Provide food and water to animals

1. maintain hygiene and bio-security in accordance with workplace instructions, the relevant legislation and organisational policies

2. carry out your work in accordance with workplace instructions and procedures

3. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

4. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant animal health and welfare, and animal-related legislation and associated codes off practice

5. select, prepare and use the required tools and equipment, in accordance with relevant legislation, manufacturer's guidelines and organisational policy

6. select, wear and maintain suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

7. identify the type and quantity of food required for each animal from feeding plans

8. prepare the correct amount of animal feed or supplements according to feeding plans, while minimising wastage

9. provide food as specified in the feeding plan to allow each animal the opportunity to obtain its food requirements

10. provide clean, fresh water to the animals as specified in the feeding plan

11. prepare food in a way that avoids cross contamination

12. take the required action when difficulties are encountered during the provision of food and water to animals

13. provide animals with opportunities to express their natural feeding behaviour

14. report any changes or abnormalities in the feeding and drinking habits of the animals to a relevant person

15. monitor the animal's health and well-being when providing food and water

16. maintain the safety and security of yourself, animals and all those involved in or affected by your work

17. remove uneaten food and replenish water

18. maintain, clean and store the required tools and equipment, in accordance with relevant legislation, manufacturer's guidelines and organisational policy

19. dispose of any waste in accordance with workplace instructions, organisational practice and the relevant legislation

20. follow industry and organisational guidance to minimise environmental damage while carrying out your work  

21. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by relevant legislation and organisational policy

1. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the methods for achieving this

2. the importance of completing the activity in accordance with workplace instructions and procedures

3. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

4. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare, and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

5. the types of equipment and utensils required for providing feed and water to animals and how to select, prepare, use and maintain these safely

6. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity

7. how to interpret animal feeding plans

8. the different types of food and supplements that are available and how these are prepared

9. the consequences of providing incorrectly prepared food and water to animals

10. the specific needs that animals have for food, and any special requirements such as supplements, prohibited foods, restricted diets

11. why animals should receive their food via the methods specified in the feeding plans

12. the types of feeder such as carnivores, omnivores, grazers, herbivores

13. why the correct sources of water and water systems should be used when providing water to animals

14. how to recognise changes in the feeding and drinking habits of the animals you are working with and the importance of reporting changes to the relevant person

15. how to provide opportunities for animals to express their natural feeding behaviour

16. the limits of your own abilities and responsibilities regarding difficulties that may arise and the action to take

17. the different methods of cleaning feeding equipment and utensils

18. how to handle, store and dispose of waste in accordance with the relevant legal and organisation policy

19. why it is important to monitor the well-being and health of animals when providing food and water

20. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational policy

Current animal welfare legislation:

• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act

• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act

• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)

• equipment for preparing food

• equipment for serving food

• personal protective equipment (PPE)

• fresh

• frozen

• dried
• wet food
• raw
• complete
• complimentary