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.

Which companion animals may be kept on premises?
Dogs, cats, birds, invertebrates (e.g. stick insects, spiders and beetles), small animals (e.g. rabbits, rodents, ferrets and cavies), aquaria, reptiles and amphibians.

What are some of the codes of practice and legislative requirements that apply?
Codes of practice and legislative requirements may include the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council codes of practice, companion animal legislation, local council regulations, microchipping, animal welfare legislation and National Parks and Wildlife Service legislation.

What advice on dietary requirements of companion animals could be provided?
Advice on dietary requirements could include the type of food (e.g. packaged, seed mixes, fresh, raw, frozen or live); food requirements in accordance with the species, breed, age, sex and activity level of the animal; and appropriate quantities and temperature of food.

What are the different types of housing?
Animal housing may include cages, kennels, enclosures, compounds, brooders, aquaria, aviaries and bird rooms.

What animal security arrangements may be applicable?
Security arrangements may include safe access and egress, prevention of escape by animals, restriction of access to authorised personnel and compatibility of species and breeds within housing.

Which waste management issues may apply?
Waste management issues may include disposal of food waste, animal waste, used cleaning and disinfection products and containers; local government requirements; and environmental or other legislative requirements.

What are the different means of transportation?
Transportation methods vary between species and breeds and may include pet carriers, trolleys, restraints, plastic bags, airfreight boxes and transport fish boxes.

What are some of the treatments?
Treatments may include topical and systemic parasite controls, dietary supplements and washing and grooming products.

Which regulatory controls may apply?
Regulatory controls may include federal and state or territory legislation and codes of practice.

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:

provide advice to customers and clients on a range of issues relating to companion animals
ensure that the organisation complies with relevant legislative requirements
establish policies and procedures to ensure compliance
manage relationships with a range of stakeholders
maintain appropriate records.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit 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 biology
nutritional requirements of species or breed
species compatibility
legislation and regulations
animal welfare requirements
communication and sales techniques.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

animal handling and behavioural management skills
feeding techniques for a range of species
ability to prepare procedures and policies
customer service 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
a broad range of species and breeds
animal housing
relevant legislative requirements
clients and stakeholders.

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 companion animal 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

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 explaining a range of companion animal issues to customers and clients. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By identifying and collating the legislation, regulations and codes of practice that relate to the running of the organisation. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Through scheduling resources to meet the requirements of the organisation. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By working with others in the organisation to implement policies and procedures. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By calculating the appropriate stock rates for various species and breeds based on the size and type of housing and industry guidelines and codes of practice. (3)

Solving problems
By providing advice to clients on relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice. (3)

Using technology
By using the organisation's systems to develop and record policies and procedures. (3)