This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct animal care work practices with consideration to animal needs in an ethical and humane manner.This unit is applicable to new entrants to the animal care and management industry. Animal care may occur in a wide variety of workplaces, including retail pet stores, kennels and catteries, shelters, veterinary practices, zoos, animal research facilities and others.This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.