Animal
Care
Domestic animals play a hugely important role in the lives of many people with 1 in 2 UK households owning a pet. There are around 16 million dogs and cats in the UK alone, all of which need nutritional, medical, welfare and behavioural support. Working with animals is a popular career choice and it is vitally important that you have the essential qualifications and experience employers are looking for to enable you to succeed in this thriving industry.
The Animal Care department offers a range of courses for anyone wishing to work with companion animals. All courses offer a clear progression route, enabling you to gain further academic qualifications and ultimately improve your career choices. We have an extensive range of animals on campus including small mammals such as rodents, rabbits and meerkats and vivarium species including reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Large aviaries house a wide variety of indigenous and non-indigenous birds and within the fully stocked aquatics room there is a diverse assortment of tropical and coldwater fish. Larger animals include llamas and emus.
Work experience:
You will have the opportunity to complete work experience with an animal related organisation during your studies, which will allow you to familiarise yourself with the industry.
Career opportunities:
All of our courses are designed to provide clear progression, whether it enables you to go on to gain further academic qualifications, progress to university or to go straight into the world of work. Our students have successfully gained employment in a range of occupations including animal technicians, kennel managers, wardens and inspectors for RSPCA, Blue Cross, PDSA, police dog handlers and veterinary nurses.
Facilities:
- Animal Science Centre
- Well-stocked animal collection housing a selection of reptiles, amphibians, fish, rodents, birds and small and large mammals
- Grooming parlour
- Equine Therapy Centre
- Purpose-built practical Veterinary Nursing Centre
- Hydrotherapy Unit
- Fully equipped operating theatres for horses
- Home Farm allowing access to production animal rearing