http://www.spca.bc.ca/specialprograms/UCCdetail.asp
Animal Welfare Certificate Program
Detailed Course Outline:
Dr. Dave Sedgman
University College of the Cariboo
Animal Health Technology
Box 3010, Kamloops, BC V2C 5N3
Telephone: (250) 828-5192 (work)
Fax: (250) 828-5194 E-mail: sedgman@cariboo.bc.ca
Web: www.cariboo.bc.ca/schs/aht/awcp/main.html
Distance Education For Science and Health Sciences
Secretary: (250) 371-5667 Fax: (250) 371-5771
Your Current Instructor
Dr. David Sedgman is a 1973 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He was in mixed animal practice in Victoria, BC and Taranaki, New Zealand before becoming a partner in 1977 in a dairy and small animal practice in Salmon Arm BC. During the time spent in Salmon Arm he worked closely with the Shuswap Branch of the BC SPCA.
From 1990 to the present, Dr. Sedgman has been an instructor in the Animal Health Technology Program at the University College of the Cariboo in Kamloops, British Columbia. He has a special interest in education and training of technical staff.
Dr. Sedgman lives on a quarter section of cow pasture south of Kamloops with his wife Elaine, (a born again cat lover and ardent gardener), two dogs, Spud — a border collie cross and Mishka — a lab cross trouble maker, and two cats, T.C. (short for Trans-Canada) and Madonna (who has decided to allow us to be in her gracious presence).
Dr. Sedgman’s two children are now young adults and are negotiating their way through the perils of higher education.
Introduction
The Animal Welfare Certificate Program was initiated as a joint effort between the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the University College of the Cariboo. The purpose of the program is to enable animal care workers and members of the public who wish to learn more about animal care and welfare a means of upgrading their knowledge via distance education.
UCC will deliver this program using several communication methods. These methods involve computers, video production, and the standard printed page. Students will be encouraged to submit their assignments via electronic means (E-mail, computer disk). Most animal care facilities are incorporating computer technology into their day-to-day operations and the employees of these facilities need to become comfortable with them.
The materials for the program were assembled by a UCC Project Team including Dr. Sedgman, Mr. Rick Rice, Mr. Larry Prins and Mr. Bryan Daly.
Many members of the BC SPCA contributed to the development of the materials including representatives from the Vancouver, Kamloops, Parksville-Qualicum, and Victoria Branches and members from the BC SPCA Administration Centre.
This program will address the problem of delivering current animal welfare education to interested people who because of distance, work, financial or time constraints would find it difficult to upgrade their knowledge in this interesting field.
Course Organization
Animal Welfare Certificate Program — General Level — Theory
This program is intended for employees of animal care facilities who are relatively new to the organization. Some material directly pertaining to the BC SPCA is included but much of the information can be utilized by anyone interested in animal welfare.
Level I — Theory
The general Level I theory includes the following modules:
Animal Care (010) — In this module the student will delve into the areas of animal anatomy, physiology, handling of animals often seen in an animal care facility including birds and wild animals, breed identification, animal disease, small animal nutrition, dog and cat first aid, microchipping, immunology, euthanasia, cleaning and disinfection. Videos produced at UCC and included in the course package will demonstrate many of the animal handling techniques discussed.
SPCA Organization (012) — This module is an overview of the BC SPCA organization, its mandate, goals, position on animal welfare issues, and a list of resources.
Legal Issues (012) — This module pertains to employees who deal with animal control. What are the legalities of impounding a stray dog or a known aggressive dog found at large? What are the client’s rights? This module was developed with the guidance of Mr. John Van der Hoeven, Director of Field Operations for the BC SPCA and Mr. Carl Ottosen, Field Services Coordinator for the BC SPCA. Mr. Ottosen is a retired RCMP officer with 25 years experience in law enforcement.
Human Conflict Resolution (013) — Every animal care facility has to deal with people. Conflicts can arise between co-workers and between staff and clients. This module, via the use of several videos and a reference manual, provides strategies for defusing conflicts and creating a more harmonious work-place. The module also deals with issues such as "burn out," stress management, motivation, customer service, personal development and self respect.
Basic Business Techniques (014) — Most animal care facilities are run independently, managing their own finances through fund-raising, licensing, fines, etc. It is, therefore, important employees have some basic business skills. This module is broken down into several areas which will begin to address these skill needs.
Book keeping: incorporate the Pitman Office handbook and will deal with basic money management as it occurs in animal care facilities. Activities will include managing day ledgers, petty cash, day end balancing, deposits, etc.
Word processing: will not be taught as a separate entity but because the student is encouraged to submit assignments via the computer and modem or by mailing in computer disks, they will learn "by doing." It is quite likely that BC SPCA employees taking this course as a condition of their employment will be required to use a computer (minimum 386) for their assignments. (See Course Requirements)
Letter Writing and Communication: Again these sections will not be taught as separate modules but the student will be completing assignments incorporating these skills and will learn by using the techniques.
Safety in the Workplace (015) — This module has been adapted from material written by Diane McKelvey, DVM, for veterinary clinics. In this module many safety issues are discussed. What animal diseases are zoonotic and how do you prevent contracting them when working with your animal charges? What other hazards are present in an animal care facility? This module covers chemicals, environmental issues, WHMIS standards, and much more.
Humane Education (016) — This module was developed by the BC SPCA and covers a wide range of humane issues such as the history of the humane movement, the reasons why people abuse animals, the links between violence to animals and child abuse, responsible pet care, teaching others and a reference section.
General Level Practicum (060) — This portion of the program is designed for the student who wishes to test the skills they have learned in the program. The student will be required to contact an animal care facility in an area that is accessible to the student to arrange for a member of that facility to conduct the practical exam (with the approval of the instructor).
Please note that this practicum is voluntary (except for BC SPCA employees) and is not required to complete the theory portion of the General Level. For BC SPCA employees, completion of this practicum is required and will be arranged by the BC SPCA Provincial Office.
The student will present a "skills check list" prepared by UCC to the examiner. The examiner will have been contacted by the UCC AWCP instructor after the student makes the initial approach. The time frame and expectations of the examiner will have been clarified by the UCC AWCP instructor prior to the exam. In the case of BC SPCA employees, the BC SPCA Provincial Office will make these arrangements instead of the UCC AWCP instructor.
PLEASE NOTE that all costs associated with the practicum portion of the General Level course incurred by the student are the responsibility of the student and not UCC or the BC SPCA. There will also be an administration fee charged for this portion of the course that is over and above the fee paid to take the General Level (Theory) section. There is no administration fee for BC SPCA employees as the BC SPCA will administer their own practicums.
The student will be provided with the "skills check list" well in advance of the practical exam to better prepare themselves for the exercise.
Level II — Advanced Level (Theory)
This course is designed for those with experience within an animal care facility or for people with an extensive background in animal care. This level emphasizes management techniques (i.e., fund-raising, managing volunteers, handling media, managing employees, etc.). Animal diseases are investigated in more depth with an emphasis on encounters with animals in settings outside the animal care facility (abuse investigations, car accidents, barn collapses, wild life rescue, etc.)
People with experience in these areas could proceed directly to the Advanced Level without taking the General Level course.
Modules included in the Advanced Level course are:
Animal Care (020) — This module builds on the AWCP animal care module (010). Large animal and wildlife handling and first aid topics are covered and videos are supplied. Animal diseases are explored in more depth using a body systems approach. Large animal and avian nutrition is covered and the module ends with a section on immunology.
Legal Issues (021) — In this module we will build on issues discussed in the General Level course (012). Where as the topics in the General Level course centred mainly around activities within the animal care facility itself, the topics in the Advanced Level course will focus on legal issues encountered when the animal care worker is out in public, (i.e., abuse investigations, entering private property, incident investigation, etc.)
Human Conflict Resolution (022) — This module will concentrate on customer service and employee mental health. It will utilize materials produced by Kate Prevost, a noted animal welfare consultant, lecturer and author. The module is meant to give animal care facility managers and directors materials to motivate staff and help them to feel pride and satisfaction in the work they perform. Material will be in the form of a workbook and audio tapes.
Business Management (023) — This module builds on the lessons learned in AWCP 014. Book keeping and money management are discussed along with employee management (hiring, firing, motivation, cooperation), and the other factors that go into running a small business.
Humane Education (024) — This module is a continuation of the Humane Education General Level module (AWCP 016). Topics will include establishing a humane education program within your shelter, exploring animal issues, teaching controversial subjects, animals in therapeutic contexts and building a humane coalition.
Managing Volunteers (025) — Finding good volunteers and keeping them is another top priority for most animal care facilities (or at least, it should be). This module addresses the issues of volunteer acquisition, management, motivation and satisfaction.
Fund-raising (026) — In most animal care facilities, which rely on public interest and support, fund-raising is an ongoing activity. This module explores some do’s and don’ts and will provide the facility management team with some new ideas.
Handling Media (027) — This module was developed by the BC SPCA. Topics will include using public service announcements to communicate humane messages and how to use the media to help achieve your goals.
Safety in the Workplace (028) — This is a continuation of the AWCP General Level Safety in the Workplace module (015). In this module more zoonotic diseases are covered and the disposal of biomedical wastes is discussed. The section on Chemical and Drug Hazards is repeated in this module for the benefit of the students who did not take AWCP 015.
Vehicle Maintenance (029) — Most animal care facilities who also participate in animal control and animal abuse investigations own a vehicle to perform these activities. This short module discusses some do’s and don’ts of vehicle maintenance involving animals.
Advanced Level Practicum (061)
This section of the AWCP course will be in the form of a five day workshop held at the University College of the Cariboo. The format will involve sessions at the UCC farm, the Animal Health Technology clinic, the Kamloops Wildlife Park and the Kamloops SPCA focusing mainly on animal handling techniques. Other sessions will include guest speakers in the areas of law, human conflict resolution, fund-raising, media, and volunteers. Other topics could include dog training, first aid, anatomy wet labs, etc., depending on interest and availability of facilities and instructors.
The sessions are tentatively scheduled during the summer months at UCC. Accommodation is available on campus.
PLEASE NOTE: Any expenses incurred by the student to complete this portion of the course (Advanced Level Practicum — 061) are the responsibility of the student and not UCC or the BC SPCA. There will be a course registration fee (as yet to be determined) to cover the cost of instructors, speakers, animals and facilities. These costs are separate from the registration fee paid for the Advanced Level — (theory) course. A minimum number of registrants will be required before the Practicum is offered. The practicum may be offered at Regional sites if demand warrants. The student is not required to attend the practicum immediately after completion of the Advanced Level (theory) course — there is no time-line for completion of the practicum. Also, the student is not required to complete the practicum in order to receive recognition for the Advanced Level — (theory) course.
Individual Modules
The following individual modules are offered as separate courses without the necessity of taking the complete Advanced or General Levels. (See also "resources, required materials and course costs.")
Animal Care (010 and 020) — offered as one package designated as (050)
Safety in the Workplace (015 and 028) — offered as one package designated as (051)
Recognition of Achievement
At the successful completion of each section (Level I — General Level (Theory), AWCP 060 — Practical Exam, Level II —Advanced Level (Theory), AWCP 061 — Practicum) the student will receive a certificate of recognition. At the successful completion of all four sections the student will receive a further certificate of completion. The student will also receive recognition for the completion of individual modules.
Requirements for the Successful Completion of the Sections are:
a. Completion of all assignments and quizzes
b. An overall average of 60%
Time-lines
Because of instructor availability, course overlaps etc. the student needs to have completed each theory section within eight months to receive a certificate of completion, i.e., eight months or less for the Level I —General Level (Theory) and eight months or less for the Level II — Advanced Level (Theory).
For students taking the individual modules (AWCP 050 — Animal Care, AWCP 051 — Safety in the Workplace) they should have the modules completed in six months.
The student will be able to extend the time-line for Level I —General Level (Theory) and Level II — Advanced Level (Theory) by three months but an Extension Rewrite fee of $150 will be charged. Only one extension will be allowed. For students taking individual modules the same three month extension applies and the Extension Rewrite fee will be $50, (again, only one extension allowed).
Assignments
Since one of the purposes of this certificate program is to allow the student to become more comfortable with computers, the preferred method of submitting assignments is via electronic media. This could include:
E-mail. Your instructor can be reached at sedgman@cariboo.bc.ca
Computer disk. Assignments can be completed on a computer disk and mailed to UCC. Depending on the software used to create the assignment, the instructor will be able to read it but may or may not be able to put corrections directly on the disk. If direct disk corrections cannot be made then written comments on the assignments will be made.
Failing availability of the above two means of submitting assignments, typed hard copy will be accepted.
PLEASE NOTE: Students that are able to access the UCC website (http://www.cariboo.bc.ca) will be able to access a "chatline" Web board set up for students of this course. The only people who will have access to this chatline will be the instructor and the AWCP students. The student and instructor will be able to post questions and comments about the course and carry on conversations with the whole (virtual) class or individual members.
Course Requirements
The student should have access to e-mail and a local internet provider.
Access to a 386 computer with Windows 3.1 or better, 8 MB Ram, CD ROM drive an asset and an ability to access the Internet via Netscape 2.02 or better.
Students will find that successful completion of Grade 12 with some science background will enable a better appreciation of this course.
Resources, Required Materials and Course Costs
Level I — General Level (Theory): Included in the cost of the course package are:
• Course notes
• Videos on Small Animal Handling and Anatomy
• The "Spay" operation
• Human Conflict Resolution
• "Safety in the Workplace"
• Hypermedia program on animal breed identification and body condition scoring.
Additional required texts not included in the package (available at the UCCC bookstore — prices do not include GST):
• BC SPCA Branch Operations Manual approx. $30
• The Merck Veterinary Manual – 8th ed. approx. $60 (not available until Mar/98 — materials will be provided to substitute until the text is printed)
• Dog Anatomy — Illustrated approx. $10
• Pitman Office Handbook 3rd ed. $28.15
• Pitman Office Handbook — Workbook 3rd ed. $10.40
• Client Satisfaction — Dru Scott approx. $25
Approx. Cost $163.50 + GST
Cost for registration in General Level (theory) is $600. Registration is via UCC.
Cost for registration in AWCP 060 (practical exam) is $150. (Not applicable to BC SPCA employees.)
Cost for registration for the following modules are:
AWCP 010/020, designated as AWCP 050 — Animal Care: $350
AWCP 015/028, designated as AWCP 051 — Safety in the Workplace: $150
Level II — Advanced Level (Theory): Included in the cost of the course package are:
• Course Notes
• Videos on:
• Large Animal Handling
• Avian handling
• Incident Investigations
• Hypercard program on breed identification and body condition scoring
• Audio tapes by Kate Prevost dealing with Conflict Resolution
Additional required texts not included in the package are available at the bookstore (prices do not include GST):
• BC SPCA Branch Operations Manual approx. $30
• Merck Veterinary Manual — 8th Edition approx. $60 (not available until Mar./98 — materials will be provided to substitute until the text is published)
• Volunteers — How to Find Them, How to Keep Them $10
• Pitman Office Handbook 3rd ed. $28.15
• Pitman Office Handbook — Workbook 3rd ed. $10.40
Approx. Total Cost $138.55 + GST
Cost for registering in the Advanced Level (theory) course is $600
Cost for registering in the AWCP 061 (practicum) is to be determined.
Further Information
If you require any additional information or if you are unable to contact your instructor, you may call collect:
Bryan Daly, Coordinator
Distance Education for Science and Health Sciences
University College of the Cariboo
P.O. Box 3010, Kamloops, BC V2C 5N3
(250) 828-5433