SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Care for a service dog 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243188  Care for a service dog 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
11494  Caring for the welfare of a service dog  Level 2  NQF Level 02  19   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard will be capable of taking care of a service dog in order to ensure its welfare. This unit standard will enable learners to understand the needs of service dogs to ensure that these needs are met in order to promote the well being of the service dog. Service dogs are generally considered to be working dogs and therefore may require additional care to ensure that they are fit for their jobs. This unit standard will equip learners with the elementary competencies needed by all personnel working with service dogs.

A person accredited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Provide care for the elementary needs of the service dog.
  • Apply safety precautions when working with service dogs.
  • Transport service dogs.
  • Inspect the condition of the service dog. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication at NQF Level 2. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The term: "care" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to the care for nutrition of and physical needs of the dog.
  • The term: "welfare" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to the physical well being of the dog.
  • The term: "service dog" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to any type of dog tasked to assist a handler or handicapped person in the performance of his or her duties and or everyday activities.
  • The term: "given situation" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to any case study, structured scenario, given scenario. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Provide care for the elementary needs of the service dog in a given situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Accommodation is inspected for suitability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Inspection must include viewing whether the accommodation is suitable for the breed, age and gender the of the service dog.
  • Suitability must include inspection of the prevailing environmental conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Kennel area is cleaned for hygiene purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Kennel also includes shelter and sleeping areas.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Kennel is inspected for non-normalities and irregularities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Irregularities include but is not limited to lack of maintenance.
  • Non-normalities include, but are not limited to the faeces of the dog, blood in the kennel, food not eaten, water not drunk, kennel defects that may cause injury to the dog.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons why a nutritious and balanced diet is fed is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A nutritious and balanced diet includes but is not limited to clean, and fresh water.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The service dog is exercised to maintain its physical condition and well-being. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Exercise includes but is not limited to free exercise and releasing from restraints.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Service dog's feeding habits are inspected for irregularities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Irregularities includes but is not limited to lack of appetite, vomiting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Equipment for the handling of service dogs is inspected for serviceability and possible flaws. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment also refers to training equipment such as a lead, training (slip) chain, muzzle.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply safety precautions when working with service dogs in a given situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Kennelling procedures are applied in order to prevent incidents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The service dog is controlled by maintaining distance between itself and other people and dogs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Distance refers to a minimum of 5 metres.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Incidents are examined to inform decision making. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Incidents must include: dog bites, escape or theft of service dog, accidents, and injuries caused or associated to the presence of the service dog.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The service dog is handled in a humane manner. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Transport service dogs in a given situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The vehicle, dog box or dog trailer is inspected to ensure it complies with statutory provisions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Statutory provisions refer to Animal Protection Act 71 1962.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    On and offloading methods with services dogs are demonstrated in line with organizational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons why a service dog must be transported in a manner which gives due consideration to the safety and welfare of the dog is explained with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Inspect the condition of the service dog in a given situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Parasites found on dogs are identified with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parasites include but are not limited to ticks, flies, and worms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Signs of possible disease are identified and described for possible referral. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signs includes but is not limited coughing, scratching, shaking of the head, vomiting, hair loss, diarrhoea, blood in faeces, blood in urine, limping and lumps, listlessness and lack of appetite.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Grooming techniques are demonstrated to maximize the physical well being of the dog and bonding between the dog and the handler. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Physical well being includes the detection of eczema, external parasites, sores, tenderness, and noticeable abnormalities on the teeth and ears.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The body openings of the service dog are inspected in order to note inconsistencies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Body openings includes eyes, ears, nose and mouth, anus prepuce, teats and vulva.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Indications of possible fatigue are identified in order to inform decision making. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Decision making includes, but is not limited to first aid for dogs, possible referrals.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Exhaust fumes, vehicle gasses, heating mechanisms of vehicle.
  • Accommodation:
    > Kennel and immediate living environment.
  • Environmental conditions:
    > Weather conditions.
  • Legislation and legal prescripts refer to current relevant sections in:
    > Occupational Health and Safety Act 85.
    > Performing Animals Act 24 of 1935.
    > Health and Safety Act 63 of 1977.
    > Other current legislation and regulations specific to site.
  • Reports:
    > Verbal or written.
  • Dog breeds.
  • Dog ages.
  • Energy levels of dogs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to symptoms of fatigue and overwork with regards to service dogs and reacted upon such according to procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, and organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities so that all requirements are met in conducting safety precautions with regards to service dogs in order to prevent accidents. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information related to the behaviour, eating habits and overall physical condition of service dogs so that irregularities out of the norm can be accurately interpreted. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems in that legislative requirements are interrelated with the policies and regulations required for the proper taking care of service dogs in order to ensure their welfare. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 11494, "Caring for the welfare of a service dog", Level 2, 19 credits.

    Recommended resources required for assessment:
  • Safety equipment and protective uniform and or clothes.
  • Communications equipment.
  • Necessary administrative and stationary issue.
  • Dogs and equipment.
  • Kennels.
  • First aid equipment.
  • Vehicle to transport dogs.
  • Criterion referenced assessment instructions/tools.
  • A suitable venue: workplace and classroom. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57938   Further Education and Training Certificate: Dog Handling  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  58577   National Certificate: General Security Practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD 
    2. AKAF BODYGUARDS 
    3. Alpha K9 Solutions Pty Ltd 
    4. ATLEGANG CONSULTING CC 
    5. AVK9 Pty Ltd 
    6. AVSCAN TRAINING PTY LTD BOKSBURG 
    7. BITLINE SA 368 CC 
    8. BLACKEN SECURITY SERVICES 
    9. BTC TRAINING AFRICA PTY LTD 
    10. CAPE CANINE SERVICES 
    11. Combined Private Investigations Pty Ltd 
    12. COUVER SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    13. DENVINLEE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT CC 
    14. DOGS AND ALL 
    15. DTZ holdings 
    16. GENESIS K9 GROUP (PTY) LTD 
    17. George B Security Seervices 
    18. HAZOEMA TRADING ENTREPRISE CC 
    19. IMVULA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    20. INGELOSI TRADING 192 CC 
    21. INSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CLOSE PROTECTION 
    22. IPID Investigation 
    23. K9 129 
    24. K9 DTC Security Services Pty Ltd 
    25. K9 REVELATION SERVICES 
    26. Kwamandla Protection 
    27. MILITES DEI SECURITY SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    28. NU LAW FIREARMS COMPLIANCE 
    29. One Stop Security Pty Ltd 
    30. Orbis Security Solutions Pty Ltd 
    31. PARAMOUNT K9 SOLUTIONS PTY LTD 
    32. PROTEA COIN GROUP (ASSETS IN TRANSIT AND ARMED REACTION) 
    33. PRSS Guarding Services 
    34. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    35. RAPS K9 LAW ENFORCEMENT 
    36. SAHO INVESTMENT CC 
    37. SILVER SOLUTIONS SECURITY 1713 CC 
    38. TACKLE HOF TRADING 
    39. TACTICAL K9 AFRICA 
    40. TSU PROTECTION SERVICES 
    41. UBUNTU 
    42. Vetus Schola Protection Inland 
    43. Vumisa Security Services Pty Ltd 
    44. Wolf Guarding Solutions Pty Ltd 
    45. ZANMARHEIM CANINE AND SECURITY SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    46. ZEVOLI 9 PTY LTD 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.