The National Pet College has certificated its 100th level 3 qualified inspector in the City & Guilds’ Inspecting Licensable Activities Involving Animals.
In response to the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 requiring animal licencing inspectors to be appropriately qualified, the college developed the Ofqual-regulated level 3 qualification in conjunction with the City of London Corporation’s senior animal health team and City & Guilds to ensure consistent standards of inspection and high levels of animal welfare.
Ann-Marie Milton, of Sevenoaks District Council, became the 100th qualified inspector. She said: “The course was clear and well delivered, enabling me to enhance my knowledge and increase my confidence enforcing the legislation. The feedback I was given throughout the course and assessments was both helpful and encouraging. I will now be able to advise the public and help other authorities going forward.”
LICENSED ACTIVITIES
The qualification – which is for inspectors in England only – refers to the full range of licensed activities including dog day care, home boarding, kennels, catteries, dog breeding and pet retail and ensures that inspectors are adequately prepared and competent to make accurate, legal and welfare-focused decisions when carrying out the inspections on animal establishments and activities.
Vicky Skinner, National Pet College’s head of education, commented: “We are delighted to be driving consistency within the inspection process and we now have 100 qualified inspectors who are ready to deliver exceptional levels of service to the pet industry, raising animal welfare standards.
“It is testament to the learners that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been able to adapt from face-to-face sessions at Heathrow to a combination of online learning and practical teaching and still maintain high standards. We currently have another 200+ inspectors who are going through the training, who we hope will be fully qualified in the early part of 2022.”
