The courses described on this website have been developed by the Animal Care College which was founded in 1980 and now provides Open Learning Courses in many branches of Canine and Feline Psychology, Behaviour, Breeding, Judging, Training, Nutrition, Pet Bereavement Counselling and many other aspects of companion and pet animal care.

All the courses are open learning packages - what used to be called correspondence courses. Some lead to traditionally recognised qualifications where these are available. Others are awarded by the College or other independent awarding bodies. Certification is carefully monitored by the College and Awarding Bodies and all Awards are highly regarded within the world of small animal care. All courses are written by experts in their particular field. Most of the courses run by the College demand some experience or require you to be working in the sector but others can be successfully completed by anyone who is genuinely interested in the world of small domestic animals. The grids on the back page indicate the academic level of each course and the place each occupies in the overall framework of animal care education.

Learning is hard work and most students will find that they have to do between four and eight hours work on most courses each week.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor and regular assessments are made. Students who do not appear likely to successfully complete the course are informed as soon as this becomes clear and a transfer to a more suitable course is suggested.

As well as a personal tutor the College also has its own discussion pages on the Internet where students can make contact with each other and discuss every aspect of their work. There is also a chat room for interactive discussions.

There are no formal qualifications required before an application can be made but some of the other courses require candidates to be employed in the industry before they can begin. All candidates for courses are required to write a formal letter of application with their registration form explaining why they would like to take the course and indicating the way in which they would like to see their interests developing. It is the policy of the College only to enrol those students who are likely to benefit from the course.

Education is expensive (a 'cheap' course is unlikely to be either accredited or useful) and courses are not sponsored or subsidised although the fees compare favourably with any other specialist tuition. The fee for each course is listed on the appropriate page and is exclusive of VAT. The fee covers all work books and tuition but excludes the cost of any text books required. There is also a Registration Fee of £25.00. This includes Registration with the Animal Care College and Certification Fees although there may be supplements required for some awarding bodies. Course fees must be paid in advance but will be refunded within 28 days of receiving the course if the student is not entirely satisfied. Fees for most courses may be spread over a three or six month period by completing a Standing Order or may be paid using a credit card.

Animal Care College courses are accredited, or in the process of independent evaluation and accreditation, through the Open College Network ensuring the highest quality of course material and tuition. Successful completion of most courses leads to a Pass, Merit, Credit , Distinction or Honours Animal Care College award as well as any certification gained though external awarding bodies. Each piece of work submitted is carefully graded and tutors meet regularly to moderate students' work.

There is a formal appeals procedure which refers disputes to an independent advisory board selected from Associates of the Animal Care College. All those who have successfully completed courses through the Animal Care College are entitled to become Associates and full details are sent to each successful student on completion.

The College is dedicated to the highest quality of provision for every student regardless of gender, race, religion or disability and every effort is made to ensure that those who are in any way disabled are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential.

The Registrar or Studies Co-ordinator will be pleased to discuss any aspect of the courses and to answer any questions. The College was set up to help anyone needing assistance within the world of companion animal care and our staff are always pleased to discuss any points students wish to raise or consider any suggestions made.

To ensure tuition of the highest quality the number of students on each course at any one time is strictly limited so early registration is advised. The Registration Fee of £25.00 should be sent with the appropriate application form and (where applicable) the covering letter.

Fees in this Prospectus are effective from 01/01/06

* Some courses are starred in the prospectus. Students are advised to refer to the special short course on Health, Safety and Associated Issues on page 10 if they are contemplating taking these courses