Animal Care - Level 1 Diploma

This level is ideal if you're just starting out in animal care. You may also be looking for a qualification to prepare you for further training or for progression to Level 2 qualifications.

Students gain experience of life in a busy wildlife Hospital and they get to make a difference to the care of thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals whilst training towards their qualification.

This nationally recognised, accredited qualification covers the basics of animal care. Students will be expected to complete set assignments at home to improve their overall background knowledge.

This course will give you an excellent grounding in animal care, covering areas such as caring for animals, accommodation, handling small animals, maintenance of enclosures and exercising animals.

The course is 90% hands-on and the whole programme is carried out on site, with experienced mentors, trainers and assessors to assist you every step of the way.

This comprehensive programme is made up of units covering a range of essential animal care knowledge and practical skills, most of which is learnt in a hands-on environment:

Mandatory Units

Unit 101 Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries

Unit 102 Develop performance in land-based industries

Unit 117 Assist with maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals

Optional Units

You must also achieve 4 units from the following list:

Unit 103 Industrial experience in land-based industries

Unit 119 Assist with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals

Unit 124 Introduction to wildlife and conservation

Unit 127 Animals in the wild and in society

Unit 128 Assist with feeding and watering animals

Unit 129 Assist with the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation

Unit 130 Assist with the handling and restraint of animals

Unit 131 Assist with the exercise of animals

We are proud to be a City & Guilds approved training centre with an excellent reputation within City & Guilds and future employers - for the high quality of the training we deliver to our students, and the calibre of the achievers that leave us to go out into the world of animal care!

Courses run throughout the year and as a busy, working Hospital we do not run term time only. We are not a residential centre, so you will need to live (or rent) locally or be prepared to travel to get here. Tiggywinkles takes on a small number of students each month – so we can offer you the best experience and training possible. In return we are looking for enthusiastic individuals, looking to train for a career in animal welfare and gain a nationally recognised qualification alongside practical hands-on experience.

All students must be at least 16 years of age.

Enthusiasm is essential!

Students should have a minimum of Entry 3 Maths and English or GCSE grades at E-G

Achieving this qualification can help you work in roles such as Animal technician/ assistant; Animal centre/shelter worker; Kennel or cattery worker; Pet shop assistant.

Or you may like to progress on to the Level 2 Work-based Animal Care course with us

In the past three years over 92% of our graduates are in employment or further education within four months of achieving their course.