Animal Care

Animal Care involves understanding and supporting the health, behaviour, and welfare of animals. If you choose to study Animal Care at South Eastern Regional College, you’ll build practical skills in safe handling, care routines, and animal management across a range of species.

You’ll explore key areas such as nutrition, anatomy, first-aid basics, and ethical considerations, all grounded in real-world practice.

This subject area can open doors to roles in veterinary settings, shelters, kennels, wildlife and conservation environments, and more. It’s a rewarding path for anyone passionate about animal wellbeing.

Ready to see what’s available? Use the button to jump to courses, or explore the highlights below.

Why study Animal Care at SERC

Develop hands-on skills, build confidence working with animals, and prepare for a wide range of careers — with supportive teaching and real-world learning.

Practical Animal Handling

Learn safe, confident handling techniques and daily care routines across a variety of species — building skills employers value.

Health, Welfare & Behaviour

Understand welfare standards, recognise common health issues, and explore behaviour and enrichment to support animal wellbeing.

Employer‑Led Learning

Gain insight from experienced staff and industry-informed learning — with opportunities to build employability skills and professional behaviours.

Progression Opportunities

Use Animal Care as a stepping stone into further study, specialist pathways, or roles in veterinary, welfare, conservation and animal management.

Career‑Ready Pathways

Explore a wide range of jobs — from veterinary support to animal welfare, grooming, training, and wildlife-related roles.

What our students say

Hear from recent students about their experience at SERC — teaching, support, and progression opportunities.

Picture of Jessica Chapman

Jessica Chapman

Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management
“I love the biology but the best part of the course for me is the practical aspects. We get to handle all the animals plus there is work experience built into the course.”
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Picture of Hollie Crossey

Hollie Crossey

Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal ManagemenLevel 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management
“I enjoyed getting to know new people and meeting the animals. We also get to go on trips as part of the course, including a trip to a zoo to monitor animal behaviour. I even had the chance to go to South Africa with my class which was amazing.”
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Photo of Anna Glover

Anna Glover

Level 3 National Extended Diploma Animal Management
“I am now in my second year of the Level 3 Animal Management course, and I would say my favourite modules so far have been the exotics unit and a project in wildlife ecology, both of which have been very interesting and enjoyable.”
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Important Dates

Key milestones to help you plan your next steps.

Anytime

Apply Online

5 Mar

Full-Time Open Evening

4 Jun

Full-Time & Part-Time Open Evening

1 Sept

Term Starts