Our two day Animal Handling and Behaviour course has been prepared with the work of the Animal Management Officer (AMO) in mind. This course focuses upon handling cats and dogs during the impounding procedure. This includes catching and restraining the animal; moving the animal to a vehicle; transporting to a designated facility; and discharging the animal into the care of an animal shelter. We focus on maximising human safety and animal welfare throughout the course.

Feedback from AMOs suggests that the role has a significant risk of injury as a result of poor handling practices or limitations of knowledge about predicting animal behaviour. This course aims to provide you with the tools and techniques to minimise these risks.

The course content is highly practical in nature utilising shelter dogs and cats to enable you to practice techniques and concepts taught during the course. Topics covered in the course include:

• Reading canine body language;
• Using equipment appropriately;
• Interacting with animals to obtain the best outcomes;
• Administering emergency first aid to animals;
• Reducing the risk of zoonotic infection;
• Understanding what happens to the animals at the shelter; and
• Dealing with common issues faced by owners, to assist them to proactively manage them.

Courses are conducted at Animal Aid, 35 Killara Road in Coldstream. Please contact our Education Officer Linda Marston on 03 9739 0300 or email training@animalaid.org.au for more information

Expected outcomes
Undertaking education that specifically focuses upon the issues confronting AMOs improves job satisfaction, increases job safety and reduces work-related stress. All of these are likely to translate into greater productivity and staff retention. Also, as AMOs are highly visible in the community, education that increases their professionalism can have significant positive public relations implications for councils.

Completion of the assessment components of this course will enable students to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for part of the Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation unit RUV4203A Identify and respond to animal behaviour, which is also offered by Animal Aid.

If you would like to apply for one of these courses please download and complete the application form below and return it with your deposit. Spaces for these courses are limited and application should be made early to avoid disappointment.

Upcoming Event dates for Animal handling and behaviour short course

2 day course: $550 per person, Excl GST (GST non-applicable)

2013

The course is held on consecutive Thursdays

August: 1^st & 8^th

October: 3^rd & 10^th

November: 7^th & 14^th

Download the application form (pdf: 250 KB)