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Pet Care
Pet Care 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Pet Care
Pet Care Online Course
Understand and learn how to care and bring out the best in your pets with this home study Pet Care Online Course
This distance learning pet care course is ideal for those working in pet shops, specialising in breeding, animal lovers or anyone working with pets.
The course will help you develop an understanding of how to care for a wide variety of different pets including dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and amphibians. You can start this home study pet care course at any time and finish at your own convenience with unlimited tutor support.
Completing this course will give you a sound introduction to caring for a wide variety of different pets, whether they have legs or wings, scales or fins. Understanding your pet’s needs is paramount to their wellbeing. This course will give you the tools to achieve this.
This course has been developed by experts who are highly qualified and experienced professionals. These include Veterinary Surgeons, a former wildlife park manager, and university lecturers.
If you are an animal lover and wish to work with domestic animals or in the pet care industry, this course is an ideal place to begin.
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure: Pet Care AAG100
There are 8 lessons:
- Introduction to Animal Care
- Laws and licenses
- Animal Charities and Societies (eg. RSPCA, WSPA, Blue Cross)
- Pet Care Needs (Feeding, Watering, Shelter, Containment, Fencing, Caging, Protection)
- Maintaining Health
- Hygiene
- Cats
- Breeds (Long Haired, Semi Long Haired, Short Haired, Oriental etc)
- Selection
- Allergies
- Containment
- Sexing
- Desexing
- Breeding
- Newborn Kittens
- Exercise
- Behaviour
- Hygiene
- Feed and nutrition
- Amount of food, Watering
- Grooming
- Traveling
- Care for a sick cat (Signs of illness, Temperature, Common ailments, Skin disorders, Ticks)
- Cats and wildlife
- Dogs
- Selection
- Breeds (Pure and mixed)
- Varying size and temperament
- Grooming
- Skin care
- Inherited traits (aggression, deafness)
- Containment
- Breeding
- Desexing
- Exercise
- Behaviour
- Feeding
- Canine Nutrition
- Bones
- Watering
- Training
- Travelling
- Identifying sickness
- Birds
- Selection, Breeds (eg. Canaries, Finches, Budgerigars, Small Parrots etc)
- Sexing
- Desexing
- Containment (Aviaries, selection, design, size, management)
- Feed
- Feeding
- Watering
- Grooming (Wing trim, Beak Trim, Nail Trim)
- Hygiene
- Catching and Restraining
- Travelling
- Caring for the Sick Bird
- Signs of illness
- Temperature
- Supportive therapy
- Common Ailments (eg. Abscesses, Alopecia, Apoplexy, Aspergillosis, Breathlessness, Constipation, Parasites)
- Safety in the Home
- Fish
- Selection
- Inside or Outside
- Warm or Cold water
- Number of fish
- Types of fish (Tropical, Marine, Cold Water)
- Costs, Size, Equipment
- Tanks, Ponds, Pumps, Aquariums, Night lights
- Water quality
- Changing Water
- Feed (Pelleted, Live feed, Daphnia, Brine Shrimp)
- Illnesses (Fungal, Bacterial, Parasites, Environmental)
- Rabbits
- Breeds (Large, Small and Dwarf)
- Selection
- Legality (Illegal in some areas)
- Containment (Hutch or Cage)
- Environment (temperature etc)
- Feeding and Nutrition
- Watering
- Feed quantities and routine
- Grooming and Handling
- Moulting
- Transporting
- Sexing
- Breeding
- Identifying illness
- Care of sick rabbits
- Reptiles and Amphibians
- Types (eg. Salamander, Frogs, Venomous snakes, Non-venomous snakes, Shingle-backed lizard, Tortoises, Terrapins, Axolotls, etc)
- Selection
- Legal Issues
- Housing
- Environmental requirements (Moisture, Humidity, Warmth, etc)
- Terrariums
- Problems (eg. Dehydration, Stress, External and internal parasites, Blisters, Scale Rot, Mouth Rot or Canker, Colds/pneumonia, Constipation and diarrhea, Cannibalism,Incomplete sloughing of the skin -shedding of the skin)
- Feed and feeding
- General Care
- Rodents, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Mice
- Varieties
- Selection
- Containment
- Sexing
- Breeding
- Grooming
- Feeding
- Watering
- Illness (eg. Skin Problems, Abscesses, Mites, Ringworm, Fleas, Respiratory Infection, Vitamin C Deficiency, Otitis, Salmonella, Stripping etc)
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Pet Care AAG100
- Discuss the general principles of pet care, as they relate to a wide range of different types of pets.
- Describe routine care for cats.
- Compare the characteristics of different cat breeds.
- Describe routine care for dogs.
- Compare the characteristics of different dog breeds.
- Describe routine care for birds as pets.
- Describe routine care for fish
- Describe routine care for rabbits as pets.
- Describe routine care for reptiles and amphibians.
- Describe routine care for rodent pets.
Practical (Set Tasks)
Practicals:
- Develop timetables for husbandry tasks to be undertaken over a typical week, caring for a specific breeds of animals (several, but your choice).
- Recognize things that indicate a dog is sick
- Develop a checklist of things which should be done regularly to ensure the good health for pets
- Determine things a person should consider when trying to decide what type of pet to acquire.
- Compare the requirements & restrictions for keeping different types of animals as pets in your locality.
- Discuss the advantages/disadvantages of keeping different types of cats.
- Understand why is it particularly important to have cats desexed; and when should desexing be carried out?
- Discuss the nutritional requirements of a cat, and identify the cause of N.S.H., and its early signs.
- Describe problems associated with long haired dogs.
- Discuss a dogs sleeping requirements if it lives in a temperate climate.
- Explain problems can arise through over feeding a dog.
- Identify ideal diet for a dog.
- Explain why puppies under 6 months should be allowed to exercise themselves.
- Determine common signs of a general disease condition in a dog.
- Explain why birds moult.
- Discuss the characteristics of large, open aviaries, and all their requirements.
- Discuss how should a small bird be caught in its cage.
- Explain what breathlessness indicates in a bird.
- Discuss factors are common in the care of all fish.
- Explain why it is important to maintain the correct level of oxygen in water for fish.
- Discuss the differences in requirements for caring for salt water fish compared with freshwater fish.
- Explain the handling, caging, feeding and other aspects of rabbit care.
- Discuss different colours & breeds of rabbits.
- Discuss the environmental/caging needs of all reptiles.
- Discuss the feeding requirements of reptiles.
- Explain the handling of reptiles.
- Discuss the care of both sick & healthy amphibians and reptiles.
- Explain how you determine the sex of a guinea pig, and at what age do they reach sexual maturity.
- Explain the temperature guinea pigs should be kept at, and what happens if the temperature drops.
- Explain the feed & nutritional needs of rodents.
- Discuss what can happen if a female hamster with a litter is disturbed.
- Explain how many litters a year could a female mouse produce if not prevented from doing so.
- Explain health & disease problems associated with mice.
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR KEEPING PETS
No matter what type of pets you are looking after there are some general needs that must be fulfilled. These include:
Food
All animals will require sufficient food, of the right type/s, and at the right intervals. This will obviously vary considerably between species. For instance, dogs usually have diets with a high meat component, some birds will have diets high in seeds, some birds may require invertebrates, rabbits and guinea pigs will be fed on grasses and greens, while some reptiles may be fed with live food, although this too is actually illegal in some countries.
Understanding what types of food your animals require is very important and it is imperative that you understand differing food requirements at different stages of their life, e.g. young versus mature animals, when pregnant or feeding young. To ensure the best health of your animals, only use good quality food that has been properly stored, i.e. not perished, mouldy, or infested with pests.
Discuss with your vet to ensure your animals are receiving adequate nutrition from their diet, and to determine ways in which you might need to modify it to improve their all-round nutrient intake. Before owning a pet, it is always advisable to undertake research into the diet and natural feeding habits of the animal.
Although it can seem nice to treat pets to human foods and sweets, or to leave food constantly available to your pet, it can be very detrimental to their health. Certain foods that are fit for human consumption can in fact be toxic to pets. Allowing your pet to eat constantly, or providing them with a poorly balanced diet can lead to obesity.
This is an increasing problem and has serious physical and health complications for the animals. They are unable to move as freely and become sedentary, and they can develop joint problems such as arthritis, as well as injuries related to the stress on their spines from the additional weight. Their risk of heart disease will increase along with complications such as obesity related diabetes.
Watering
Nearly all animals will require regular watering, and some having higher water requirements than others. Water should be of high quality, clean and readily available. Restrictions on drinking water, perhaps when an animal has a health issue, should only be in place when under veterinary advice or control.
The types of water containers provided should be suitable to the types of animals you are watering.
For example deep, steep-sided containers may pose a drowning risk to small animals, including birds, while containers or troughs used by multiple numbers of a particular pet should provide sufficient access so that there is not any great degree of competition between the animals for the water. This is particularly important on days of high water need, i.e. very hot days, or with more aggressive animals.
Water containers/sources should also be placed in a suitable position; where they are stable so they are not easily dislodged or knocked over, where they will not be contaminated by debris or animal droppings falling into them, where the are easily accessed by both your pets to drink and you to fill them. For some animals the containers may need to be placed in a position that provides some degree of shelter and/or protection from other animals.
Placing water in a position sheltered from the sun will also reduce evaporation rates. Ideally at least two, and depending on the space available and animals you are watering, possibly more separate containers should be available, in case one becomes fouled, or is knocked over.
Animals can quickly suffer or die if sufficient water is not available on a hot day. Containers should be regularly inspected for damage, and regularly and thoroughly cleaned to minimise pest and diseases. Any automatic watering systems should be regularly maintained and regularly checked to ensure they are operating properly.
Shelter/Containment/Protection
Caging and fencing can serve a number of functions. These include:
- Containment – ensuring your pet/s don’t escape.
- Shelter – providing protection against the elements.
- Protection – providing protection against other animals, i.e. predators, and also to protect other animals and people from your pet/s. For example, snakes,
aggressive dogs, etc.
Any caging or fenced area should have the following features:
- Size – sufficient to cater for the animal’s needs.
- Strength – sufficient to contain the animal, to keep other animals out and to withstand the local weather conditions.
- Safe – no sharp edges, or protruding parts, ensure materials aren’t toxic to the animal, e.g. treated timbers, rusted metals, asbestos sheeting, etc.
- Position – providing shelter for the animal and being securely fixed into place.
- Access – for cleaning, providing food and water. Access should be secured to prevent escape.
It is crucial that any containment area is regularly checked over and maintained properly.
Maintaining Health
Good hygiene is critical. This includes; maintaining food and water quality, cleaning out wasted food regularly, cleaning any faeces or urinations, and controlling pests and diseases. Regular preventative measures for controlling pests and diseases are vital. Examples include; spraying cages/shelters, regular worming treatments, vaccinations, flea and tick treatments, regular inspections for signs of problems in the animals yard as well as on the animal itself, regular grooming and dental care, and quarantining animals that are suspected, or known to have, parasitic or disease problems can significantly reduce the likelihood of problems occurring, and minimise the outbreak when they do occur.
Regular veterinary check-ups are important to detect any conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed. Likewise, it is useful to provide routine nose to tail health checks to ensure early detection of any health issue.
It is important that animals receive adequate opportunity for exercise to avoid them becoming overweight and unhealthy. Many smaller pets thrive on human contact and it is necessary to spend time interacting with them, and this can be achieved through appropriate playtime, training and grooming.
PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION OF COMPANION ANIMALS
Microchipping is a popular form of identifying pets in many countries and is currently the most effective form of permanent identification. Microchips have been used for cats, dogs, horses and other animals. A microchip implant is an integrated circuit which is based on passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to help identify a pet via a unique number. The process of microchipping involves inserting a small glassine capsule which is the size of a grain of rice under the skin between the pet’s shoulder blades via a hypodermic needle.
When the microchip is read, the unique microchip number is matched with those held in a permanent registry database. This database holds information about the animal including its owner and their contact details. In countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, it is becoming mandatory that pet owners, especially of dogs, have their pet microchipped and registered to enable them to be identified quickly.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,