The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Animal Care provides learners with the knowledge, practical skills and understanding needed to care for animals safely and responsibly.
Delivered within a real working farm environment, the course combines practical animal care activities with theory-based learning and assessment. Learners develop their understanding of animal health, welfare, feeding, accommodation, handling and behaviour while gaining valuable experience of everyday animal husbandry.
Alongside developing animal care knowledge, learners build confidence, independence, communication and problem-solving skills, helping to prepare them for further education, volunteering or future employment within the animal care sector.
The qualification is suitable for learners aged 12 and above who have a genuine interest in animals and are ready to work towards a recognised Level 2 qualification.
The Level 2 Certificate in Animal Care is a recognised vocational qualification designed for learners who want to develop their knowledge and practical skills in animal care.
The course provides opportunities to work with a variety of animals while learning about their individual needs, health, welfare and daily care requirements.
Learners take part in supervised practical activities on the farm, supported by classroom-based teaching, research tasks and written assignments. This combination helps learners connect theoretical knowledge with real-life animal care experiences.
The course is suitable for young people considering future education or careers involving animals, as well as learners who benefit from a practical approach to education.
Young people aged 12 and above with an interest in animal care..
Learners looking to achieve a recognised Level 2 qualification.
Home-educated learners seeking a structured vocational course.
Learners who benefit from combining practical activities with classroom-based learning.
Young people with SEND or SEMH support needs who are ready to meet the qualification requirements.
Learners considering further education, volunteering or employment involving animals.
No previous animal care qualifications are required.
Learners should have a genuine interest in animals and be able to work towards the practical and written assessment requirements of the qualification.
As the course includes written assignments, research and portfolio work, learners should have a reasonable standard of English and be able to complete coursework with appropriate support where required.
Course suitability is considered individually, taking into account age, existing knowledge, abilities, support requirements and readiness to meet the assessment criteria.
Throughout this qualification, learners develop the knowledge and practical skills required to care for animals safely and responsibly.
Learning takes place through a combination of classroom-based teaching, practical farm activities, independent research and assessment tasks.
Learning is focused on practical activities, helping learners build confidence, independence and an understanding of animal welfare.
This unit develops learners' understanding of animal health, welfare and the importance of maintaining appropriate standards of care.
Recognising signs of normal and abnormal health in animals.
Understanding common diseases and health conditions.
The importance of preventative healthcare and routine monitoring.
Recognising injuries and understanding basic animal first aid.
Daily care routines and their contribution to animal welfare.
Relevant animal welfare legislation and responsible animal ownership.
Learners have opportunities to apply their knowledge through practical animal observations, health monitoring and supervised husbandry activities.
This unit focuses on understanding animal nutritional requirements and developing the practical skills needed to feed animals appropriately.
Learners will explore:
The nutritional needs of different animal species.
Selecting appropriate feed for different animals.
Preparing and providing feed safely.
Understanding the importance of balanced diets.
Planning feeding routines and diets.
Monitoring and recording animal feeding.
Maintaining hygiene and safety during feeding activities.
Practical activities provide opportunities to prepare feed, carry out feeding routines and observe the feeding behaviour of different animals.
Learners develop their skills through supervised activities involving animals at the farm.
The qualification also encourages responsibility, organisation, problem-solving, self-study and independent working. Through research tasks, written assignments and practical activities, learners develop transferable skills that support progression into further education, training and employment.
We recognise that learners have different educational needs, circumstances and preferred ways of learning.
Our Level 2 Animal Care qualification can be delivered through a range of learning options, subject to availability and individual suitability.
Learners attend regular sessions at the farm, combining classroom-based teaching with practical animal care activities.
Small-group learning provides opportunities to develop animal care knowledge alongside communication, teamwork and social skills.
Individual tuition provides a more personalised learning experience, allowing sessions to be adapted to the learner's pace, confidence, abilities and support requirements.
This option may be suitable for learners who need additional support or benefit from a quieter learning environment.
Hybrid learning combines remotely completed theory activities with practical sessions and assessments at the farm.
This option may suit learners who require greater flexibility or are unable to attend weekly group sessions.
All assessments must still be completed in accordance with City & Guilds requirements.
Learners are assessed throughout the qualification using a combination of practical assessments, tutor observations, written assignments, research activities and portfolio evidence.
Practical assessments provide opportunities to demonstrate animal care skills in a real working farm environment.
Written assignments and research tasks allow learners to demonstrate their understanding of animal health, welfare, feeding and related topics.
Our tutors provide guidance and support during learning activities and consider reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Learners must demonstrate that they have met the required assessment criteria to achieve the qualification.
Assessment is completed throughout the course rather than through a single final written examination.
After successfully completing the Level 2 Certificate in Animal Care, learners may be able to progress to:
Build on existing knowledge and practical skills through a broader programme of animal care study over a 2nd year.
Level 3 Animal Management
Progress towards more advanced study of animal care, management, health and welfare, subject to individual eligibility and course entry requirements.
Specialist Level 2 Animal Care Certificates
Develop more focused knowledge and practical competence through species-specific Certificates of Technical Competence.
Explore further vocational education, volunteering, work experience or appropriate opportunities within the animal care sector.
Progression depends on each learner's achievements, abilities, interests and readiness for the next level.
Practical Education Beyond the Classroom
Providing practical, farm-based education, recognised qualifications and alternative learning opportunities at Frampton Farm in Kent and Poppies Farm in Berkshire, helping young people develop confidence, independence and skills for the future.
Access course materials, complete theory activities and keep up with your learning using Moodle.
Download the Moodle app for your phone or tablet.
Fees & Funding
Course Fees
Course fees depend on the learning centre, delivery option and level of individual support required.
We offer small-group, one-to-one and flexible learning arrangements, with fees confirmed before enrolment.
Additional City & Guilds registration and certification fees may apply.
Please contact the relevant learning centre for current course fees, availability and payment arrangements.
Privately Funded Places
Parents and carers can enrol learners directly, subject to availability and individual course suitability.
Payment arrangements and qualification registration fees will be explained before enrolment is confirmed.
School & Local Authority Funding
Our Level 2 Animal Care qualification may also be commissioned by schools, local authorities or other educational organisations.
This may include vocational education alongside an existing school placement, alternative provision arrangements or an agreed Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) package.
Any placement and associated funding must be agreed with the relevant commissioning organisation.
Enquire About Fees
For further information about fees, funding options or course availability, please contact the relevant learning centre.