Plan, manage and evaluate the provision of pet care services
Overview
This standard is about the planning, management and evaluation of the provision of pet care services.
Users of the standard will need to confirm that their practice reflects current information and policies, and that they work within the limits of their authority, expertise, training, competence, experience and the relevant legislative requirements.
This standard is suitable for those providing pet care services, including dog walking, home-boarding, pet/home sitting, day boarding and animal transportation services.
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 animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice
confirm that the relevant environmental and health and safety policies and risk assessment requirements are put into practice across your area of responsibility
develop a plan, with clearly defined aims and policies, for the provision of pet care services
define contingency plans for dealing with problems that might arise when providing pet care services
develop procedures to support the provision of the pet care services
confirm that facilities, supplies, equipment and any other resources required are available for the successful provision of pet care services
check that everyone involved in the provision of pet care services has the skills and knowledge required to carry out the activities
calculate the cost implications of your plan
manage the provision of the pet care services
monitor and evaluate the provision of pet care services, taking action and making changes to the plan where required
confirm that records 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 pet care services and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, 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
what should be considered when developing a management plan for the provision of pet care services
where and when to seek professional advice and guidance
the process of establishing measurable aims and objectives for your plan
the importance of developing policies and procedures for the provision of the pet care services
how to establish the resources requirements for the successful provision of the pet care services
the importance of confirming that staff have the skills and knowledge required to provide the pet care services
the importance of assessing the cost-effectiveness of the plan
the types of problems that may arise and how these should be considered in the plan
the relevant laws governing the use of animal medicines
how to manage and monitor the provision of pet care services
the importance of evaluating the provision of pet care services and reviewing and revising your plan to confirm that it continues to meet the aims and objectives
the records that need to be kept in relation to planning pet care services and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy
Scope/range
the range of pet care service provided, how the plan may vary by service and the requirements of individual animals and their owners
the species included, and the breed, if relevant
the needs assessment of the welfare requirements for the animals that are being looked after
housing and husbandry requirements
dietary and feeding requirements
access and handling by people
interaction with other animals
safety and security requirements
training requirements and appropriate methods to be used
exercise requirements and appropriate methods to be used
health monitoring, appropriate to the species
requirement for vaccinations, according to the species
identification of the animal, including scanning for microchip
requirements for prophylactic treatments
access to and provision of veterinary attention
emergency arrangements
transportation requirements
legislation and licensing requirements
appropriate insurances and liabilities
bio-security considerations
waste management
any special requirements or restrictions
health issues
notifiable diseases
isolation
emergencies
animal escapes
the need for euthanasia
animal welfare issues
human health and safety issues
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Current animal welfare legislation:
England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)