Animal care and welfare assistant - Breeding

Knowledge

K1: UK and EU Animal related legislation Back to Duty

K2: current legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines, Codes of Practice and ethics relevant to the workplace and the health and welfare of animals Back to Duty

K3: the species/breeds specific to your role and common characteristics Back to Duty

K4: signs that indicate potential problems with animals’ health and welfare and the actions that should be taken Back to Duty

K5: the types of basic medication, routes of administering medication, safe handling and disposal of medication Back to Duty

K6: animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care Back to Duty

K7: accommodation and environment requirements that are suitable and safe for animals Back to Duty

K8: the use of different cleaning materials and equipment Back to Duty

K9: feeding, watering and basic nutrition and characteristics of foodstuffs Back to Duty

K10: how to safely approach/handle/restrain/move animals Back to Duty

K11: the behaviours of the animal, applicable to the species and how it impacts its care and welfare such as stress/distress/pain/fear/frustration Back to Duty

K12: how the animal you are working with learns and the basic principles of re-enforcement techniques Back to Duty

K13: how an animal’s natural behaviour impacts its diet and feeding patterns Back to Duty

K14: the different methods required to meet the animals’ need for enrichment/exercise opportunities, appropriate to species and individual animal Back to Duty

K15: different skin and coat care requirements of animals in their care Back to Duty

K16: basic anatomy and physiology Back to Duty

K17: basic reproduction and obstetrics and reproductive behaviour, including neutering Back to Duty

K18: Data Protection and records in line with legislation, codes of practice and workplace requirements Back to Duty

K19: the importance of the human and animal bond Back to Duty

K20: the changing needs of animals’ dependent on their life stage Back to Duty

K21: basic awareness of capture techniques Back to Duty

K22: hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine, zoonoses, anthroponosis, isolation protocols Back to Duty

K43: the stages of gestation Back to Duty

K44: behavioural changes Back to Duty

K45: the changes to the dietary/nutritional and exercise requirements throughout the reproductive cycle Back to Duty

K46: the various stages of parturition and issues that can occur Back to Duty

K47: social and environmental factors which will impact on development Back to Duty

K48: socialisation periods associated to species Back to Duty

K49: signs and symptoms of common disorders associated with inbreeding/ conformation/exaggerated features and how to prevent them Back to Duty

Skills

S1: comply with UK and EU Animal related legislation Back to Duty

S2: work effectively in a safe and healthy working environment following current / relevant health and safety legislation and work place policies Back to Duty

S3: identify and report potential hazards and breaches of security within animal accommodation/enclosures Back to Duty

S4: clean and maintain animal accommodation/enclosures/environment and equipment and provide appropriate resources including species specific enrichment (e.g. hiding, perches and areas to dig) Back to Duty

S5: maintain hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine and isolation Back to Duty

S6: dispose of waste in a safe and appropriate manner in line with legislative and workplace requirements Back to Duty

S7: store, use and administer medication in line with legislative and veterinary instructions as appropriate Back to Duty

S8: monitor, record and report the health and welfare of animals in line with animal welfare legislation and workplace policies Back to Duty

S9: observe and be aware of the behaviour of animals and take appropriate actions Back to Duty

S10: approach/handle/restrain/move/recapture animals as part of routine husbandry appropriate for the species and individual Back to Duty

S11: exercise/socialise animals and provide appropriate enrichment relevant to their specific needs Back to Duty

S12: provide appropriate care, for example coat, skin, scales, plumage and feet to ensure good health and appearance Back to Duty

S13: provide food and water to animals and monitor the intake Back to Duty

S14: store and care for foodstuffs Back to Duty

S15: identify and describe animals using appropriate methods to the species involved (e.g. scanning for microchips) Back to Duty

S16: maintain, update and reference correct records in accordance with current legislation Back to Duty

S17: deliver customer experience (internal and external), where applicable, in line with workplace policies and procedures Back to Duty

S18: respond to animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care requirements as appropriate Back to Duty

S44: prepare animals and environment for mating Back to Duty

S45: monitor animals during parturition, recognising signs of difficulty Back to Duty

S46: carry out general care of animals through gestation Back to Duty

S47: prepare and manage pregnant animals pre and post parturition Back to Duty

S48: provide appropriate care and monitoring of neonates Back to Duty

S49: carry out procedures for caring for the young (once weaned) and introducing them to new environments Back to Duty

S50: socialise young animals appropriately Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Maintain safe working practices, which must be adhered to at all times with constant situational awareness and adaptability to ensure safety of the animal(s), themselves and others. Have the ability to work efficiently to meet time deadlines and workplace requirements. Back to Duty

B2: Have a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn. Be respectful, punctual, reliable, trustworthy and diligent and prepared to work irregular hours, in all weathers. Take a pride in their work, showing commitment and loyalty, whilst conducting themselves in a professional manner. Back to Duty

B3: Have responsibility for themselves, others and the animal(s) in their care, showing respect, empathy, patience and tolerance in all situations. Work with methods that reduce any risk of physical injury and emotional stress to animal(s), themselves or others. Manage your own emotional wellbeing and resilience. Accurately report any concerns, incidents and abnormalities. Back to Duty

B4: Have the ability to work both individually and as part of a diverse team as required, understanding their role and changing priorities when the situation dictates. Show respect to their fellow workers. Back to Duty

B5: Respect the need for confidentiality and adhere to data protection policies. Communicate effectively with colleagues, visitors and customers/clients.  Demonstrate good interpersonal and active listening skills.  Know when to ask for advice or guidance. Back to Duty

B6: Professional and ethical responsibilities and the values of your work place. The limits of your own authority, expertise, training, competence and experience.  Industry knowledge, respect and empathy for animals.  Awareness of new ideas and openness to develop skills and new ways of working. Use social media responsibly. The legal duty of care under animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice and other relevant legislation affecting the keeping of animals Back to Duty