Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:45 AM AWST

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Assist in health care of animals

Assist in health care of animals

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMGEN204
State Code
ODC56
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to experienced staff in the handling and securing of animals for assessment and the preparation, application and documentation of health care treatments and first aid.This unit applies to entry level workers in the animal care industry who undertake routine work under supervision. They have some accountability for their own work and solve predictable problems. Workplaces may include retail pet stores, boarding/day care facilities, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to work with animals
  • 1.1 Confirm the health care task to be undertaken and welfare needs of animals with supervisor
  • 1.2 Identify and minimise safety and animal welfare risks according to workplace requirements
  • 1.3 Prepare and set up work area appropriate to the task
  • 1.4 Select and correctly fit appropriate personal protective equipment
2. Approach and secure animal under supervision
  • 2.1 Identify animal to be treated and confirm with supervisor
  • 2.2 Observe and note animal behaviour and body language prior to approaching and handling
  • 2.3 Confirm methods to be used to approach, secure and handle the animal with supervisor
  • 2.4 Confirm role of self and others in process
  • 2.5 Approach enclosure appropriately and secure animal using low stress techniques
  • 2.6 Assist with moving animal to inspection or treatment area
3. Assist in assessment of animals
  • 3.1 Secure animal appropriately using humane and low stress methods
  • 3.2 Identify external features and vital signs of animal health
  • 3.3 Inspect general health and wellbeing of animal, under supervision
  • 3.4 Record observations of animals made by supervisor
4. Assist in treatment of animals
  • 4.1 Prepare health care equipment and supplies according to instructions
  • 4.2 Assist supervisor to provide basic first aid as required
  • 4.3 Administer treatments according to supervisor instructions
  • 4.4 Document treatment on animal file
  • 4.5 Complete post-treatment routines
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE87 ACMGAS205 Assist in health care of animals Unit of competency