Required skills

Ability to

apply animal behaviour modification techniques

interpret the value of homeprepared rations versus commercial formulae

provide advice on animal feeding for all species and conditions applicable in the clinic

read and understand animal food labels

read and understand ration definitions eg complete and balanced and relevant regulations

use literacy skills to read select and implement policies and procedures including workplace health and safety infection control and other clinic policies and procedures coordinate patient admission and discharge implement sequenced written instructions and record patient details accurately and legibly

use oral communication skillslanguage required to fulfil the job role as specified by the clinic including negotiating and questioning techniques active listening asking for clarification from the owner and acknowledging and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills required to measure rations and doses

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

use problemsolving skills to use available resources prioritise tasks and utilise patient information to provide advice on animal care

Required knowledge

Knowledge of

animal husbandry requirements

awareness of the components of nutrient measurement including calories digestibility and biological value

causes control and prevention of diseases eg cardiovascular

clinical pathology tests associated with disease diagnosis eg glucose curve

clinic policy and procedures related to providing advice

components of animal digestive systems and feeding behaviours including oral or dental factors gastrointestinal tract liver pancreas kidneys hormones feeding biology and palatability

differing nutritional requirements of differing species

disease processes eg diabetes and pancreatitis

energy requirements of animals for

clinical nutrition areas

disease

environmental interactions

gestation and lactation

life stage eg growth geriatrics puppy or kitten feeding

maintenance

obesity control

surgical rehabilitation

working and performance

elements of animal nutrition, including water, protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and energy

factors influencing animal behaviour

nutrition process including homeprepared rations and commercial formulae

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

determine patient details needs and requirements from interview and clinic records

communicate effectively with clients and provide advice on animals health nutrition and behaviour and on animal care products in accordance with clinic policy and procedures and in a competent manner

maintain accurate patient records

The skills and knowledge required to provide specific animal care advice 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 for this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a veterinary practice or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions

There must be access to the appropriate 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 two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances patients cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities

The assessment strategy 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

workplace documentation

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

Animal health advice may include:

Workplace health and safety risks when dealing with animals may include:

Animal care product advice may include:

Animal care products may include:

Animal nutritional requirements advice may include:

Inappropriate animal behaviour may include: