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Animal Care Enterprise

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M2768

This course is an ideal foundation for careers in the pet and animal care industry, with a special emphasis on setting up your own business. Perfect for entrepreneurial students with aspirations to work in, or start their own, animal care business, including Kennels/Catteries, Pet shops, Dog Groomers, Animal-Assisted therapies to Canine First Responders.

Award Name Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) Major QQI Level 5 NFQ
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Carlow Town
Attendance Options:
Full time
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 Year

Entry Requirements

For Level 5 courses:

Over 17 years of age and successful completion of upper secondary education (i.e. 5th and 6th year) or equivalent
AND
Successful completion of a Leaving Certificate (or equivalent international qualification)
OR
Successful completion of a Level 4 major award (or equivalent international qualification)
For Level 6 courses:

The basic entry requirement to all full-time Level 6 programmes is the successful completion of a Level 5 major award (or equivalent international qualification)

Applicants who do not meet these requirements, and who are between 17 and 23 years old, will be referred to our Guidance Counsellor.

Careers / Further progression

Progression
Progress to further study and careers including:

Animal Care Roles
Animal Welfare Organisations
Doggy Daycare
Boarding Kennels
Catteries
Animal Parks and Zoos
Grooming Parlours
Large & Small Animal Clinics
Pet Shops
Stable Yards
Animal Assisted Therapy

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

These means-tested maintenance grants are available to eligible students attending approved full-time courses of further education, in approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centres.

Applications are made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie www.susi.ie

You will be invited to an interview – this is to make sure that you’ve made the right choice!

Applications will be open online for 2025 entry at the end of January 2025. Students may apply online at www.carlowinstitute.ie

You explore the animal industry in a science-based, hands-on and stimulating course covering animal handling, science, welfare and animal grooming. Students learn the practical skills, knowledge and experience required to work directly with animals, including in managing small mammals. You will also learn business skills required for successful participation in industry.

We have many professional links, and you will participate in a wide range of field trips to animal care contexts. This course is a foundation for careers and further study in the animal industry, and there are many progression options, including our own Level 6 Animal Science course.

What Makes This Course Special?

Hands-on course, with Animal Handling Experience
Highly Experienced Animal Science Team
Great professional links
Opportunities for Field Trips
Short courses built in such as Canine First Responder
Excellent Progression Routes, including our own Level 6

Certification
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Animal Care 5M2768
Canine First Responder – Certification of Participation

Course/Programme Content

•Animal Anatomy & Physiology
•Animal Grooming
•Animal Welfare
•Animal Behaviour
•Small Animal Husbandry & Housing
•Business Administration and Skills
•Start your own business
•Communications
•Work Experience

5M2768 - Animal Care

Certification
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Animal Care 5M2768
Canine First Responder – Certification of Participation

PLSS Code: 414681

Coordinator: Martina Redmond

Course is subject to minimum enrolment. The programme content shown is indicative and is subject to change according to Awarding Body requirements as well as enrolment and resources.

Phone: 059 913 4230
Email: Email: Info@CarlowInstitute.ie
Web: www.Carlowinstitute.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Carlow Town
Attendance Options:
Full time
Apply to:
Course provider