The maze of qualifications (and the worrying number of people with no qualifications whatever) has been an increasing concern of all those established and successful organisations and business which provide a reliable and quality service to their customers in the pet care sector. The veterinary professional and veterinary nurses have their own legally recognised register and pets shops, boarding kennels and breeders must have a licence but for the much larger number of individuals there has, until now, been no formal Award which can inform the general public that the holder is a skilled and knowledgeable person on a register which can hold them to account on behalf of anyone who uses their service.
Whether you are a veterinary receptionist, groomer, pet shop assistant, worker for a major animal charity, boarding or breeding kennel or run your own business as a pet sitter, dog walker or home boarder, the Accredited Pet Care Professional Award from the Animal Care College will establish and/or enhance your reputation for dedication and excellence in every aspect of your work and be the public’s guarantee of quality service and professionalism within the pet care sector. The Award is to individuals on the content of a portfolio which will scrutinised and verified by the Animal Care College’s experienced moderating team. It is open to the employed and the self-employed and holders will be on the published Register of Accredited Petcare Professionals. The intention is to enable members of the public as well as sector specific individuals, organisations and businesses to access the services provided by holders of the Award through the organisation’s web site.
Joining the Accredited Petcare Professional Register
Those who are just beginning their career within the animal industry are not eligible for APcP Full Membership. But qualifications are now widely available through a variety of sources such as vocational training or through Further Education colleges throughout the country. You can also gain qualifications through distance learning colleges where you study from home in your own time. However, you should ensure that the qualifications you are working towards are relevant to your career objectives and that the organisation you work through does provide an independently accredited certification. This can be from an FE College or University or from an organisations listed by the the Department of Education on the Ofqual Register of Accrediting Organisations (click here to access the ful list). Diplomas or certificates issued by organisations which are not accredited by the Department of Education have much less credibility but can be considered as can 'grandsathering/grandmothing experience.
You may find the Animal Care College Careers booklet helpful.
Click on the link to access it.
Full Membership
This level is for those who have been working within the industry for at least three years (or part time equivilent) and already have a relevant Level 3 qualification. In order to apply you must be able to provide evidence through a portfolio of the following.
- A minimum of 3 years practical experience (or part time equivalent) within the animal care sector.
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 (or higher). Your level 3 qualification must be equivalent to 30 Credits (or 300 notional learning hours). Level 2 qualifications may be considered in some circumstances
- A commitment to Continuing Professional Development - our associated organisation, Animal Care CPD, can help here as not only are some useful CPD courses available but a continuing record is maintained for you. Click on this link for more information
The cost of applying for full membership of the Accredited Petcare Professional Register is £30 per year. The membership fee includes your certification fee and all the verification and moderation costs. All your contact/business details will be made available on the website
Associate Membership
Associate membership is available for those who have been working within the industry for at least one year or part time equivalent and are working towards an accredited animal related qualification through one of the recognised awarding bodies (this could include C&G, Lantra, Laser, OCN, NPTC or an NVQ of any of the awarding bodies listed here Ofqual Register of Accrediting Organisations (click here to access the ful list) or you have a related degree, FE qualification or veterinary nursing qualification.
Membership is £15 per year and you would be placed on the website register as an Associate Member working towards full membership.
