anatomy of animals
The study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.
Animal trainers train animals and/or animal handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.
Competences and skills
67 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 10 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
7 competencesanimal behaviour
The natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.
biosecurity related to animals
Awareness of hygiene and bio-security measures when working with animals, including causes, transmission and prevention of diseases and use of policies, materials and equipment.
environmental enrichment for animals
Types, methods and use of enrichment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, including the provision of environmental stimuli, feeding activities, puzzles, items for manipulation, social and training activities.
physiology of animals
The study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.
safe work practices in a veterinary setting
Safe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, equipment and working environment.
signs of animal illness
Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.
Cross-sector
3 competencesanimal welfare
Universally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
green
animal welfare legislation
The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
- Scope note
- National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
assistive instruments
The field of dealing with people in need of service animals and the working of assistive devices and technologies.
digital
Essential skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
13 competencesadvise on animal welfare
Prepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommendations for corrective actions.
green
apply animal hygiene practices
Plan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals, communicate site hygiene controls and protocols to others. Manage the safe disposal of waste according to destination and local regulations.
apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting
Apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, equipment and work environments.
assess animal behaviour
Observe and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'
design training programmes for individuals and animals
Develop programmes to train humans and animals work together. Set objectives and targets. Evaluate the implementation of the training programme and progress by both the person and animal concerned.
implement exercise activities for animals
Provide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'
manage animal biosecurity
Plan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working with animals, including recognising potential health issues and taking appropriate action, communicating site hygiene control measures and biosecurity procedures, as well as reporting to others.
practise veterinary professional codes of conduct
Adhere to veterinary professional codes of practice and legislation.
- Scope note
- This involves relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
provide an enriching environment for animals
Provide an enriching environment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, and including adjusting environmental conditions, delivering feeding and puzzle exercises, and implementing manipulation, social, and training activities.'
provide animal training
Provide training in basic handling, habituation, and obedience to enable the completion of day-to-day tasks while minimising the risks to the animal, the handler, and others.
provide first aid to animals
Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians prior to first-aid provided by a veterinarian. Non-veterinarians providing emergency treatment are expected to seek treatment by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Scope note
- Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought.
train animals and individuals to work together
Train animals and individuals to work together, including the match between individuals and animals, the design of integrated training programmes for people and animals, implementation of integrated training programmes, evaluation of integrated training programmes for people and animals against agreed outcomes and evaluating the compatibility between individuals and animals in relation to physical characteristics.
treat animals ethically
Carry out activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong, including transparency in work practices and conduct towards clients and their animals.
Cross-sector
3 competencesdeal with challenging people
Work safely and communicate effectively with individuals and groups of people who are in challenging circumstances. This would include recognition of signs of aggression, distress, threatening and how to address them to promote personal safety and that of others.
handle veterinary emergencies
Handle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.
monitor the welfare of animals
Monitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of food and water and environmental conditions.
green
Optional knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesanimal production science
Animal nutrition, agronomy, rural economics, animal husbandry, hygiene and bio-security, ethology, protection and herd health management.
breed-specific behaviour of horses
The behaviour and specificities of different horse species.
horse anatomy
The study of the anatomical structure and parts of a horse and how they interact.
young horses training
Principles and techiques of educating young horses important simple body control exercises.
Cross-sector
1 competencedog behaviour
Natural behavioural patterns of dogs, how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to dog breeds, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.
Optional skills and competences 36 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
33 competencesadvise customers on appropriate pet care
Provide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.
advise on animal purchase
Advise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.
advise on care products for pets
Provide advice on basic care products, such as supplements and vitamins, that can be used on various types of pets.
assess animal's condition
Inspect the animal for any external signs of parasites, disease or injury. Use this information to determine own actions and report your findings to owners.
assess customers
Evaluate customers’ personal circumstances, needs and preferences.
assess the compatibility of individuals and animals to work together
Ensure work harmony between humans and animals, regarding to physical characteristics, capacity, temperament and potential.
assist in transportation of animals
Assist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transport process.
bathe dogs
Prepare dog by removing excess hair, knots and tangles. Bathe and clean a dog’s coat and skin.
- Scope note
- The vast majority of animal groomers work as dog groomers exclusively.
calculate rates per hours
Make simple calculations regarding the money that should be earned in relation to the number of hours worked.
care for horses
Provide the basic requirements to keep horses healthy , such as feed, water, shelter, space and exercise, company, health care, and treatment of illness or injury.
clean stalls
Clean stalls to remove all soiled bedding to prevent moisture and fumes from building up and to cut down on potential parasite problems.
- Scope note
- Stalls should be thoroughly cleaned every day, with additional manure and wet spots picked up as frequently as possible.
collaborate with animal related professionals
Collaborate with veterinary and other animal related professionals through communication of animal details, case records and summary reports orally or via written or electronic transfer.
cope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sector
Maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations such as a misbehaving animal. Work under pressure and adapt to the circumstances in a positive manner.'
create animal records
Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.
design plans to address undesirable behaviour in animals
Gather information about the animal behaviour issues, interpret relevant information about the animal, assess the impact of external factors, and assess husbandry/management practices on the animal to develop a plan which tackles undesirable behaviour.
design training programmes for animals
Assess the training needs of the animal and select appropriate methods and activities to meet training objectives.
develop an animal handling strategy
Develop plans and strategies to deal with the animal in order to achieve established goals and optimal results.'
evaluate dogs
Assess whether certain dogs are ready to work as a guide dog or not, whether certain dogs should be withdrawn from the training programme, need extra training or a different approach, etc.
interview animal owners on animals' conditions
Ask questions appropriate to the setting and purpose, with the aim to elicit accurate information on the animal's health condition, in order to facilitate a correct diagnosis.
maintain animal accommodation hygienic
Make sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.
maintain relationships with animal welfare establishments
Ensure good relations with other animal welfare establishments and agencies.
make decisions regarding the animal's welfare
Make a choice from several alternative possibilities that promote the animal's well-being.
manage a small-to-medium business
Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.
protect health and safety when handling animals
Protect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.
provide nutrition to animals
Provide food and water to animals. This includes preparing food and water for animals and reporting any changes in the animal feeding or drinking habits.'
select animals for training
Select animals for training using selection criteria including intended outcome of training, age, temperament, species and breed differences. Selection of animals for training includes basic training or training to meet specific objectives.
select therapy animals
Identify the right animal with the right temperament appropriate for the therapy.
take advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary science
Use different channels and learning styles such as journals, courses, and conferences to obtain new information, knowledge, skills, and know-how in relation to working with animals.
teach young horses
Socialise young horses (cleaning, collaring, bridling, raising feet, etc.), taking into account the safety and welfare of the horse and teacher.
- Scope note
- Tasks may include preparing the traits of the young horses and teaching them to move in hand and in bulk, presenting horses in hand, on horseback, and in harness riding on primary level and leading the harness; assisting in loading horses to a means of transport.
train horses
Harness, dress and train horses as per the instructions provided. Take into account the age and breed of the horse and the preparation purposes.
transport horses
Transport horses using safely special vehicles for horse transportation; lead horses to vehicles taking into account the safety of people and horses.
understand the animal's situation
Categorise and verify information about the environment and its impact on the animal. Analyse the situation, such as what the animal may want or need.
work with veterinarians
Consult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.
Cross-sector
3 competencesexercise patience
Have patience by dealing with unexpected delays or other waiting periods without becoming annoyed or anxious.
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
research
provide mentorship
Guide and support less knowledgeable or less experienced colleagues.