Animal care and welfare assistant - Working Dog Handler

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

K50: how the dogs’ characteristics (physical and sensory) are used by the dog to deliver the operational effect Back to Duty

K51: issues involving the dogs’ stress and emotional responses, i.e. how to gauge and read the theoretical and practical applications of the characteristics and how this can affect the dog’s performance in its specific role Back to Duty

K52: how to maintain trained behaviour to minimum operational standards Back to Duty

K53: individual dog body language and behaviour traits Back to Duty

K54: moving and transporting working dogs 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

S51: fit and maintain appropriate equipment, ensuring the dog can operate safely Back to Duty

S52: conduct refresher/maintenance training with the support of a helper and dog trainer at an appropriate frequency to maintain the minimum standard of operational performance. Back to Duty

S53: interpret the dog’s behaviour and indications and react accordingly to the operational situation Back to Duty

S54: ensure that the dog team (handler and dog) maintains the minimum standard of operational performance as determined by national standards or the employers’ policies and procedures Back to Duty

S55: operate the dog team within the legal and ethical framework associated with their employment Back to Duty

S56: transport working dogs 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