Animal Care Level 2 for adults

This course is for adults aged 19 and over.

You should be an animal lover with an enthusiasm to learn about animal health and welfare. This course will help you turn your passion for animals into a career.

You will learn how to care for animals including a range of animals and work situations.

You will learn about animal health, welfare, behaviour, animal accommodation, animal handling and feeding and watering. You will also learn about the industry, including employment opportunities and regulations.

To join this course, you need four GCSEs at grade 4 (C), including English, maths and science.

You will learn through a mix of classroom, on line delivery and practical work. You will be expected to complete written assignments in your own directed study time away from college. . Hands-on training takes place in our professionally-designed and vet-checked Animal Care Centre.

You will work with small mammals and reptiles. Our expert teachers will teach you the professional skills and standards you need to work in the industry.

Your work is assessed by written and practical tasks. 

If you pass your Level 2 Extended Certificate with a merit grade or above, you could progress to our full-time Level 3 Animal Management Diploma.

You might prefer to seek employment in one of the many animal-related occupations, for example, as a pre-veterinary nurse in training, kennel and cattery staff or pet shop assistant or gain an apprenticeship to learn while you work.

To ensure you work to professional standards you will be required to wear a uniform in the Animal Centre – the cost is approximately £30.

If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.