Plan and monitor animal accommodation
Overview
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.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
comply with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
select and implement appropriate hygiene and bio-security measures and check these are maintained
identify animal accommodation requirements, taking into account all factors relevant to the animal species and the purpose for which they are being kept
identify other factors that influence the provision of animal accommodation
plan animal accommodation that meets the requirements of the animals and the factors that might influence the provision of accommodation
assess how the needs of the animals are met in the planned accommodation
identify and obtain any necessary permissions, consents or licenses for the provision of animal accommodation
identify the resources that are necessary to meet animal accommodation requirements and establish the availability of these
specify what is required for the preparation of accommodation and the introduction of animals
specify the requirements for the maintenance of the accommodation
maintain communication with colleagues and provide information to all those involved in, or affected by, your work
monitor the preparation and maintenance of accommodation, at the required times, to evaluate its suitability
take the required action when monitoring reveals problems or issues with accommodation
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
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
your professional responsibilities when planning and monitoring the provision of animal accommodation and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the methods for achieving this
how the needs of the animals are provided for in the accommodation plan
any permissions, consents or licenses that may be required for the provision of accommodation, and how to obtain these
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
the materials and equipment the animals need for their health and well-being in their accommodation
the necessary containing structures for different animals and how these differ indoors and outdoors
the potential hazards that may arise in relation to the provision of accommodation
the cleaning and maintenance routines relevant to the animals concerned and the accommodation in which they are kept
the importance of maintaining communication and providing information to all those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
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
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
Scope/range
species of animals
mix of animals – social groups
welfare of animals
intended length of stay in the accommodation
legislation
budget
available space
available resources
access to animals
need for isolation/quarantine
clean
safe
secure
suitable for the animal
contains required materials and equipment
suitable environmental conditions
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)
ability to express natural behaviour
correct diet and nutrition
enrichment
exercise
safety and security
ventilation
light
structure
temperature
prevailing weather conditions (if outdoors)
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