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Enrichment Planning

Short Course

Enrichment, once primarily used in zoos, is now increasingly recognised as a crucial component for animal welfare, both in animal care facilities and in the home. Enrichment enhances the quality of animal care by providing stimuli that promote natural behaviours and support psychological and physiological health. By simulating aspects of an animal’s natural habitat, we can optimise their overall well-being.

This short course will guide you through the process of designing and implementing enrichment programs for a wide range of species. You’ll learn how to create environments that encourage natural behaviours, contributing to both the mental and physical health of the animals under your care – either at work or your pet’s at home. The course provides practical tools, including templates, to help you build a comprehensive enrichment program library.

By the end of the course, you will be equipped to design and evaluate enrichment programs for any species, enabling you to offer these as a complement to behavioural services, wildlife rescue and foster services or just further improve the quality of life your own pets receive.

What topics are covered in this course?

  • Introduction to Behavioural & Environmental Enrichment – Learn the basics of enrichment, its importance in animal care, and how it contributes to the overall well-being of animals.
  • Behaviour – Explore natural behaviours across a range of species, understanding what drives these behaviours and the factors that influence them.
  • Maladaptive Behaviours – Understand abnormal and maladaptive behaviours, recognise these behaviours, and learn how to identify signs of stress in dogs and cats.
  • Elements of Enrichment – Discover the difference between environmental and behavioural enrichment, and learn to use the six elements of enrichment to support natural behaviours. Understand how to deliver both long- and short-term enrichment for a variety of species.
  • Design an Enrichment Program – Gain practical knowledge on designing, applying, and monitoring enrichment programs using the SPIDER framework to ensure consistent and effective enrichment delivery for any species.

Inclusions

Included in the course fees:

  • 12 weeks of online access to complete your course.
    • Extensions are available for when life gets busy.
  • Access to Educators via phone, zoom & email. We’re here to help you!
  • Printed Learner’s Guide and reading materials included
  • Access to our Online Learning Centre for additional resources including videos, documents, interactive e-learning presentations and more
  • Range of self-test activities to check your learning and receive feedback
  • Certificate of Achievement upon passing

Important Notes:

  • This short course is a non-accredited professional development course.
  • Assessment of knowledge is conducted throughout your course.
  • Learning materials are provided in English only.

FAQ

What is the format of the Short Course?
The course blends self-paced reading and recorded lectures with online MCQ-style assessments and short written tasks that help develop practical documents for clinical use.

What materials and resources are included in the course?
Participants receive a printed learner’s guide containing readings, notes, and instructions, along with online access to additional readings, useful resources, recorded lectures, and videos.

Is there a certificate awarded upon completion of the course?
Yes, all participants who complete the course and its activities receive a Certificate of Achievement and earn 5 CPD points.

How much time should participants expect to dedicate to this course weekly?
Participants should allocate approximately 5 hours per week to easily complete the course in the 3 month timeframe.

Are there any prerequisites required to enrol in this course?
No specific prerequisites are required, but the course assumes a knowledge level equivalent to that of someone who has been working with animals for at least 12 months.

What support is available to participants during the course?
Support is available via phone, email, and Zoom appointments with our Educators.

How are assessments conducted throughout the course?
Assessments include MCQ or drag-and-drop tasks that are auto-marked, with unlimited attempts allowed.

What are the technical requirements to participate in the online components of the course?
Participants need reliable internet access (such as NBN) and a computer. While mobile devices are supported, using a computer is recommended for easier access to reading and viewing online resources.