Working with animals is an interesting and rewarding career. Our programmes provide quality education and training for individuals and employers, as well as owners looking to provide the best care for their animals.
Click here to view our Animal Management centre and other facilities.
The Animal Management department is able to offer training programmes to match the specific needs of organisations and companies. Through discussion of your employees' specific training needs we can plan and deliver a wide range of related topics, ensuring that training is highly relevant and transferable to your work place.
Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Certificate in Animal Behaviour
Running a Smallholding
An Introduction to Dog Behaviour
Dog Training Techniques, Practical and Theory
First Aid for Dog Owners
Animal Magic
An Introduction to Keeping Pigs
An Introduction to Keeping Goats
An Introduction to Keeping an Exotic Pet
Be a 'Keeper' for a Day at BCA
First Aid for Pets
First Aid for Exotic Pets
Lambing and Seasonal Stock Tasks
Poultry Breeding and Rearing
An Introduction to Keeping a Small Mammal as a Pet
Husbandry and Care of Exotic Animals - Introductory Level
Husbandry and Care of Exotic Animals - Intermediate Level
Certificate in Animal Behaviour
This course provides a useful background for people who are interested in companion animal behaviour. Topics covered include the animal brain, animal interaction, communication and learning theories. The programme includes a practical session on handling and observing behaviours of animals within the college Animal Centre.
| Date | Thursday 17/11/11 - 15/12/11 |
| Duration | 5 weeks |
| Time | 1900-2100 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX02 |
| Date | Thursday 12/07/12-09/08/12 |
| Duration | 5 weeks |
| Time | 1900-2100 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX02 |
| Total Fee | £95 |
Running a Smallholding
An intermediate programme designed for those persons who run their own small livestock enterprise or those who wish to brush up on their knowledge of farm husbandry. Topics will include breed performance, feeding, housing, record keeping, legislation, transportation and marketing skills. A Saturday workshop is included, for those who wish to practice their practical skills (boots and overalls will be required).
| Date | Thursday 19/04/12 - 17/05/12 |
| Duration | 5 weeks |
| Time | 1900-2100 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX03 |
| Total Fee | £95 |
An Introduction to Dog Behaviour
Have you ever wondered what your dog is saying? This new course is designed to introduce participants to this fascinating area of behaviour. Open to all dog owners, dog lovers and professionals working with dogs. This course is designed as an introduction and will cover basic dog behaviour providing a start for those interested in studying this subject further or for those just simply wishing to learn to look at dog communication in a different way.
| Date | Saturday 09/06/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX05 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
Dog Training Techniques, Practical and Theory
A new short course aimed at dog owners who like to increase their understanding of how to effectively train their dogs using a variety of methods. Sessions will include both practical and theory and cover learning theory and training principles, common behaviour problems and the application of different techniques.
| Date | Monday 14/05/12 - 28/05/12 |
| Duration | 3 weeks |
| Time | 1900-2100 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX04 |
| Date | Saturday 30/06/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX04 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
First Aid for Dog Owners
This course is designed to give dog owners confidence when coping with everyday injuries which their dogs may suffer. It will also be of value to those running training classes, working in boarding kennels, veterinary practices and pet shops or working within the animal industry where injuries may occur. This will cover essential actions necessary when coping with emergency situation such as wounds and fractures.
| Date | Saturday 17/03/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX17 |
| Date | Saturday 18/08/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX17 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
Animal Magic*
Experience the ‘magic’ of animals. This course is open to parents and their children (over 7 years) with learning difficulties and disabilities to come and meet some of the animals at BCA. It aims to provide a multi-sensory experience. Having recognised the amazing affect interaction with our animals has on our learners currently studying within the Foundation Studies programmes at BCA we are keen to offer this experience to a wider audience.
Note: * = Price is for a child, who must be accompanied by an adult. Adults free of charge.
| Date | Saturday 07/07/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1330 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX06 |
| Total Fee | £38 |
An Introduction to Keeping Pigs
As pig ownership becomes more popular, this course welcomes the beginner to the fascinating world of keeping and caring for these animals. It aims to cover relevant legislation, husbandry, housing nutrition and correct handling and moving methods. There will also be an opportunity to meet some of our pigs. Open to all, whether you intend to keep these animals or just want to learn more.
| Date | Saturday 23/06/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX07 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
An Introduction to Keeping Goats
As goat ownership becomes more popular, this course welcomes the beginner to the fascinating world of keeping and caring for these animals. It aims to cover relevant legislation, husbandry, housing, nutrition and correct handling methods. There will also be an opportunity to meet some of our goats. Open to all, whether you intend to keep these animals or just want to learn more.
| Date | Saturday 14/07/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX08 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
An Introduction to Keeping an Exotic Pet
From snakes, spiders and lizards this course is open to all those who are interested in learning the basics of keeping an exotic animal as a pet, covering husbandry, nutrition and correct handling for your pet. Aimed at owners to be and existing pet owners wishing to expand their knowledge. Come and learn more about this fascinating area of pet ownership and meet our animals. Open to all, whether you intend to keep these pets or just want to learn more.
| Date | Saturday 13/08/11 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX12 |
| Total Fee | £38 |
Be a ‘Keeper’ for a Day at BCA
Stuck for a special present for someone or fancy treating yourself? BCA’s Animal Management Team would like to invite you to join them for a very special day. Are you interested in working with animals or fancy a great day ‘behind the scenes’ getting to work with different species? If so join us taking part in caring for, feeding, handling and meeting our varied collection from livestock to exotic animals. We look forward to welcoming you. Open to all over 12 years old.
| Date | Saturday 06/08/11 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0900-1700 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX13 |
| Date | Tuesday 16/08/11 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0900-1700 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX13 |
| Date | 04/08/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0900-1700 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX13 |
| Date | 14/08/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0900-1700 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX13 |
| Total Fee | £66.50 |
First Aid for Pets
This course is designed to give pet owners confidence when coping with everyday injuries which their pets may suffer. It will also be of value to those working within the animal industry where injuries may occur. This will cover essential actions necessary when coping with emergency situations such as wounds and fractures. Pet birds are not covered in this course. Due to the specialist pet area of caring for exotic pets (i.e. reptiles/amphibians) these will not be covered in this course, but if you are interested in this area please see the First Aid for Exotic Pets course. Open to all, whether you intend to keep these pets or just want to learn more.
| Date | Saturday 20/08/11 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX14 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
First Aid for Exotic Pets
This course is designed to give exotic pet owners confidence when coping with everyday injuries which their pets (i.e. reptiles/amphibians) may suffer. It will also be of value to those working within the animal industry where injuries may occur. This will cover essential actions necessary when coping with emergency situations such as burns, wounds and fractures. It will also cover identification of common diseases. Open to all, whether you intend to keep these pets or just want to learn more.
| Date | Saturday 17/09/11 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX15 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
Lambing and Seasonal Stock Tasks
This practical based course covers all aspects of lambing management and aftercare. During the programme you will be involved in practical lambing, nutrition management, basic husbandry and care of newborn lambs. Other topics covered include tail docking, castration and vaccinations.
| Date | Saturday 11/02/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX18 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
Poultry Breeding and Rearing
Fancy keeping your own chickens or just interested to learn more? This practical course will cover all aspects of poultry management including advice on housing, handling, predators, feed and digestion, diseases and parasites, breeding, sexing, candling eggs and rearing chicks.
| Date | Saturday 10/03/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1630 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX19 |
| Total Fee | £57 |
An Introduction to Keeping a Small Mammal as a Pet - Young Owners *
From rabbits, guinea pigs and small mammals, this course is open to parents and children (over 7 years) who are interested in learning the basics of keeping a small mammal as a pet, covering husbandry, feeding and correct handling for your pet. Aimed at young pet owners to be and existing pet owners wishing to expand their knowledge. Come and have a fun morning at BCA and meet some of our animals.
Note: * = Price is for a child, who must be accompanied by an adult. Adults free of charge.
| Date | Saturday 07/07/12 |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Time | 0930-1500 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX20 |
| Total Fee | £42.75 |
Husbandry and Care of Exotic Animals - Introductory Level
This course is offered to those individuals who are starting out in the world of keeping exotic animals. The course will cover the basic aspects of handling, housing, feeding and health. The college houses a diverse range of species and this is emphasized by the course being split into four different evenings:
- Introduction to exotics animals
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Invertebrates
The course would be ideal for those wishing to gain experience in the exotic animal field or to increase their own knowledge of a range of species.
| Date | Tuesday, 07/02/12 |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Time | 1830-2030 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX21 |
| Total Fee | £76 |
Husbandry and Care of Exotic Animals - Intermediate Level
This course is offered to those individuals who have some understanding and knowledge of the captive care of exotic animal species. The course will cover aspects of restraint, nutrition, accommodation suitability and breeding of a diverse range of exotic animals, many of which are uncommonly kept as pet species. The course will be divided into four evenings to provide the best possible experience of learning about these extraordinary animals:
- The importance of UV lighting with reptiles
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Invertebrates
This course would be ideal for those wishing to enhance their existing knowledge of exotic animal husbandry and care.
| Date | Tuesday 06/03/12 - 27/03/12 |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Time | 1830-2030 |
| Code | ANML/M/PX22 |
| Total Fee | £76 |
