This year, Box Hill Institute launched the pre-accredited course Introduction to Animal Care, and Networks participants have been making the most of this incredible opportunity. Over the past term, they have been actively engaged in learning about grooming and caring for a variety of small creatures, with hands-on experiences that have boosted both their knowledge and confidence.
Participants have travelled to Collingwood Farm, where they had the chance to pat goats, brush ponies, and interact with guinea pigs. On campus, they’ve enjoyed special visits from rabbits and guinea pigs, providing valuable opportunities to practice handling and care techniques. They’ve also been diligently preparing nutritious meals for rabbits, rats, and guinea pigs, carefully cutting vegetables and weighing food portions to ensure a balanced diet. Cleaning cages and transferring mice from dirty boxes to fresh, clean environments has been another important aspect of their learning.
One of the highlights of the program has been the on-campus visits from Henry the dog, who has brought immense joy to the classroom. Henry has become an integral part of the learning experience, spending time with participants, accompanying them on park walks, and sharing in playtime. His presence has provided comfort, laughter, and a sense of unconditional love, contributing to the overall happiness of everyone involved.
A particularly exciting activity involved using scanners to locate microchips hidden in plush toy animals and recording the codes—an experience that was met with great enthusiasm. As the course progressed, participants moved from tentatively interacting with rabbits and guinea pigs in the early weeks to confidently grooming a greyhound, including nail filing and clipping. They also learned how to clean animal enclosures and create enrichment items such as cardboard tunnels and healthy snacks for animals.
This innovative course has been met with great enthusiasm, and it’s wonderful to see participants developing new skills while building confidence in animal care.