Required skills include

Ability to

apply a range of industry recognised grooming procedures to maintain animal comfort in consultation with supervisor

apply problemsolving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks

complete relevant workrelated documents

employ interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling animals

follow organisation policies procedures and requirements

follow sequenced written instructions record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

identify animals using common names

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and crossinfection

operate and maintain a range of grooming equipment

use literacy skills to read and follow organisation policies and procedures including workplace health and safety infection control and waste management procedures

use oral communication skillslanguage to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning techniques active listening asking for clarification and consulting with supervisors

use numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations and measure volumes

use safe manual handling techniques andor equipment

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures

Required knowledge includes

Knowledge of

basic animal anatomy and physiology related to grooming procedures

industry recognised maintenance and restoration animal grooming techniques procedures and equipment

normal and abnormal animal behaviour and traits for relevant species

organisation policies procedures and requirements including workplace health and safety and emergency procedures hygiene standards and waste disposal regulations

principles of animal ethics and welfare

relevant grooming products and services

relevant recordkeeping systems

relevant workplace health and safetyand animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice

safe animal handling and restraint techniques and procedures

safe work practices

signs of abnormalities and health concerns in animals including parasitic infections

transmission of diseases between animals

usage and maintenance of a range of grooming equipment

workplace hygiene standards disinfectants cleaning agents cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit Assessors should ensure that candidates can

assess health and condition of animals coat and determine grooming requirements with clientowner

follow workplace instructions to apply industry recognised grooming methods and procedures for different breeds of companion animals to maintainrestore animal comfort

handle animals in a safe and humane manner

use and maintain grooming equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards and manufacturers specifications under supervision

build relationships and communicate effectively with clients regarding appropriate grooming requirements

maintain records and followup with clients as required

The skills and knowledge required to provide grooming services for companion animal comfort must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in companion animal organisations that offer grooming services or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions

There must be access to a range of companion animal breeds as well as relevant information equipment andor resources to enable one to demonstrate competence

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance competency should be demonstrated to industry defined standards on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities

The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment Suggested strategies for this Unit are

written andor oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

thirdparty evidence

portfolio

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Breed type grooming characteristics may include:

Animal profile information may include:

Risks

Workplace health and safety risks when handling animals may include:

Grooming Equipment may include:

Signs of distress may include:

Grooming techniques may include:

Coat trimming and equipment may include:

Grooming plan review may include: