Professional Pet Care and Veterinary Practice Assistant

This course has been developed for those who want to work with animals in a veterinary setting. It covers all the topics that are in the BVNA Animal Nursing Assistant course with the exception of the work experience and practical related subjects. The first part (below) will be particularly useful for any one caring for a range of animals in a professional capacity and it will shortly have a second part that is aimed specifically at the veterinary practice assistant.
This a particularly detailed and comprehensive course that is unrivalled in the world of home study. (level 3) e-course available.

Course Modules
1. Introduction to common Animal Species. Includes a history of pet keeping. Common species that are kept as pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, rats, mice, fish, birds. Including different breeds and popularity of different types of pets. Basics of caring for them in terms of housing and their requirements in terms of social needs.
2. Body systems of common pet animals. Basic anatomy and physiology of the species introduced in module 1.
3. Animal health and Hygiene – looking after the different species of pets (including preventative healthcare, teeth trimming, nail trimming etc), grooming and feeding, vaccinations (where required)and parasite control.
4. First aid, handling and restraint – signs of ill health, when veterinary treatment is required, basic first aid, how to hold different types of animals for examination.
5. Welfare Issues and Organisations will cover topics such as how welfare is assessed in animals and what constitutes poor welfare and a good standard of welfare. The major organisations involved in animal welfare and what to do in the event of needing to report cases to organisations. Ways of improving welfare in captive animals.
6. Animal Law – will cover UK legislation regarding the keeping of animals, sale of animals, transportation of animals, and legislation relating to veterinary treatment of animals.