Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Bathing needs may include:
animal and owner lifestyle factors
breed or type
age, sex, reproductive status
current body, skin and coat condition
known allergies or other health problems
history of previous bathing experience
injuries or other issues either reported or observed.
Risks
Risks in capture, handling and bathing of animals may include:
aggressive animal behaviour
escape of animals and subsequent threat to safety of humans and other animals
heat stress and reaction to dryers/dryer stress
potential anxiety of animal when being handled by strangers
potential injuries to humans during capture, handling and bathing processes
potential stress and injury to animals during handling, bathing and drying such as:
brush burns
dryer burn
heat stroke
reaction to washing and grooming chemicals
unfamiliarity of animal to washing equipment and processes.
Workplace health and safety risks when handling animals may include:
animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries
biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal
handling of chemicals and medicines
gas leakage
inhalation of aerosol particles
intraocular contamination
manual handling including carrying, lifting and shifting
needle pricks and cuts from other sharps
release of infective agents (animal and human)
slippery or uneven work surfaces
use of water in close vicinity of electrical equipment
zoonoses.
Equipment may include:
brushes, combs, sprayers, polishing pads, towels
detangling lotion
coat dryers
grooming stands
mobile unit, with consideration for the workplace health and safety requirements related to the mobile unit safety chain and 240v safety switches
restraining equipment including collars, leads, muzzles and harness
wash tubs and hydro-baths
shampoo and other coat cleaning products.
Signs of distress may include:
aggressive behaviour
inappetence
subdued behaviour
trembling
vocalisation.
Bathing techniques may include:
external evacuation of animal’s anal glands, if required
detangle coat or hair
dry animal after washing in accordance with industry recognised standards
inspect animals for parasites and other health issues
remove and control external parasites
remove dander or scurf from skin
remove dirt, debris, contaminants from the coat and skin
restrain animal during bathing
wash animals using shampoo, parasite control and other chemicals
post-wash rinse to remove chemicals from skin and coat.
Hydro-bath and equipment cleaning may include:
checking equipment for damage and wear and tear
disinfecting equipment using approved chemicals and processes
drying, lubricating and protecting parts as required
pumping out grey water into approved waste water system
removing hair and debris from waste traps and filters.
Post-bathing review may include:
further parasite control requirements
reporting on animal behaviour during bathing
advising of any injury or illness issues that have occurred during bathing
advising of any health issues noticed during bathing or inspection of animal
suggesting grooming or care products for home use
identifying follow-up schedule to maintain coat and skin in optimal condition.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
assess health and condition of animal's coat and determine bathing requirements with client/owner
apply industry recognised hydro-bathing methods and procedures for different breeds of companion animals
handle animals in a safe and humane manner
set up, use and maintain hydro-bathing equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards and manufacturers' specifications
build relationships and communicate effectively with clients regarding appropriate bathing requirements
maintain records and follow-up with clients as required.
The skills and knowledge required to provide companion animal hydro-bathing services must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in companion animal organisations that offer animal hydro-bathing services or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access to a range of companion animal breeds and species as well as the appropriate equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.
Method of assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
third-party evidence
workplace documentation
portfolio.
This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).