Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What is the range of enrichment strategies that may apply?
Physical enrichment items may include non-edible items that can be easily added or removed from the environment such as:
toys (e.g. balls, bells, toys, puzzles and mirrors)
gnawing manipulada
climbing poles and scratching posts
nest building or bedding material including shredded paper, straw, substrate or wood shavings
perches, roosting shelves and nest boxes
hide boxes, tunnels and ladders.
Social enrichment may include levels of contact with other animals of the same species or breed. Social interactions between the animal and the carer may also be appropriate.
Food or food-related enrichment may be provided by giving animals opportunities to forage for food by hiding it in substrates or by giving the animal food that requires processing (e.g. peeling or shelling fruit or seeds).

What type of information may be researched?
Research may involve reviewing technical papers, texts, Internet sites and breeder associations; and discussions with registered breeders, hobbyists, specialist breeders, wholesalers and private consultants.

Which animal welfare requirements may be applicable?
Animal welfare requirements may include adequate housing and stock levels; the compatibility of species and breeds; the absence of pests and vermin; enrichment opportunities; and compliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations.

What are examples of relevant OHS requirements?
Safe work requirements may include the use of personal protective clothing and equipment relevant to the task including safety goggles and glasses, protective masks and animal handling gauntlets; hazard identification and risk minimisation; procedures for the handling, use, storage, transport and disposal of chemicals; and procedures for the handling and disposal of biological wastes.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

develop and apply appropriate enrichment strategies for common species or breeds, including appropriate physical, social and food-related enrichment
comply with animal welfare and OHS requirements and organisational policies and procedures
maintain accurate records.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit of competency in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include:

advanced animal welfare legislation and regulations
advanced animal behaviour characteristics
advanced enrichment strategies
companion animal husbandry
species compatibility
legislative and regulatory requirements.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include:

ability to develop and implement enrichment strategies
advanced animal care and management
ability to handle and care for companion animals
research, record-keeping and reporting skills
literacy skills to read, select and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS and infection control procedures; and record details and information accurately and legibly
interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening and asking for clarification
numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations and measure volumes
problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
physical and food-related enrichment materials
relevant organisational policies and procedures
relevant regulations and legislation
a range of companion animal species and breeds.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency
RUV3505A Provide enrichment for companion animals

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By developing procedures relating to enrichment strategies. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By researching information relating to enrichment strategies. (3)

Planning and organising activities
By planning and implementing enrichment programs within the organisation, including allocating resources. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By instructing staff in the provision of enrichment strategies. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By identifying and costing resources required for the provision of enrichment strategies. (2)

Solving problems
By monitoring and reviewing enrichment strategies and adjusting practices as required. (3)

Using technology
By developing and recording enrichment strategies within the organisation's system. (3)