This comprehensive diploma programme is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge of domestic pet care, whether for professional roles in pet stores and animal rescue centres or as a foundation for further studies in animal care. It also serves as an excellent stepping stone for those aspiring to become animal care assistants.
Course Structure
- Modules 1 and 2 are compulsory
- Students must complete four additional modules from the remaining six
- Each module covers essential aspects of animal husbandry, including:
- Health issues and disease prevention
- Vaccination requirements
- Reproduction and breeding considerations
- Grooming, nail care, and dental hygiene
- Suitable accommodation and dietary needs
This programme offers an unparalleled level of detail, equipping students with the essential knowledge to provide high-quality care and welfare for a variety of domestic pet species.
Why choose us?
✅ Comprehensive & Detailed – Unmatched in-home study quality! ✅ No Work Experience Required – Focus purely on theory and essential knowledge. ✅ Immediate access to course material! ✅
Course Modules:
2. Cat Care
- How to handle a cat
- General cat equipment
- Cat identity
- Toys and exercise
- Vaccinations
- Feline infectious diseases
- Feline nutritio
- Keeping the cat clean and tidy
- Feline health checks
- Feline eye disorders
- Disorders of the skin and coat
- Disorders of the bones, muscles and joints
- Common nutritional disorders
- Parasites and worming programmes
- Keeping the cat flea free
- Lice, mites and ticks
- The elderly cat
- How to administer medication to the cat
3. Small Mammals Part 1 (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters)
- History
- Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters in the wild
- Physical appearance
- Senses
- Life cycle of the rabbit, guinea pig and hamsters
- Different breeds of rabbits, guinea pigs and species of hamster
- Housing
- Exercise
- Companionship
- Natural diet and feeding
- General care including handling, grooming, nail clipping and teeth trimming
- Common Health problems
4. Small Mammals Part 2 (Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Jirds)
- History
- Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Jirds in the wild
- Physical appearance
- Senses
- Life cycle of the Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Jirds
- Different breeds of Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Jirds
- Housing
- Exercise
- Companionship
- Natural diet and feeding
- General care including handling, grooming, nail clipping and teeth trimming
- Common Health problems
5. Exotic Care (Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates)
- History of amphibians
- Amphibian Biology
- The tail-less amphibians: Frogs and toads
- The tailed amphibian: Newts and Salamanders
- Limbless and worm like amphibians: Caecilians
- Housing and Feeding of amphibians
- Reptiles: Snakes, Lizards, Tortoises and Turtles
- Reptile Biology
- Reproduction and breeding in captivity
- Health care
- Zoonosis
- How to keep Turtles and Tortoises
- Snake anatomy and physiology
- Caring for the snake: handling, housing and feeding
- Snake health problems
- Commonly kept Lizards
- Caring for the Lizard: housing and feeding
- Invertebrates and arthropods
- Tarantulas: Accommodation, feeding, moulting, sexing and health problems
- The Imperial Scorpion
- Giant Millipedes
- Stick insects: Handling, sexing and breeding
- Molluscs: accommodation, feeding and health problems
6. Fish Care (Tropical and Freshwater)
- Setting up an aquarium
- Fish anatomy and physiology
- Fish health
- Infectious diseases: Viruses and Fungi
- How to diagnosis diseases in fish
- Parasites: Internal and External
- Bacterial fish diseases
- Fungal diseases
- Maintenance of the aquarium including daily checks
- Feeding
Horse Care
- Equine health checks
- Pulse, respiration and temperature of the horse
- Signs of poor health
- First Aid
- Infectious diseases
- Viruses and Fungi disease
- Bacterial diseases including Strangles, Tetanus, Botulism and Mud Fever
- Fungal diseases
- Viral diseases including Equine Herpes Virus, Equine Influenza
- Nutritional disorders
- Feeding the horse
- Internal and external parasites
- Caring for the grass kept horse
- Caring for the stabled kept horse
- Grooming and grooming kits
8. Bird Care
- Commonly kept species: Budgerigar, Canaries, etc
- Anatomy and physiology
- Reproduction
- Housing and exercise
- Feeding
- Catching and handling
- Signs of ill health
- Moulting
- Infectious diseases
- Viruses and Fungi
- Internal and external parasites
Course Details:
Study Level 3
The study Level relates to the how demanding the course is. 1 is beginner and 5 is HND / Foundation Degree level.
6 Module Course – Modules 1 and 2 are compulsory. Four from the remaining 6 must also be completed. Each module will contain details of the animal’s husbandry including health issues, vaccinations, reproduction, any grooming, nail care and dental care that might be needed along with suitable accommodation and diet.
Your future starts here!
📚 Education in Animal Welfare, Training & Behaviour
✅ Enroll Anytime – No strict start dates
🌍 Study from Anywhere in South Africa
📖 Choose from 30+ Courses
📝 Open to Everyone – Except Advanced Diplomas
⏳ Flexible Learning – Each module takes up to 4 months, or finish faster
🚫 No Exams ✅ Interactive Learning Approach Each module includes: 🔹 Research-Based Questions – Strengthen understanding through exploration 🔹 One or Two Projects – Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios 🔹 Revision Questions – Reinforce key concepts for mastery
💳 Affordable Payment Options
🏅 Internationally Accredited Learning Institution by ICOES
📜Locally Recognised by SABCAP
🔹 Also Recognised by IAABC, CBTS, NCFE, IACE, ISAP
