| QEL Code | 785 |
| CPD | 15 |
| Estimated Study Time | 15 hours |
| Start Date | Anytime |
| Study mode | Online |
| Award type | Certificate |
| Assessment Method | Short answer questions to confirm your knowledge |
Course fees £149
The first unit of this animal housing course explores how to provide adequate exercise & environmental enrichment for confined animals. This unit examines the range of accommodation available for small mammals and birds including cost & suitability.
This unit outlines the biogeography & habitats of a range of reptile species. Study how to provide adequate environmental enrichment for reptiles through the provision of suitable accommodation.
The Animal Housing Course is relevant for those working or volunteering in an animal shelter, pet shop or re-homing environment where the animals are living in confinement.
Well designed animal accommodation can assist with physical and mental health for confined companion and exotic animals and is essential for preventing boredom and the overall welfare of animals.
Most reptiles and small animals are kept indoors, and therefore animal enclosures fit in with living spaces. Frequently this means that cage/enclosure sizes are too small.
Reptiles and small animals are increasingly being kept as pets. Unfortunately, often people assume that these animals are easy to look after and that they make good pets for children. This is not the case as reptiles, and small animals require specialised care.
It is also important to consider that while an enclosure may be the right size when the animal is initially obtained, many animals such as reptiles grow very large over a short period of time and this soon means that the enclosure is too small for the animal. This causes immense stress, behavioural problems, illness and unnecessary suffering.
It is for this reason that we have developed this Animal Housing Course. If reptiles and small animals are to be kept as pets, it is crucial that their accommodation needs are properly considered. Living in confinement is not natural for any animal and many will spend all their time trying to escape (causing injury and distress). Ensuring high standards of accommodation and environmental enrichment is an essential part of keeping small animals and reptiles and this course is relevant for pet owners and those working with reptiles and small animals in zoos and for animal charities.
