Animal care and welfare manager
Level 3 · AdvancedAgriculture, environmental and animal care 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An animal care and welfare manager oversees the day-to-day management of an animal care facility, leading a team of care staff and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, health, and safety. Apprentices develop leadership, operational management, and advanced welfare skills across a range of species in settings such as rescue centres, zoos, kennels, or farms. This role can lead to senior management, welfare inspectorate, or specialist consultancy positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced animal welfare science and the Five Domains model
Leadership and people management in an animal care environment
Operational planning and resource management for a care facility
Animal health monitoring and liaising with veterinary professionals
Risk assessment and health and safety management on site
Budget management and financial awareness for a care business
Legal compliance including welfare legislation, licensing, and biosecurity
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Lead, supervise, and develop a team of animal care staff
Plan and oversee daily husbandry and welfare programmes for all species
Monitor animal health and coordinate veterinary care and treatment
Conduct risk assessments and enforce health and safety on site
Manage budgets, procurement, and stock control for the facility
Ensure the facility meets all legal licensing and welfare standards
Handle complaints, safeguarding of animals, and welfare investigations
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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