ASDAN Animal Care Short Course
The ASDAN Animal Care Short Course is a calm, structured and highly engaging online programme that helps learners develop their knowledge of animals, animal welfare and safe animal care.
Created and taught by a qualified veterinary surgeon, the course includes more than 60 pre-recorded lessons, clear step-by-step activities and regular virtual visits and guest sessions from people working within animal care.
Learners can hear directly from animal care experts, discover more about different animals and careers, and see how the knowledge they are developing is used in the real world.
All videos, worksheets and course resources are included. The lessons are designed to be visual, accessible and easy to follow, making the course particularly suitable for SEND and neurodivergent learners.
Learners can work through the course at their own pace, with no strict completion deadline. Their work is assessed and moderated supportively throughout the course, and they receive an ASDAN certificate once they have successfully completed it.
What the course covers
The course is divided into seven modules, with each one exploring a different area of animal care.
1. Animal Investigation
Learners explore what different animals need to remain happy and healthy, including both companion animals and farm animals.
2. Safety Around Animals
Learners look at how to approach, handle and interact with animals safely, including reptiles, marine animals and bees .
3. Looking After Animals
Learners step inside the world of a vet and find out how animals are examined, how some common conditions are diagnosed and treated, and how animal first aid can help in an emergency.
4. Animals in Trouble
Learners investigate designer pets, endangered species and the different ways people can help wildlife, stray animals and animals in need.
5. Animals in the Media
Learners explore how animals are portrayed in films, television and advertising. They also look at the role of working animals and celebrities who support or work with animals.
6. Animals and the Law
Learners consider topics such as animals in circuses, animals in hot cars and the laws that protect animals. They will even think about what rules animals might create for humans.
7. Careers Working with Animals
Learners explore a wide range of animal-related careers, including veterinary care, animal rescue, wildlife conservation, farming and many more.
Each module contains short, accessible lessons and practical activities.
Who is the course for?
The course is generally suitable for learners aged 11 and over, although younger learners are very welcome if they are working at an appropriate level.
The course is based much more on a learner’s ability, interests and individual needs than on a strict age requirement.
Please contact me if you are unsure whether the course would be suitable. I am always very happy to advise.
Key features at a glance
More than 60 pre-recorded lessons
Regular virtual visits and guest sessions from animal care experts
All PowerPoint slides, worksheets and resources included
Flexible, self-paced learning
No strict completion deadline
Supportive assessment, feedback and moderation
ASDAN certification on successful completion
Designed with SEND and neurodivergent learners in mind
Created and taught by a qualified veterinary surgeon
Optional full-colour printed workbooks available separately
