Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 4.0. |
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.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Species Specific (SPE)
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. Identify mammals |
1.1 Define the habitat, activity cycle and general features of placental mammals commonly housed in the facility 1.2 Identify and describe external features using industry terminology 1.3 Classify placental mammals according to taxonomy 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 workplace health and safety hazards associated with handling and restraining mammals 3.2 Implement methods to minimise safety risks and select and use appropriate personal protective equipment 3.3 Approach, catch and restrain mammals safely, using low stress handling techniques and equipment to minimise risks to the animal and others |
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 |
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 |
|
Numeracy |
|
Unit Mapping Information
Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals |
ACMSPE310 Provide basic care of mammals |
Changed title Minor changes to performance criteria for clarity Assessment requirements updated |
Equivalent |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103