Animal Attendant for a Day
Description
Are you interested in a career with animals? Come along to experience some of the work undertaken by animal attendants in the animal care industry. Hear from animal care professionals about what their role involves and the pathway that lead them to RSPCA Victoria.
Tour the RSPCA adoptions center to see the animals awaiting new forever homes.
* This program is available only to children aged 13 – 17 years.
NB: All programs are delivered and facilitated by qualified staff and do not require that parents/guardians stay during the session. If you feel that your child needs additional support, please discuss with a member of our team.
As a guide, most sessions include the following activities:
- A visit to the RSPCA education barn
- Tour of the Burwood East adoption facilities
- Opportunities to make enrichment items for animals
- Meeting an education dog
- Viewing of RSPCA Animal Rescue (30 mins)
Please note that not all activities involve animals. RSPCA’s education animals are carefully selected for their suitability for education programs and are given choice and control throughout all interactions with visitors. This framework aims to ensure that interactions are a safe and a positive experience for them.
What you will learn
- Experience some of the work undertaken by animal attendants in the animal care industry.
- Learn how to complete an animal health check
- Make treats for our resident barn animals
What you will get
- Certificate of attendance
What to bring
- Lunch, snack and a drink bottle
What to wear
Closed in shoes for admittance into the barn
Appropriate for
This program is available only to children aged 13 – 17 years.
Want to improve your animal skills? Looking for quality teaching by industry experts? Want real skills and training?
Whether you’re a pet owner or thinking of a career in animal care, RSPCA Victoria has a short course to extend your animal skills and understanding.
Designed to develop new skills for anyone dealing with animals; RSPCA short courses provide valuable access to industry experts and utilise quality resources and trainers in an informative and hands-on environment.
As the trusted name in animal welfare in Victoria, we understand what animals need, and what works and what doesn’t – and are keen to share our practical knowledge and skills with you through.
Gain professional skills. Learn about your pet. Or both!
Programs are tailored for those wanting to enter the animal industry or improve their skills within this field, as well as helping people to increase their skills with their own pets.
Hands-on experience is essential to understanding animals so you will have the chance to meet and work with – animals from our education team – as well as learn from industry experts and qualified trainers.
And of course, profits raised go towards supporting animal welfare projects. You’re helping animals while you learn to… help animals!
So book your course with us today.
About RSPCA Victoria
We are a non-government, community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. RSPCA Victoria was established in Melbourne in 1871. Since this time, the RSPCA has become Australia's leading animal welfare charity.
Our community services include work in education, advocacy, animal care and protection. In Victoria, we operate nine animal Adoption Care Centres and one community pet care centre, providing refuge and care to more than 20,000 animals every year.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on community support to care for 'all creatures great and small'. More than 90% of our funding is due to the generous support of the Victorian community.
For further information, visit www.rspcavic.org
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
- A refund can be requested 7 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
- A credit note can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions - Face to Face courses
- Program activities are conducted by RSPCA Victoria Education Officers and staff. RSPCA Victoria reserves the right to alter activities or cease programs should staff and participant safety be compromised.
- For safety reasons, participants must wear appropriate clothing and closed-in shoes.
- RSPCA Victoria reserves the right to cancel the class should minimum numbers not be met. A full refund will apply in these circumstances.
DISCLAIMER
Participants may be involved in a range of hands-on activities during training. While the RSPCA takes all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of participants, all participants engage with these activities at their own risk.
By enrolling in these programs you acknowledge that you understand this disclaimer and release RSPCA (Victoria) and its employees, agents, volunteers and contractors from any liability whatsoever, to the extent permitted by law.
Terms and Conditions - Online On Demand Courses
The above does not apply. Please contact education@rspcavic.org.au for assistance.
Good afternoon Bea and Angus. Thank-you for your feedback. Please accept our apologies that the program fell short of your expectations.
I recall that we started the day assisting the animal attendants with their cleaning and feeding duties in and around the barn.
We met Lexi the chocolate Labrador and everyone participated in her health check with the guidance of her owner. I remember the sweet guinea pigs we undertook health checks with. Each pair of students were able to work through a checklist to determine anything concerning with the guinea pig, such as discharge from eyes or nose and their body condition. Finally, I recall small groups of students helping Jess our barn manager to perform her fortnightly checks of the sheep.
The adoption tour is usually a highlight where we view dogs, cats and rabbits awaiting a new home. It is disappointing for some that we are asked not to pat the animals in adoption to avoid overwhelming them with lots of people touching them.