
As a nation full of animal lovers, it is no surprise that pursuing careers that involve working with animals is so popular. Depending on the avenue you choose to take, you could end up playing a significant role in the care of pets or even our wonderful wildlife. As with most jobs, having qualifications and an academic background will help you achieve your career goals.
If you are keen to pursue a specific career where you get to work with animals every day, then you can boost your chances by studying animal courses. It is easier than ever to gain the knowledge and skills you need thanks to the distance learning solutions provided by Stonebridge Associated Colleges.
We have broken down the top 5 online animal courses that are included in our extensive portfolio. Whether you’re a dog lover who wants to work in canine welfare, or you want to capture the beauty of wild animals through photography, we have courses that can guide you towards your career goals. Continue reading to discover our variety of exciting animal courses!
- Canine Care
There is no doubt that a pet is regarded as a member of the family, and many pet owners treat them as such. Dogs are beloved animals that bring plenty of love and joy to the lives of many. If you are a dog lover, have one of your own, or just love being around these four-legged friends, then a career working in canine care could be perfect for you.
Among our range of online animal courses is Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare Level 3 Diploma (RQF). By earning this regulated qualification, you could pursue a rewarding and enjoyable career in canine care. This may involve working in kennelling, home care or day care for dogs. Achieving a Level 3 Diploma will allow you to embark on such roles.
By studying our animal courses online, UK residents can gain the knowledge, skills, and techniques they need to succeed in this animal care sector. During your studies, you will learn various practices and approaches to canine care, and you will gain a solid understanding of the behaviours of dogs.
While studying this online animal course, you will delve into the following:
- Canine law
- The evolution of canines
- Handling and transportation
- Learning theories
- Behaviours
- Care
- Kennels, day care and home boarding
Like most of our animal courses, you will have the freedom to study at your own pace and in your own time, such is the benefit of online study. To achieve your Level 3 Diploma, you will have to complete a series of assessments as well as provide a portfolio of evidence after you have completed each unit.
This animal course, UK learners, is regulated by Ofqual and meets the standards of the Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) requirements. Please note that to undertake this course, you need to be 16 years or older and be working at Level 2 or higher.

- Dog Grooming
Many people assume that dog grooming is just about making your pet look presentable, but a dog groomer does much more than that! By studying our range of animal courses, UK residents will swiftly learn that dog grooming is predominantly about looking after the hygiene of dogs. If a dog’s hygiene is neglected, then it could lead to health problems for the pooch.
By enrolling on one of our online animal courses, you will learn that a dog groomer plays a significant role in decreasing the likelihood of a dog having health-related issues. This is because as part of their service, they check for cuts, swelling, parasites, heat, thrush, as well as changes in behaviour. Generally, a dog groomer will provide the following, dependent on the requests of the dog’s owner:
- Bathing
- Nail clipping
- Fur trimming
We provide a wide range of dog grooming courses as part of our portfolio of animal courses. Online, UK learners, can develop various skills and techniques that will help them understand the role of a dog groomer. Many of our courses are accredited by iPET Network, which is an Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual. You can choose to enrol on the following:
- Introduction to Dog Grooming (RQF) Level 3 Award
- Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling (RQF) Level 3 Certificate
- Dog Grooming and Salon Management (RQF) Level 3 Diploma
- Small Animal Hydrotherapy
Animal care covers a wide spectrum of services, and as part of our animal courses, we provide small animal hydrotherapy. This is an essential service that helps animals recover from physical conditions or illnesses. It is also an effective process for recovery from surgery. If you would like to help small dogs, cats, and other animals get their physical health back on track, then consider our online animal courses.
The Small Animal Hydrotherapy Level 3 Diploma (RQF) course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to carry out hydrotherapy treatments. So, what is hydrotherapy? Well, it is a form of therapeutic exercise that takes place in warm water, usually in a pool or an underwater treadmill.
While studying one of our animal courses online, UK learners will discover that the hydrotherapy process increases circulation to the muscles as a result of the water’s movement. The animal will experience enhanced flexibility and less joint pain. There are various types of conditions that can be treated through hydrotherapy, such as:
- Orthopaedic issues
- Neurological problems
- Soft tissue injuries
- Degenerative conditions
- Age-related conditions
Upon completion of this online animal course, you will be able to pursue a career as an animal hydrotherapist, and the training involved adheres to the requirements for registration to the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH).
Please note that while the majority of this animal course is studied online, you will have to undergo intensive practical training for 6 days. As well as this course, you may want to consider our other animal courses. UK learners can delve into veterinary physiotherapy alongside hydrotherapy training.
You can begin this form of study by enrolling on Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy Level 6 Diploma (RQF) – Part 1. The course is made up of 3 parts, and you must already have a Level 3 Diploma in Hydrotherapy to embark on this degree-level study.

- Wildlife Photography
If you have a passion for our wonderful wildlife along with an interest in photography, you can combine the two by pursuing a career as a wildlife photographer. To gain essential knowledge and skills in this industry, enrol on our Wildlife Photography Level 3 Award (RQF).
Throughout your studies, you will learn various image composition techniques, how to capture wildlife images in a compelling way, and how to understand the components of a digital camera. This course is among our popular online animal courses as it teaches you how to tell a story through the camera.
Your assessment consists of a series of in-depth theory assessments, in which you will have to provide sufficient evidence that you understand the topics covered. Once you have acquired your Level 3 certificate, you will be able to pursue a career in wildlife photography, either through self-employment or with a recognised company.
- Canine Nutrition
For dogs to be happy and healthy, they need to be getting the right nutrients in their diet. If you currently work in the canine health and welfare industry, or work in the production of pet food, then studying the Canine Nutrition (RQF) Level 3 Diploma could be beneficial for you.
This is one of our animal courses, UK learners, that focuses on the health and wellbeing of canines. During your studies, you will gain a solid understanding of canine nutrition and dietary requirements. You will also explore the physiology and anatomy of dogs within the syllabus, which consists of the following:
- Principles of Canine Nutrition
- Canine Digestive Anatomy and Physiology
- Life Stage Canine Nutrition
- Canine Evolution
- Pet Food
- Canine Microbiome, Immunity and Behaviour
- Research in Canine Nutrition
To achieve your Level 3 Diploma, you will need to pass several assessments, which will be different for each unit covered. You will be required to put together an online portfolio, showing your completed assessments.
Begin Your Career Journey
If your ideal job involves animals, then our online animal courses should be your first point of call. When studying one of our animal courses, UK learners will be able to embark on a career path that is exciting and incredibly rewarding.
To learn more information about our animal courses, give our Course Executives a call on 0121 392 8288. You can also reach a member of the Stonebridge Associated Colleges team online or click below to discover our range of online animal courses.

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