Certificate in Animal Care
NFQ Level 5
- Full-Time
- In-Person
- 37 Weeks
Available Locations:
- Applications now closed. We’ll be back with new dates shortly.
Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.
What You'll Learn
Students will gain knowledge and skills to allow them to work in a variety of animal care facilities. You will have the opportunity to:
- Understand and describe animal anatomy and physiology
- Practice and promote animal welfare standards
- Show fundamental biology knowledge
- Execute basic animal grooming techniques
- Analyse and interpret animal behaviour
- Use word processing software effectively
- Provide excellent customer service in animal care settings
- Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues
- Apply knowledge and skills in a real-world work experience setting
On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 Certificate in Animal Care.
Timetable & Modules
Timetable:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Tue | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Wed | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Thu | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fri | ✔ |
The course is delivered, in-person – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and a half day on Fridays.
| Module | Title |
| 5N1356 | Work Experience |
| 5N1794 | Safety & Health at Work |
| 5N0690 | Communications |
| 5N1610 | Business Administration Skills |
| 5N2746 | Biology |
| 5N0751 | Animal Behaviour |
| 5N0753 | Animal Welfare |
| 5N0750 | Animal Anatomy & Physiology |
Progression / Career
Earning this award opens doors to a career in Animal Health Care. It also allows for further study or progression to higher education.
Past students moved into roles at large and small veterinary clinics as animal care assistants. They also found work in dog grooming parlours, pet shops, and other animal retail and animal care facilities.
There are career opportunities in animal welfare organisations, agricultural settings, zoos, and wildlife parks, both in Ireland and abroad.
Entry Requirements
- To succeed in this course, you need level 4 knowledge, skills, and competence on the National Qualifications Framework. You can show this through formal education or relevant life and work experience.
- No prior animal care experience is needed, but an interest in the field is expected.
- Non-native English speakers must have at least a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland. For more information, check out our eligibility section.
Cost / Fees
We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.
Share This Course:
Real Students, Real Results!
“I loved learning animal care systems. I took the dogs for walks, fed them, cleaned their kennels and helped to look after their health and dietary requirements. The course was a very good layout. A lot of the contact is related to dogs, but we looked at a range of animals in anatomy. I would recommend the Animal Care course as a good stepping stone, even if you are not sure it’s what you want to do. You will soon see if it’s right for you.”
Miranda Darnell
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Courses FAQ's
Who can apply for Donegal College courses?
Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.
How do I apply for a course?
You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.
If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.
Are the Donegal College courses accredited?
Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.
Where do the courses take place?
Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.
Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?
The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie
To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie