Animal care
courses
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
Thomas talks to us about his experience at college studying Animal Care. He mentions his favourite animals to work with and touches on some exciting visits and work placements he's been able to take part in.
Gallery
Animal care news and press
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New kids at college are a hit
Two new kids at West Nottinghamshire College are settling into their environment well, with plenty of activities, attention and straw in their shed.
Posted: 12/03/2024
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A wonderful welcome in the great outdoors
Animal care students from West Nottinghamshire College enjoyed a very warm welcome and induction to their course during a day out at a Nottinghamshire-based forest school.
Posted: 20/09/2023
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College celebrates ‘Good’ Ofsted result
Staff and students at West Nottinghamshire College are celebrating following the publication of its latest Ofsted inspection report – which has graded it ‘good’ with areas of outstanding provision, and that makes a strong contribution to meeting its area’s skills needs.
Posted: 07/06/2023