Northampton therapy dog and pony help deliver Christmas gifts the the elderly.

Animal Focused features in Edition Dog Professionals discussing the considerations when taking your dog on holiday abroad.

The Animal Care and Welfare Assistant (ST0397) apprenticeship was approved for delivery in 2018. The trailblazer group has committed to reviewing the occupational standard and end point assessment plan. This review is supported by IfATE.

NEW OCCUPATIONAL MAPS RELEASED BY IFATE

This week the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) have launched the updated Occupational Maps for all 15 sectors, including Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care. The Occupational Map details the range of technical education options for employers, learners and training providers.

Northampton based Educational Consultant and founder of Animal Focused Vicky Skinner explains, “The Occupational Maps provide an outline of where technical qualifications can lead, laying out the job roles and levels available for apprenticeships. The map will continue to evolve as more apprenticeship standards are developed or reviewed. It is important to remember that the occupation title provided is generic and a range of job titles and roles may fit within that standard. For example, the new L3 Animal Welfare Manager standard is designed to meet the needs of employers in pet retail, dog day care, groomers, welfare charities and other pet care businesses.”

To view the Animal Care Occupational Map click here.

The launch of the new maps co-inside with the new Simpler Skills Agenda announced by IFATE this week. The proposals aim to simplify the existing Skills Agenda, providing access to vocational education which meets the needs of employers and learners now and in the future.

Vicky and therapy dog Hero were invited to BBC Radio Northampton during Mental Health Awareness Week to discuss the role therapy dogs can play in supporting the mental health of clients.

Listen to us on the breakfast show (2h 44m into the recording)

In support of Mental Health Awareness Week we are examining the benefits that being around animals can have of both mental and physical wellbeing.

The PDSA have released the 2023 PAW Report, an annual report which surveys pet owners and veterinary professionals, identifying trends in pet ownership and animal welfare.

This years report identifies the benefits of pet ownership with 94% of pet owners reporting being happier with a pet, including therapeutic benefits to their mental health and reduced loneliness.

Read the full report here.

Animal Focused founder Vicky has been part of the employer group undertaking the development of the new level 3 apprenticeship for Animal Welfare Managers in conjunction with the Institute for Apprenticeships. The apprenticeship will be suitable for those working in supervising and managerial roles animal care including kennels, catteries, animal welfare centres, farm parks, dog grooming salons, dog daycare centres, rehabilitation centres and pet shops.

As part of the development process the group are seeking feedback on the proposed standard to ensure its suitability across the wide range of employers.

The draft L3 Animal Welfare Standard can be found here.

The consultation survey can be found here.

All comments must be received by May 1st to be considered.