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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes.
2. Monitor dog health and dog population in the community
   • Discuss the need to monitor dog health and population with dog owners and community members to gain support
   • Consult with dog owners and community members to gather information on the health, population and condition of dogs
   • Record all findings in accordance with organisation guidelines and procedures
   • Report nature and extent of problem in accordance with organisation guidelines and procedures
3. Contribute to a dog health and/or dog population control plan
   • Discuss possible strategies for dog health and population control with other staff, community and relevant others
   • Analyse preferred strategies to determine feasibility and appropriateness to the community
   • Negotiate options with dog owners and/or community members
   • Establish a plan of action with other staff, community and relevant others
   • Identify role and responsibilities of self, other staff, community and other key people
   • Contribute to the coordination of the plan in accordance with job role
4. Implement plan
   • Apply safe work practices and procedures in performing own role in accordance with the plan
   • Assist community, organisation and relevant key people with implementation of their roles in accordance with the plan
   • Maintain and access effective networks which contribute to the achievement of the plan
   • Record results in relation to the implementation of the plan in accordance with organisation policy and procedure
   • Implement follow-up measures

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

collaborated with at least 1 community to gain support and approval to develop and implement dog health and dog population monitoring strategies and control plans, including consulting with at least 2 dog owners and other key stakeholders.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and organisation requirements relating to dog health and population needs, including:

national, State/Territory and local health policies, goals, targets and priorities relevant to identifying health needs

scope of own role and responsibilities

key people or agency responsibilities

points of contact to assist with the implementation of strategies which are outside own area of responsibility

common dog diseases, including:

flea infestation

tick infestation

worm infestation

infected sores or wounds

mange

eye and ear infections

ringworm infection

hydatid tapeworm infection

hookworm infection

factors that can lead or contribute to dogs becoming unhealthy, including:

hungry dogs

too many dogs

dogs whose nutritional requirements are not met

dogs that are not properly groomed and checked regularly for conditions such as fleas, ticks, ringworms, sores and wounds

dogs that are not treated for conditions that may cause infection and affect their health

dogs without access to clean and/or dry shelter

dogs that are not wormed and immunised

potential health issues in relation to dogs and population health, including:

secondary injury as a result of bites from aggressive dogs

potential disease risks and infections from dog bites, including tetanus

community members giving food to dogs and going without themselves

dogs as vectors or carriers of disease, including when dog plays in sewage waste and then play or lick children

allergies due to dog mange causing or contributing to skin disease

gastrointestinal infections

roundworm and hookworm larval migration

the roles and responsibilities of community, dog owner, organisations and other key people or specialists in the implementation of the plan

strategies to monitor dog health and dog population in the community and to develop the necessary plans to address issues of concern, including:

dog owners and community education about various strategies in relation to caring for dogs, nutritional food sources, the provision of clean and dry shelter, checking dogs for fleas, ticks, wounds, sores, mange, eye and ear infections, immunising and worming dogs, washing dogs, and seeking help and support for sick dogs

reducing the number of internal and external parasites

dog sterilisation and contraception

euthanasia

cultural issues which may impact on strategies

culturally appropriate information provision

traditional and non-traditional responsibilities and benefits of owning a dog.

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