Animal Care

At South Devon College, our Animal and Land-Based Unit offers an immersive, hands-on learning environment where you’ll work with over 150 species – including meerkats, skunks, porcupines, pigs, rabbits, lizards, and insects – using industry-standard facilities that mirror real working environments, including a commercial dog grooming area.

Animal welfare is central to everything we do. Our experienced teaching team delivers ethical, high-quality training that prepares you to work confidently and compassionately in the animal care and management sector. Through strong partnerships with local employers, including Paignton Zoo, you’ll also benefit from work placements and vocational trips that expand your skills and expose you to real career pathways.

As part of your studies, you’ll explore key topics such as animal handling, biology, husbandry, and conservation. Sustainability is also a key focus within the Animal Unit. Students take part in projects that support biodiversity and environmental responsibility, such as designing and building bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog homes, and barn owl boxes using recycled materials. These projects not only reduce waste but also help to create space for nature around our campus.

Our courses range from Level 1 through to a top-up BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Science at University Centre South Devon, giving you a clear progression route into careers such as veterinary nursing, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal rescue.

Our Exotics Room is a state-of-the-art learning facility, developed to reflect current industry standards. Designed as a practical and research-focused environment, it offers students the opportunity to engage in real-world applications and investigative projects.

Within this dynamic setting, learners can work closely with a diverse range of species, including snakes, turtles, lizards, amphibians, fish, and a variety of invertebrates. This hands-on experience is central to our approach, allowing students to develop confidence and competence in handling and caring for exotic animals.

Students also play an active role in shaping the environment, with opportunities to contribute to the design and maintenance of enclosures. This encourages a deep understanding of animal husbandry and welfare, with an emphasis on creating and sustaining enriching, species-appropriate habitats.

At the heart of the facility is a modern teaching space that integrates theoretical learning with practical application. This blend ensures students gain the essential knowledge and skills required to progress into further study or employment in zoological, veterinary or conservation-related fields.