Animal care courses

Studying animal care online - how does it work?

Our range of animal care courses covers everything from dog training and grooming to wildlife care and veterinary topics! They're perfect if you're looking to expand your knowledge, take better care of your own pets, or to go that extra step and explore a career in the animal care sector.

We offer a range of levels to suit different goals: level 2, 3, and 4 knowledge-based courses for building your foundation, and two level 5 diplomas in Animal Studies and Animal Psychology. These higher-level diplomas also come with learning credits, which you can use toward further education, including a degree, if you wish.

Tutor support from subject specialists

When you enrol on one of our animal care courses, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will be with you every step of the way. They will offer unlimited support and guidance to help you succeed in your course. Whether you have questions about the course material, need help with an assignment, or just want to discuss your progress, your tutor will be on hand to provide the expert support you need.

At Open Study College, we are committed to ensuring that you have the best possible learning experience, and our dedicated tutors are a key part of that commitment. With their support and guidance, you can be confident that you are getting the most out of your animal care course and achieving your goals.

Careers in animal care

Our animal care courses and diplomas can build the knowledge you need to enter roles such as:

• Animal care assistant: Responsible for the comfort, safety and health of animals, providing day-to-day care and monitoring their well-being.
• Veterinary assistant: Provides support for the veterinary team of surgeons and nurses, offering direct care, sample collection or administrative duties.
• Animal welfare officer: Safeguard animal welfare by responding to complaints, rescuing animals in distress and collaborating with authorities to uphold animal protection laws.
• Dog groomer: Provides a service to maintain a dog's appearance by washing, grooming, trimming and checking for any health concerns.
• Kennel or cattery worker: Responsible for the daily care of dogs or cats, including feeding, exercise, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring health and behaviour.
• Animal rescue worker: Responds to emergencies involving animals in danger, rescuing them from neglect or harm and supporting their rehabilitation and rehoming.
• Zoo or wildlife centre assistant: Caring for exotic or wild animals, helping with feeding, cleaning enclosures, observing behaviour and supporting conservation or educational programmes.

What does an animal care assistant do?

An animal care assistant helps look after the daily needs of animals in places like shelters, kennels, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife centres. Their role usually includes:

• Feeding and watering animals
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures, cages, or habitats
• Monitoring animal health and wellbeing
• Assisting with basic grooming or exercise
• Helping with medical procedures under supervision
• Supporting staff with record-keeping and daily routines
  
  Basically, they’re hands-on caregivers who make sure animals are healthy, happy, and safe while learning valuable experience in the field.