SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101937	Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Preventive Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
Qualifying learners will acquire the knowledge and skills specified by the South African Veterinary Council for the Para-Veterinary profession of Veterinary Welfare Assistant. More specifically, they will be able to demonstrate and apply knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, behaviour and husbandry, standards for ethical behaviour in relation to animals, and a range of other knowledge and skills related to animal care and well-being.

The qualification will equip learners with the core knowledge and skills specified by the SAVC for the profession of VWA. The Higher Certificate will comprise theoretical study as well as a practical component that is to be completed at a registered animal welfare organisation.

Rationale:
There is a severe shortage of veterinarians in South Africa. The international norm is between 200 and 400 veterinarians per million of the population, while in South Africa there are around 60 to 70 veterinarians per million. As a result, for many people in the country, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas, private veterinary care is inaccessible and unaffordable. Many animals would consequently be deprived of any form of veterinary assistance, were it not for the facilities provided by registered animal welfare organisations. With their clinics and mobile units, these organisations provide care to millions of animals.

Historically, animal welfare organisations have alleviated the problem of staff shortages due to a lack of veterinary professionals by using unqualified individuals drawn from local communities, whom they trained to perform tasks under veterinary supervision. In an effort to regulate this and to provide conformity within the profession, the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) began authorising these individuals as Animal Welfare Assistants.

The authorisation of Animal Welfare Assistants (AWA) has been a complicated process. The Animal Welfare Assistant needs to be authorised initially with the SAVC. This authorisation then has to be renewed every 3 years, or if the AWA moves to another organisation. The competency of the AWA must be assessed before each authorisation and while there are guidelines drawn up for such testing, it can result in inconsistencies in the level of competency of individual Animal Welfare Assistants.

More recently, the SAVC has decided to recognise the role of Animal Welfare Assistants by formally creating the profession of Veterinary Welfare Assistant (VWAs). The rationale for registering this as a profession is the following:

To promote and extend animal welfare and primary animal health care in South Africa and make it more accessible.

To enable Animal/Veterinary Welfare Assistants with veterinary care under the direction or supervision of a veterinarian where there are no other veterinary and/or Para-veterinary services available.

To regulate and provide conformity regarding the activities of Animal/Veterinary Welfare Assistants.

The SAVC has subsequently approved rules, a code of conduct, and minimum standards of training for the new Para-Veterinary profession of Veterinary Welfare Assistant.

Given the inconsistencies that have been problematic in the level of competency of Animal Welfare Assistants, it is generally agreed that standardising the training for Animal/Veterinary Welfare Assistants before they are registered with the SAVC will improve the delivery of veterinary services and empower Veterinary Welfare Assistants to go forward with a nationally recognised qualification.

A number of representatives of animal welfare organisations as well as the SAVC have worked with the institution to develop such a qualification, and the outcome of this work is embodied in this proposed Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare.

The institution is in a favourable position to offer this qualification as it already offers a Diploma in Animal Health, which prepares learners for the related Para-veterinary profession of Animal Health Technician. (Animal Health Technicians work mainly with production animals, while VWAs will focus on companion animals and horses.) Unlike other tertiary institutions, this institution has a national reach and provides learners with the opportunity of studying via distance education, which means greater flexibility for learners already in employment, as many potential students are likely to be.

Learners enrolling for this qualification will be drawn from the current ranks of practicing AWAs, as well learners who want to work with animals, but have not gained admission into veterinary or veterinary nursing studies (since available places for these studies are limited). In addition, it is anticipated that many other people will be interested in this qualification, including people with a general interest in companion animals who wish to further their knowledge, such as pet owners, breeders and animal therapists. Volunteers at welfare organisations who want to be involved in the sphere of animal welfare but who do not necessarily want to make this their primary career.

The implementation of this qualification will provide uniformity of training across the spectrum of all Animal Welfare Organisations and ensure that there are sufficient suitably qualified VWAs to facilitate the provision of accessible primary healthcare for domestic animals in impoverished and rural communities of South Africa.

The qualification strives to promote animal welfare awareness and a commitment to ethical animal care and well-being. It further aims to alleviate the severe shortage of veterinary-related skills in South Africa by providing qualified Veterinary Welfare Assistants to work in support of animal welfare organisations in communities across the country. In so doing, it will promote the general benefits people derive from a healthy companion animal population, and also contribute to advancing social and economic transformation by providing accessible opportunities for individuals and career development to people from all social and cultural groups.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition may be granted for non-formal relevant experiential learning. The RPL process will be conducted according to institution's RPL policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations, and interviews with assessment panels.

Entry Requirements:

National Senior Certificate with and have achieved a pass in either Biology or Agricultural Science.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Anatomy and Physiology AW, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Animal Welfare, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Animal Behaviour, 12 Credits.

Animal Husbandry and Handling, 12 Credits.

Applied Animal Health Care (1)-WIL, 12 Credits.

Primary Animal Health Care I, 12 Credits.

Primary Animal Health Care II, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Animal Diseases AW, 12 Credits.

Community Extension Practice, 12 Credits.

Applied Animal Health Care (2)-WIL, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Describe the structure and functions of the major organ systems in the animal body.
2. Apply the principles and legislation related to animal welfare.
3. Identify animals, describe and interpret normal and abnormal animal behaviour, and recommend corrective measures for abnormal behaviour where necessary.
4. Recommend appropriate practices for animal handling and husbandry.
5. Identify and describe common pathological conditions in animals.
6. Design and report on a basic community outreach project related to animal welfare.
7. Apply primary animal health care practices and procedures.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Define the points of conformation and standard body measurements of companion animals and horses.

Distinguish between major cell and tissue types correctly.

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems of companion animals accurately.

Explain and use medical terminology correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identify and discuss the principles that are vital to animal welfare correctly, and evaluate given cases correctly on the basis of these principles.

Delineate the role and responsibilities of the Veterinary Welfare Assistant accurately.

Identify and interpret all legislation and rules pertaining to animal welfare correctly and accurately in applicable cases.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Distinguish between the different identification techniques (e.g. microchips, tattoos), and identify animals correctly with reference to their sex, approximate age, breed, and colouring.

Distinguish between different types of human-animal bonds and justify the importance of the bond appropriately.

Describe normal behaviour of companion animals and horses during their different life stages correctly.

Identify abnormal behaviour, make appropriate recommendations for corrective actions, and advise clients effectively on these actions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Recommend suitable safe and humane methods for the handling, restraint and transport of companion animals and horses.

Recommend appropriate housing for companion animals and horses in different life stages, and evaluate existing housing correctly.

Identify the appropriate dietary requirements for companion animals and horses in different life stages correctly.

Describe general principles of kennel management and animal care (e.g. grooming) and advise clients effectively on such principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Distinguish between different causes of disease and different transmission modes accurately, and explain different causes required for different treatments.

Explain the concept 'zoonosis' correctly and identify the most important zoonoses relating to companion animals and horses accurately.

Distinguish between controlled and non-controlled animal diseases correctly.

Examine companion animals and horses correctly, taking note of the whole body, and identify disease conditions or abnormal conditions correctly.

Range: 'Disease conditions or abnormal conditions' refers to the following:
> Common infectious conditions and treatment.
> Common parasitological conditions and internal and external parasite control.
> Common toxicological conditions and management.

The most common or important conditions relating to the following body systems:
> Musculo-skeletal system and joints.
> Reproductive system.
> Ear and eye.
> Dentition.
> Circulatory system.
> Respiratory system.
> Skin.
> Gastrointestinal system, including the liver.
> Urinary system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Compile an appropriate proposal for conducting a small-scale community outreach project.

Gather the necessary information for planning the project effectively, and draw up an effective plan for the project.

Make an effective presentation relating to the project.

Compile a suitable project report reflecting all the details of the project as well as an evaluation of the project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Identify, explain and apply the health, hygiene and safety practices that are required to manage a veterinary clinic effectively correctly.

Identify, explain and apply pharmacological principles correctly.

Describe and implement veterinary theatre protocol correctly.

Explain and conduct the clinical examination of companion animals and horses accurately and correctly.

Identify and take the main types of samples needed correctly, and report the findings accurately; and describe and provide effective assistance with other diagnostic techniques such as radiography where necessary.

Identify appropriate treatments and, where indicated, administer as directed by a veterinarian.

Explain and apply principles of vaccination and the correct and effective use of vaccinations.

Explain the principles of humane animal euthanasia and, where indicated, apply effectively.

Identify and apply techniques for communicating effectively with clients.

Explain and apply the correct use of wound dressings and bandages.

Apply emergency medical principles correctly.

Integrated Assessment:
Applied competence - that is, the integration of foundational, practical and reflective competence - will be assessed in a variety of ways and instances during the course of the qualification. For example, learners will be asked to propose practical solutions to animal welfare problems presented as case studies. Additionally, they will be asked to evaluate given scenarios and compare their own interpretation of those with feedback presented, thus involving knowledge, the application of knowledge, as well as reflection.

In the various modules of the qualification, learners will be required to provide evidence of integrated knowledge, skills and values. An integrated assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification will be conducted during Work-Integrated Learning, where students will be assessed on their actual performance of animal welfare and animal care in a real working environment.

A variety of formative and summative assessments will be used during the course of the qualification, including written assignments, practical activities, examinations and a portfolio.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Many countries have Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in Veterinary Nursing, which include knowledge and skills that overlap to some extent with those in the Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare as well as other qualifications in Animal Welfare. Some examples are the RCVS Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in the United Kingdom (UK), the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing offered by Australia's TAFE Colleges, and the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing offered by Unitec in New Zealand. These qualifications include many of the aspects learnt in this Certificate, particularly those of animal anatomy and physiology and behaviour, animal handling, and some aspects of animal health care. However, they frequently do not include husbandry nor a community dimension.

Numerous certificates in animal welfare are offered in various countries that deal with principles of animal welfare and ethics in the abstract, without involving any animal handling, husbandry or care. There are an increasing number of these being offered online. One example is the Cambridge E-learning Institute's Online Certificate in Animal Welfare, which includes modules on the principles of welfare of animals in different contexts (e.g. production animals, companion animals), animal ethics and animal welfare law.

Other certificates in Animal/Veterinary Welfare/Care /Services in different countries include not only the ethics aspect but also some practice aspects. Examples:

In the UK, there are vocational qualifications in animal care offered by many vocational colleges, for example a BTEC level 2 Diploma in Animal Care, and a BTEC level 3 Diploma in Animal Management (BTEC is a British body awarding vocational qualifications, and level 3 is equivalent to the final year of secondary school). The level 3 qualification covers most of the topics in this qualification, except for animal diseases and community extension. A similar qualification is the City and Guilds' Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care. It would seem that qualifications for veterinary care assistants in the UK - comparable to the Veterinary Welfare Assistant in South Africa - are offered mainly in the vocational sector, up to level 3 only.

Several UK universities do offer qualifications in animal welfare, behaviour and care. One example is Bristol University's Certificate in Companion Animal Welfare and Behavioural Rehabilitation, which focuses on physiology, ethology, training and welfare, mostly of dogs, and does not include practical care or husbandry. Foundation Degrees (two-year Degrees) are also typically offered in this field, for example the FD Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Oxford Brookes University; they generally include welfare principles, anatomy and physiology, breeding, behaviour and research, but do not focus on practical care nor on a community perspective.

In Canada, Thompson Rivers University offers a year qualification via distance education for animal care workers already employed by welfare agencies, the Animal Welfare Certificate Programme. It includes anatomy, physiology, handling, husbandry, basics of animal diseases (all in less detail than in the South African Certificate), first aid, euthanasia (in one module), ethics (in another module). It further includes legal issues, business issues, and conflict resolution.

Australian TAFE Colleges offer comparable certificate qualifications at various levels. One of the most similar courses is a one-year Certificate in Companion Animal Services, again aimed at people already in employment at a variety of animal care facilities. The qualification is comprised of modules that are much smaller components of learning than the South African qualification. It is strongly practical and context-oriented for the specific Australian context.

In New Zealand, a year-long Certificate in Animal Management offered by Unitec contains most of the same elements as the South African Higher Certificate: anatomy and physiology, principles of animal welfare, animal behaviour and husbandry, animal clinical care, and practical work. It does not have the same emphasis on animal diseases that is present in the South African Certificate, nor the community focus; and it is at a lower level and less detailed. Conversely, Unitec also offers a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare) that contains many of the same components as this qualification, but is highly theoretical and also has a research component.

A similar situation as in the UK seems to prevail in the US, where the training of Veterinary Assistants seems to reside largely in the vocational training sector; an example is a qualification offered by PIMA Medical Institute, the Veterinary Assistant Programme. Many universities also offer an Associate (two-year) Degree in Veterinary Technology, for example the Veterinary Technician AD at Penn Foster College; this covers everything dealt with in the South African Certificate, although in some areas probably in less detail, plus additional areas such as surgical procedures, anaesthiology, basic psychology and business skills.

In summary, while many Certificate, Diploma and Degree courses in the countries surveyed deal with a similar scope of foundational knowledge as in the South African Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare, these qualifications tend to differ in level (they are mostly either at a lower or higher level), in the degree of detail on animal diseases involved, and by not involving a community extension and primary care focus; and they will obviously also not have the same contextual basis as this practice-oriented South African qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides the following articulation options with:

Diploma in Animal Health, Level 6.

Diploma in Agriculture Management, Level 6.

No horizontal articulation is possible.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	University of South Africa