Animal care

Animal care courses

• Animal Care - Entry Level 3
• Animal Care (Beginner) - Level 1
• Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care (Intermediate) - Level 2
• Diploma/Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Advanced) - Level 3

Why choose animal care at West Notts?

Hands-on experience

As part of our animal care courses, you’ll undertake real industry placements at local farms, giving you opportunities to care for and learn about a variety of animals, from domesticated pets to livestock, and reptiles.

Make new connections

On placement you’ll work with people already employed in industry who will be able to share their expertise with you. You’ll also be with like-minded people on your course so you’ll make friends with similar interests.

Gain additional skills

You’ll learn so much more than simply caring for animals. Our students are able to grow in confidence and communication skills, and will learn to work not just independently, but as part of a team. All great skills to help you move into employment or onto further study in the subject.

Be part of the 'Learning Company'

Coming soon to West Notts College is our very own dog training businesses. Helping pet owners to successfully train and teach their animal new tricks and behaviours, this new learning company will run a series of short training courses at our Derby Road campus.

So if you love working dogs and think could teach them a trick or two, why not come and join this exciting new business venture.

In addition we’re hoping to create a doggy day care facility in the future which will enable our students to get the experience of caring for clients’ dogs. For a daily fee, students will walk and feed and interact with the animals whilst their owners are at work, offering the very best care.

Career opportunities

Our facilities

To give you the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience, we have a dedicated animal care unit based on our Derby Road campus.

This modern centre provides a cosy home to a range of different animals, including small mammals, reptiles and livestock; all of which will be cared for by you.

Whilst there isn’t space to keep larger animal on campus, our exclusive partnership with White Post Farm means that all animal care students will spend time during their studies working on the farm and gaining more experience. This time can range from several hours to at least one day per week.

At the farm you’ll undertake training and learn from industry experts about animal behaviour, biology, handling, nutrition and welfare, you’ll also have the opportunity to develop your skills of communication, confidence and resilience.

Guided Campus Tour

Get a glimpse into the facilities you will be using as an animal care student at West Notts College.

What our students say

Here, students working at White Post Farm, tell us what they love about their course; From seeing young animals blossom and grow, to growing in confidence themselves.

Gallery

Animal care students will need to be confident, hands-on learners – ready to deal with a variety of new tasks, daily.

Having a real passion for the welfare and nurturing of animals can lead to a whole range of rewarding careers.

You will learn about the lifestyle, nutrition needs and care for a whole range of animals including reptiles.

Students can learn in a dedicated animal care unit based on our Derby Road campus.

Animal care students enjoy work placements with local working farms and farmyard attractions.

Students work closely with a variety of animals, understanding their behavioural habits, and learning about feeding and care.

Teachers and people already in industry are on hand to help animal care students make the most of their placements and learn new skills.