Plan and monitor animal accommodation

This standard is about the planning and monitoring the provision of animal accommodation. The standard also covers the temporary accommodation that is used to house animals for a short period of time.

You will need to identify the accommodation requirements of the animals to be kept (e.g. the number and mix of animals or the social needs of animals) and the resources available to meet those needs. You will also need to check that the accommodation is prepared ready for use by animals, that animals are introduced to the accommodation in a suitable manner and that procedures (e.g. health and safety procedures, handling contingencies and cleaning routines) are in place for the maintenance of the accommodation.

This standard is suitable for those with responsibility for the planning and monitoring the provision of animal accommodation.

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1. 2. work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. comply with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
3. comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. select and implement appropriate hygiene and bio-security measures and check these are maintained
5. identify animal accommodation requirements, taking into account all factors relevant to the animal species and the purpose for which they are being kept
6. identify other factors that influence the provision of animal accommodation
7. plan animal accommodation that meets the requirements of the animals and the factors that might influence the provision of accommodation
8. assess how the needs of the animals are met in the planned accommodation
9. identify and obtain any necessary permissions, consents or licenses for the provision of animal accommodation
10. identify the resources that are necessary to meet animal accommodation requirements and establish the availability of these
11. specify what is required for the preparation of accommodation and the introduction of animals
12. specify the requirements for the maintenance of the accommodation
13. maintain communication with colleagues and provide information to all those involved in, or affected by, your work
14. monitor the preparation and maintenance of accommodation, at the required times, to evaluate its suitability
15. take the required action when monitoring reveals problems or issues with accommodation
16. confirm that records for planning and monitoring the provision of animal accommodation are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy

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1. 2. your professional responsibilities when planning and monitoring the provision of animal accommodation and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
3. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the methods for achieving this
5. how the needs of the animals are provided for in the accommodation plan
6. any permissions, consents or licenses that may be required for the provision of accommodation, and how to obtain these
7. the environmental conditions that will be necessary to maintain animal health and well-being in the accommodation and, where appropriate, the impact of prevailing weather conditions
8. the materials and equipment the animals need for their health and well-being in their accommodation
9. the necessary containing structures for different animals and how these differ indoors and outdoors
10. the potential hazards that may arise in relation to the provision of accommodation
11. the cleaning and maintenance routines relevant to the animals concerned and the accommodation in which they are kept
12. the importance of maintaining communication and providing information to all those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
13. the methods of monitoring the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation in order to check that it meets the requirements, and the factors to take into account
14. the records that need to be kept in relation to planning and monitoring the provision of animal accommodation and the importance of completing these according to the relevant legislation and organisational policy

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Factors that influence the provision of animal accommodation:

1. species of animals
2. mix of animals – social groups
3. welfare of animals
4. intended length of stay in the accommodation
5. legislation
6. budget
7. available space
8. available resources
9. access to animals
10. need for isolation/quarantine

Preparation of accommodation:

1. clean
2. safe
3. secure
4. suitable for the animal
5. contains required materials and equipment
6. suitable environmental conditions

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Current animal welfare legislation:

• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)

Animal needs:

• ability to express natural behaviour
• correct diet and nutrition
• enrichment
• exercise
• safety and security

Environmental conditions:

• ventilation
• light
• structure
• temperature
• prevailing weather conditions (if outdoors)

Potential accommodation hazards include:

• the materials from which it is made
• the materials used within it
• any equipment or materials contained within
• hazards caused by other animals or people

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2

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2025

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Current

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Original

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Lantra

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LANAnC45

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Animal Care, Animal Facility Manager, Animals in Education and Entertainment, Arts, Media and Publishing, Licensed Animal Technologist, Media and Communication, Media Associate Professionals, Personal Service Occupations, Team Leader, Senior Animal Technologist, Animal Technology

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6129

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animal; accommodation; plan; monitor

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