Domestic Animal Care Level 3
- Course Code: OSC511
- Award Level 3, Similar to - A-Level
Everyone who looks after cats and dogs, whether as pet owners or workers in the animal care sector, has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that the welfare needs of domestic animals are met.
This course will enable you to:
- Become a sensitive and knowledgeable carer of pets both young and old.
- Gain a detailed knowledge of nutrition for cats and dogs in order to meet their optimum nutrition requirements.
- Study behavioural training methods to ensure that your pet is well-behaved, socialised and happy.
- Becoming an expert carer of domestic animals with the skills and knowledge to fulfil all their needs.
This course is particularly suited to current and future pet owners who want to expand their knowledge of caring for animals, and also for those who wish to work within the animal care sector of professional training and care.
Course Content
Module 1: A New Puppy
- Choosing a pupping
- Feeding a puppy
- Socialisation and habitulisation
- Prophylactic treatments
- Fleas
- Neutering
- Oral health
Module 2: A New Kitten
- Choosing a kitten
- Feeding a kitten
- Socialisation and habitulisation
- Prophylactic treatments
- Ticks
- Neutering
- Oral health
Module 3: Adult Nutrition
- Food storage
- Non-energy producing nutrients
- Vitamins
- Differing nutritional needs
- Common dog and cat foods
Module 4: Basic Training and Understanding Basic Behaviour
- House training
- Body language and psychology of the cat and dog
- Basic training
- Punishment
- Common behavioural problems
Module 5: Owners' Responsibilities
- Legislation
- Codes of practice
- The five freedoms
- Moral responsibilities
- Kennels and catteries
Module 6: Caring for Older Cats and Dogs
- Behavioural changes
- Dietary changes
- Signs of pain
Assessment
The Domestic Animal Care course is assessed by a series of written assignments, which you submit to your tutor for marking. There is no external examination required.
Course Duration
This course will take around 80 to complete and there is no time limit completion, so you can work at your own pace without the pressure of tight deadlines.
Study Method
The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual, assignments and study guide, plus tutor support by mail or email. You can start the course at any time.
Qualifications
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a level 3 NCFE Award certificate of achievement in Domestic Animal Care. That means that your certification is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (in which case GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 and A Levels are at level 3).
This award has been designed by Open Study College to meet specific learners' or employers' requirements. Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.
You can read more about NCFE and our awarding bodies here: Awards
Course Questions and Answers
Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?
You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol onto this course.
Q: Is there a time limit for completion of this course?
There is no time limit to complete this home learning course, so you can study at your own pace. This course is aimed at being adaptable around your lifestyle.
Q: What is included in the cost of my course?
- Student record bag
- Pen
- Mouse mat
- Study guide
- Comprehensive study notes
- Personal tutor support
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Accreditation
- Free NUS student discount card
Q: Do I have to sit an exam?
No. We will issue certification based on your coursework alone.
Q: Are there any additional costs?
No, everything you need is included in the price!
Q: How do I get my work assessed?
Once we receive your work we will mark it and return it to you. On successful completion of the course you will be awarded your certificate proving your success in domestic animal care.
Q: What do I do if I still have questions?
For further information please contact us.



