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BTEC TECH AWARD

IN ANIMAL CARE

Examination Board: Edexcel/Pearson
Qualification: BTEC Tech Award Level 1/Level 2 in Animal Care
The Animal Care BTEC Tech Award prepares learners to work in animal care
in a range of commercial and non-commercial contexts and across a wide
range of different types of animal (smaller/companion animals, reptiles,
birds, invertebrates and if possible, larger/livestock animals), considering a
broad range of factors involved in the care of animals including: appropriate
handling and restraint according to size, age, temperament, behaviour,
reason for handling and hazards; the five welfare needs; accommodation
design, safety and hygiene; signs of health, stress and illness, causes,
transmission and prevention of disease, and animal legislation. Throughout
the Tech Award pupils will learn theory while also developing sector-specific
practical skills, using equipment and techniques appropriate to the animal
and environment – cleaning and bedding materials, PPE etc – within realistic
vocational contexts.

Pupils need to be willing to work independently. They must also be calm
around a wide variety of animals and not be afraid of getting dirty.

Handling of animals is part of the course and so students with allergies
should consider carefully whether it is for them.
The BTEC Tech Award in Animal Care is made up of three components:

Component 1: Animal Handling
Pupils develop their animal handling skills and gain an understanding of the
principles of animal behaviour, enabling them to handle and restrain animals
safely.

Component 2: Animal Housing and Accommodation
Pupils develop their understanding of the accommodation and housing
requirements of animals by carrying out the preparation, checking and
cleaning out of animal accommodation.
Component 3: Animal Health and Welfare
Pupils develop their understanding of how looking after animals’ wellbeing
helps maintain their strength and vigour, as well as exploring how animals
are used in society and how they are protected by legislation.

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