsibility to the contribution of animal care is identified in relation to work activity.

3. Products, services, operations, customers and safe work practices relevant to work activity are researched and identified.

4. Appropriate capture and restraint requirements and equipment are identified where required.

5. Animal care strategy based on workplace requirements and individual responsibility is mapped out and applied to work activity.

Contribute to animal care using an appropriate mix of technical skills.

6. Food preparation equipment  is organised according to task needs.

7. Common animal behaviours for the species are recognised and appropriate action is taken.

8. Animals are cared for and fed and watered  according to animal welfare standards and health and safety procedures and standards .

9. Tools and equipment  are identified and used appropriately.

10. Stock levels are accurately counted where appropriate.

11. Animals are groomed  according to enterprise and animal welfare policy, if required.

Work with others and handle unexpected contingencies.

12. Requests that effect work activity and animal care are met courteously, clearly, professionally and efficiently.

13. Assistance  with issues relating to animal care is sought from other staff when required and in a timely manner.

14. Key personnel  are kept informed of progress of animal care activity and provided with clear explanations regarding issues in regards to animal care.

15. Physical and behavioural hazards  from the environment and animalsare identified and reported.

Reflect on animal care procedures.

16. Personal performance in relation to working with animals is considered and analysed.

17. Possible improvements to personal contribution to working with animals are identified and applied to work activity.

18. Possible improvements to animal care procedures are considered and discussed with key personnel.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Required skills :

• adapt and modify activities depending on differing workplace contexts and environment
• apply animal-observation skills
• apply relevant industrial or legislative requirements
• identify and use equipment, tools and other technology required to complete workplace tasks
• follow relevant OHS and environmental protection procedures and requirements
• identify species using common names
• interpret and follow a designated work plan or set of instructions for a job
• keep required records of workplace activities
• plan a daily routine to complete required workplace tasks
• recognise and adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interaction with staff and others
• recognise limitations, ask for help and seek clarification or information about work requirements and procedures
• demonstrate appropriate initiative to deal with problems or refer them where appropriate to relevant person, and complete tasks
• apply time-management skills
• use appropriate techniques to solve or report problems identified when completing work tasks
• use basic interpersonal and communication skills, such as listening, questioning and receiving feedback
• use literacy skills in the workplace
• use routine capture and restraint procedures
• work cooperatively and collaboratively with others to complete tasks
• work with animals in an ethical manner.

Required knowledge :

• basic principles of animal ethics and welfare
• codes of practice relating to work requirements
• diseases and pests, disease prevention and routine health care
• feeding and watering procedures
• hazards in the workplace
• health and safety requirements relating to care of animals
• quarantine requirements
• terminology relevant to animal care
• types of chemicals and their use in animal care.

Required knowledge 

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills demonstrated over a period of time, in a range of contexts and to a consistent standard. Evidence must demonstrate the individual's ability and understanding to:

• apply relevant ethical practices and codes of practice in the course of work activities
• communicate effectively in the course of work activities
• communicate effectively with others as required when following safety procedures
• complete work activities in collaboration with others according to instructions, procedures and applicable regulations
• follow workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control
• plan own work activities to meet workplace outcomes
• recognise and adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace
• report and rectify workplace problems according to workplace procedures
• complete work activities with required attention to detail and without damage to goods, equipment or personnel
• use relevant personal protective clothing and equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment can be carried out by a using a range of simulated or actual workplace activities that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to adapt to workplace requirements. This unit of competency should be part of a holistic assessment involving other units which make up the job function. A variety of assessment methods is recommended and may include:

• written or oral questions
• observation of work activities, which can be in a workplace or simulated workplace
• evaluation of products or output created through work
• logbook of work activities undertaken over a period of time
• third-party report, for example from a supervisor.

Where a simulated environment is used for assessment it must be reflective of a workplace environment.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Animals  may include:

• birds
• domestic animals
• farm and rural animals
• fish and sea animals
• mammals and land animals
• sporting animals, such as greyhounds and horses
• wild animals
• zoo animals.

Animal capture and restraint  procedures must be carried out in a humane way. Capture techniques may depend on animal characteristics such as:

• aggressive nature
• stress response
• defence mechanisms
• physiological makeup.

Capture  can involve the following equipment:

• anaesthetic agents
• bags
• catch poles
• nets
• ropes
• visual barriers.

Restraint requirements and equipment  can include:

• electric fencing systems
• security systems
• wire mesh systems
• wire strand systems.

Food preparation equipment  could require:

• cleaning
• collecting and putting away
• disinfecting
• gathering
• sterilising.

Feeding and watering  animals in the context of animal welfare standards may involve considering:

• instructions and dietary charts for food preparation
• monitoring water supply for appropriate quantity, quality and safety
• animal welfare policies
• portions and distribution.

Health and safety procedures and standards  may relate to:

• protocols, including hazard identification
• handling of biological wastes
• handling of chemicals
• use of personal protective equipment.

Tools and equipment  may include:

• blankets
• bridles
• brushes
• chains
• collars
• combs
• headstalls
• leads
• ropes
• rugs
• soaps.

Animal grooming  can involve:

• bathing, including massaging, and selecting and using an appropriate shampoo and conditioner
• brushing
• cleaning anal glands
• clipping, including coat clipping
• coat-reduction techniques
• combing
• cutting
• de-matting
• drying
• cleaning ear and eye area
• nail trimming
• plucking
• pre-bathing procedures, including wetting the animal using appropriate water temperature
• rinsing animal
• scrubbing
• shaving and pattern trimming
• styling
• teeth cleaning
• thinning.

Assistance  may be needed and requested when:

• carrying out familiar tasks relating to rearing young animals
• carrying out a new task
• dealing with an emergency
• handling more than one animal at a time
• handling stressed animals
• rearing young animals.

Key personnel  may include:

• animal health specialists
• animal trainers
• management
• OHS personnel
• other persons authorised or nominated by the organisation
• security staff
• supervisors
• team leaders
• other workplace personnel.

Physical and behavioural hazards 

may include:

• chemicals and other harmful substances
• dangerous floor surfaces
• exposure to dust
• exposure to noise
• extremes in weather conditions
• inappropriate lifting practices
• incorrect manual-handling practices
• micro-organisms in the air or soil
• sharp instruments, knives and equipment
• signs indicating mating
• signs of animal aggression, such as showing teeth
• signs of animal combat
• signs of animal illness, such as dehydration
• unsuitable lighting levels
• untidy work conditions
• inappropriate waste management and disposal.

Unit Sector 

No sector assigned

Co-requisite units 

Functional Area