Animal Care & Veterinary

    Lantra Awards
    Vocational

    Specification: 603/6999/1

    The LANTRA-AWARDS Vocational Animal Care & Veterinary specification covers 57 topics with 81 learning objectives (603/6999/1). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    57

    Units

    81

    Learning Outcomes

    256

    Assessment Guidance

    285

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing animal welfare guidelines with legal requirements.
    • •Overlooking the importance of staff training records in operational plans.
    • •Failing to link health and safety practices directly to animal welfare outcomes.
    • •Submitting generic risk assessments without site-specific details.
    • •Neglecting to check for underground services before digging, leading to potential service strikes and safety incidents.
    • •Using insufficient or inappropriate backfill material, causing posts to lean or fail under livestock pressure over time.
    • •Failing to maintain consistent wire tension, resulting in sagging fences that animals can push through or escape.
    • •Assuming all boundaries are the same—overlooking the need for different designs (e.g., electric vs. post-and-rail) for different species or terrains.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Use specific examples from your own practice to demonstrate application of theory.
    • •Reference current legislation and codes of practice explicitly in your evidence.
    • •Structure your portfolio evidence to show clear links between management actions and animal welfare improvements.
    • •During professional discussion, articulate how you have led your team to overcome challenges.
    • •In planning tasks, cross-reference your design with the relevant specifications and clearly justify any adjustments to demonstrate your understanding of boundary functions.
    • •During practical assessments, verbalise each step as you work, highlighting safety checks, tool inspections, and environmental considerations to show your assessor your thought process.
    • •When maintaining boundaries, always perform a visual inspection first, note any defects systematically, and explain how you would prioritise repairs to minimise animal risk.
    • •Use the correct terminology (e.g., ‘strainer post’, ‘gripple’, ‘drift’) to convey professional competence and ensure precise communication in written or oral evidence.

    Qualification Units

    57 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 End Point Assessment for Animal Care and Welfare Manager - Core Content

    This subtopic encompasses the foundational knowledge and competencies required for an Animal Care and Welfare Manager, including understanding of legislation, welfare science, operational management, and ethical leadership. It integrates theoretical principles with practical application to ensure effective animal care service delivery and continuous improvement.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 End Point Assessment for Animal Care and Welfare Manager

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Construct and maintain boundaries

    This unit equips learners with the practical skills to safely construct and maintain boundaries for animal enclosures, covering planning, material selection, equipment use, and waste disposal. It emphasises compliance with health and safety regulations, sustainable practices, and understanding different boundary types to ensure animal welfare, security, and land management.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care), Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    2 learning outcomes21 guidance points2 criteria

    Business Administration and Marketing

    This subtopic covers the essential administrative and marketing functions within an animal care business, emphasizing accurate record-keeping, financial transactions, stock control, and client management to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. It applies practical ICT skills to manage bookings, registrations, and promotional activities, preparing learners to support the smooth running of a veterinary or animal welfare setting.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Lantra Awards Level 3 End Point Assessment for Veterinary Nurse - Core Content

    This subtopic covers the core clinical and professional competencies required of a veterinary nurse, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application in areas such as animal handling, nursing care, anaesthesia support, and client education. The content aligns with the Lantra Awards Level 3 End-Point Assessment, ensuring learners can demonstrate safe, effective, and compassionate care in a veterinary environment.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 End Point Assessment for Veterinary Nurse

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Lantra Awards Level 3 End Point Assessment for Keeper and Aquarist - Core Content

    This core content establishes the foundational knowledge and competencies required for professional keeper and aquarist roles. It encompasses animal welfare science, practical husbandry, enclosure management, health surveillance, and adherence to legislative frameworks. Mastery of these elements ensures safe, ethical, and effective daily operations in zoological and aquarium settings.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 End Point Assessment for Keeper and Aquarist

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Lantra Awards Level 2 End Point Assessment for Animal Care and Welfare Assistant - Core Content

    This subtopic encompasses the essential theoretical knowledge and hands-on proficiencies required for the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant end-point assessment. It focuses on applying animal welfare legislation, safe handling, health monitoring, hygiene, and basic husbandry in practical environments, ensuring candidates can demonstrate competence under assessment conditions.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 End Point Assessment for Animal Care and Welfare Assistant

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Prescribe, Advise and Supply Veterinary Medicines for Avians

    This subtopic equips learners with the knowledge to responsibly prescribe, advise on, and supply veterinary medicines for avian species, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and promoting bird welfare. It covers the SQP's role in product selection, disease management, pharmacovigilance, and client communication, emphasizing the importance of accurate record-keeping and understanding the specific health needs of poultry.

    Lantra Awards Level 4 Award as a Suitably Qualified Person

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Safe use of veterinary medicines

    This unit covers the essential principles of safe handling, storage, administration, and disposal of veterinary medicines, underpinned by relevant legislation such as the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. Learners gain the knowledge to ensure animal welfare through correct medicine management, accurate record-keeping, observance of withdrawal periods, and recognition of health and ill-health indicators, supporting responsible and compliant animal care practice.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Anaesthesia and theatre nursing

    This element integrates the principles and practical skills of anaesthesia and theatre nursing in small animal practice. Learners must demonstrate competency in preparing and maintaining anaesthetic equipment, monitoring patients, recognising emergencies, and assisting surgeons while upholding strict aseptic technique and patient welfare throughout surgical procedures.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal

    1 learning outcomes4 guidance points

    Awareness of farriery

    This element equips diploma candidates with a comprehensive understanding of farriery practices essential for collaborative equine hoof care. It explores statutory legislation, farrier decision-making processes, shoe evaluation criteria, remedial techniques, material selection, tool use, and interprofessional communication, enabling podiatrists to work seamlessly with farriers while maintaining legal and ethical standards.

    Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Anaesthesia and theatre nursing (equine)

    This subtopic equips the veterinary nursing student with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required for safe and effective equine anaesthesia and theatre nursing. It encompasses the pharmacological principles of anaesthetic drugs, the function and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment, patient preparation and induction, vigilant monitoring throughout anaesthesia and recovery, and the recognition and management of emergencies. Additionally, it covers the design and use of operating theatres, sterile techniques, instrumentation, and the nurse's role in assisting the surgeon and providing intra-operative patient care, ensuring a holistic approach to equine surgical support.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine

    1 learning outcomes12 guidance points

    Surgical Nursing Care

    This subtopic equips learners with the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge to support surgical procedures in a veterinary setting. It covers aseptic preparation of the theatre and patient, safe restraint, monitoring during recovery, and effective communication for post-operative care, ensuring animal welfare and clinical efficiency.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Work experience in land-based industries

    This subtopic equips learners with the essential skills to secure and successfully complete a work experience placement within the equine sector. It covers industry awareness, planning, application processes, professional conduct, and reflective evaluation, ensuring practical competence and safety in a real-world environment. Learners will demonstrate their ability to align placement goals with personal career aspirations while adhering to land-based industry standards.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine), Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care)

    2 learning outcomes19 guidance points2 criteria

    The Fundamentals of Animal Accommodation and Safe Working Practices

    This element focuses on the practical and legislative requirements for providing appropriate animal accommodation that meets the five welfare needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including space, environment, and enrichment. It also covers the implementation of safe working practices such as risk assessments, biosecurity protocols, and correct animal handling techniques to protect both humans and animals in a veterinary care setting.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    The Fundamentals of Animal Behaviour, Health and Welfare

    This subtopic underpins the essential knowledge and skills required for maintaining and promoting animal welfare within a veterinary care setting. It explores the significance of the human-animal bond, species recognition, health assessment, routine care, and first aid, while also delving into behavioural observation, environmental enrichment, and the principles of learning and reinforcement. Mastery of these fundamentals is critical for ensuring that animals receive appropriate, holistic care and that practitioners can adapt their approaches based on species-specific needs and individual health status.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Handle animal(s) and/or livestock

    This unit covers safe handling of animals and livestock, including risk assessment, the five freedoms, and correct handling techniques for different species.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Application of veterinary nursing A incorporating laboratory diagnostics

    This subtopic integrates essential laboratory diagnostic techniques with foundational veterinary nursing care, focusing on specimen handling, infection control, and clinical support for small animal patients. Learners apply knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology to recognise disease, collect and process diagnostic samples, and implement appropriate nursing interventions for conditions affecting the nervous, musculoskeletal, and integumentary systems. Practical competence is developed through aseptic technique, wound management, and the safe operation of laboratory equipment, directly supporting effective clinical decision-making and patient welfare.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Application of veterinary nursing A incorporating laboratory diagnostics (equine)

    This element integrates equine veterinary nursing practice with laboratory diagnostics, focusing on the application of clinical pathology to support disease diagnosis and monitoring in horses. Learners must demonstrate competence in collecting, handling, and processing equine specimens, understanding how laboratory findings inform nursing care plans for commonly encountered disorders of the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and nervous systems. Practical application includes aseptic technique, use of diagnostic equipment, and infection control measures specific to equine practice to safeguard both animal and human health.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine

    1 learning outcomes13 guidance points

    Client Support and Personal Development

    This subtopic focuses on delivering outstanding client support within veterinary and animal-related businesses, encompassing reception duties, effective communication, and product/service knowledge. It also addresses professional development, urging learners to reflect on their practice and identify avenues for continuous improvement. Mastery of these skills ensures a positive customer experience, enhances business reputation, and supports animal welfare through informed and ethical service.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Prescribe, Advise and Supply Veterinary Medicines for Companion Animals

    This subtopic focuses on the Suitably Qualified Person's (SQP) role in prescribing, advising, and supplying veterinary medicines for companion animals, specifically dogs, cats, and rabbits. It covers the essential aspects of health and welfare under the Animal Welfare Act, the legal framework governing medicine supply and pharmacovigilance, the identification and treatment of common endo- and ectoparasites, and the professional standards for interacting with animal owners to ensure safe and effective use of medicines.

    Lantra Awards Level 4 Award as a Suitably Qualified Person

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Safely store and administer veterinary medicines to companion animals

    This subtopic covers the essential practices for safely storing, handling, and administering veterinary medicines to companion animals. It integrates legislative requirements, animal welfare considerations, and practical techniques to ensure treatment efficacy, prevent harm to animals and users, and maintain accurate records. Mastery involves not only technical skills but also effective communication with clients and colleagues and diligent aftercare monitoring.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Equine anatomy and physiology

    This subtopic provides a comprehensive foundation in equine anatomy and physiology, essential for advanced podiatry practice. It covers external identification, internal systems, and specific structures of the distal limb and hoof, enabling precise assessment and treatment. Mastery supports accurate diagnosis of lameness and hoof pathologies.

    Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Feed and water horses

    This subtopic covers the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely meet the dietary and hydration needs of horses. Learners must understand equine nutritional requirements, select and maintain appropriate feeding and watering equipment, and perform feeding routines while adhering to health and safety protocols to prevent injury and promote equine welfare.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Safely store and administer veterinary medicines to equines

    This subtopic covers the essential protocols for the safe storage, handling, and administration of veterinary medicines to equines, emphasizing compliance with legislation, accurate record-keeping, and effective communication. Learners will develop practical skills in selecting appropriate equipment, restraining horses humanely, and monitoring for adverse reactions, ensuring both handler and animal welfare.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Prescribe, Advise and Supply Veterinary Medicines for Equines

    This subtopic equips the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) with the knowledge and skills to responsibly prescribe, advise on, and supply veterinary medicines for equines, focusing on parasite control and basic welfare. It covers the legal framework including horse passports and pharmacovigilance, ensuring the SQP can safely manage both endoparasite and ectoparasite infestations while promoting overall equine health through appropriate skincare, wound, and hoof care advice.

    Lantra Awards Level 4 Award as a Suitably Qualified Person

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Application of veterinary nursing B incorporating supply of medicines (equine)

    This element covers advanced equine veterinary nursing, including fluid therapy administration, monitoring of circulatory and urinary system disorders, and the legal and practical aspects of veterinary medicine supply. Learners must integrate clinical skills with legislative knowledge to manage critically ill horses, from first aid through intensive care, while advising clients on safe medication use.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine

    1 learning outcomes12 guidance points

    Fit and remove horse tack and clothing

    This subtopic covers the practical skills required to safely and correctly fit and remove a range of equine tack (such as saddles and bridles) and protective clothing (including rugs and bandages). It emphasises understanding the importance of correct fit for the horse's welfare and performance, and the safe handling of equipment during everyday yard routines and exercise. Learners will develop competence in selecting, inspecting, and adjusting gear to prevent injury and ensure comfort.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Application of veterinary nursing B incorporating supply of medicines

    This subtopic integrates advanced veterinary nursing skills in fluid therapy, cardiovascular and urinary system management, and shock recognition, alongside the legal and practical aspects of medicine supply. Nurses must apply these competencies to critically ill patients, providing emergency care, intensive nursing techniques, and advising clients on medicine administration. Practical application involves calculating fluid rates, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance in the storage and supply of veterinary medicines.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Maintain animal accommodation

    This element focuses on the practical and legislative aspects of maintaining animal accommodation to promote health and welfare. Learners will develop skills in cleaning, monitoring, record-keeping, and waste disposal while adhering to relevant animal welfare laws and minimizing environmental impact. The aim is to ensure learners can provide and maintain a safe, clean, and socially enriched environment that meets species-specific needs.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Communication and Teamwork

    This element focuses on the essential communication and teamwork skills required in a veterinary care environment. It covers the legal and ethical necessity of maintaining client confidentiality, the importance of accurately following Standard Operating Procedures for registrations and bookings, and the ability to interact professionally with both clients and colleagues. Mastery of these skills ensures seamless practice operations, high standards of animal welfare, and a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Equine assessment, imaging and gait analysis

    This subtopic equips equine podiatrists with comprehensive skills in assessing musculoskeletal health, focusing on lameness identification, gait analysis, and diagnostic imaging interpretation. It emphasizes the practical application of these skills to inform podiatric interventions and maintain accurate clinical records in compliance with data protection regulations.

    Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Groom and bath horses

    This element focuses on the essential practical skills of grooming and bathing horses, which are fundamental to maintaining equine health, welfare, and appearance. Learners will understand the reasons behind regular grooming, including skin and coat care, circulation promotion, and early detection of injuries or abnormalities, while also learning the correct use of equipment and safe, effective bathing techniques.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

    Application of veterinary nursing C incorporating diagnostic imaging

    This element integrates comprehensive knowledge of normal and pathological form and function of major body systems with advanced veterinary nursing interventions and diagnostic imaging techniques. It requires the learner to apply this understanding to plan and deliver holistic patient care, using radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and endoscopy to assess, monitor, and manage commonly encountered disorders across respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and endocrine systems, while ensuring legal compliance and effective pain management.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal

    1 learning outcomes12 guidance points

    Prescribe, Advise and Supply Veterinary Medicines for Farm Animals

    This subtopic equips SQPs with the advanced competence to make informed, lawful, and welfare-centred decisions when prescribing, advising on, and supplying veterinary medicines for farm animals. It integrates an in-depth understanding of species-specific disease profiles, farmer production priorities, and the legal framework under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, emphasising practical application in real-world agricultural settings to ensure safe, effective, and responsible medicine use.

    Lantra Awards Level 4 Award as a Suitably Qualified Person

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Safely store and administer veterinary medicines to livestock

    This subtopic focuses on the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to safely store, handle, and administer veterinary medicines to livestock. Learners must understand legal requirements, including accurate record-keeping and adherence to withdrawal periods, to ensure food safety and animal welfare. Competence is demonstrated through correct storage conditions, accurate dosage calculations, appropriate restraint, and effective communication with the veterinary team.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Move animal(s) and/or livestock safely between locations

    This subtopic covers the essential protocols for safely transporting animals or livestock between sites, including risk assessment, preparation, handling techniques, and legal record-keeping. Learners must demonstrate competence in assessing both current and destination environments, identifying hazards, and applying correct handling methods to minimise stress and injury.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Introduction to Equine Biology

    This subtopic introduces students to the fundamental principles of biology specifically applied to horses. It covers equine-specific anatomy, physiology, and terminology, enabling learners to recognize normal structure and function as a basis for understanding health and disease in veterinary care and animal welfare contexts.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Equine nutrition and environment

    This element integrates advanced knowledge of equine nutrition and environmental management as they directly impact hoof health and pathology. It equips the equine podiatrist to assess and modify factors such as diet, forage quality, stabling, turnout, and terrain to prevent and manage conditions ranging from horn infections to poor hoof conformation, and to develop comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for clients.

    Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Application of veterinary nursing C incorporating diagnostic imaging (equine)

    This element focuses on the integration of advanced equine veterinary nursing care with diagnostic imaging techniques. Learners apply knowledge of body systems (respiratory, digestive, reproductive, endocrine) to manage inpatients, provide nutrition and excretory care, and implement pain management protocols. Emphasis is placed on the principles and practical application of radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and endoscopy, including legal requirements and safe imaging practices to inform clinical decisions.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of animals

    This element equips learners with the fundamental knowledge and skills to promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of animals, encompassing key legislation, safe working practices, proactive health monitoring, meticulous record-keeping, and correct waste disposal. It emphasises the practical application of welfare principles in daily animal care routines, ensuring compliance with legal standards and industry best practice. Mastery of these competencies is essential for safeguarding animal welfare, maintaining biosecurity, and supporting the efficient operation of any animal care environment.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care)

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Veterinary nursing in practice

    This element integrates core veterinary nursing competencies, from animal welfare and safe handling to clinical nursing care, communication, and legal accountability. It equips learners to apply systematic nursing processes, manage hospitalised patients, and collaborate effectively within the veterinary team, ensuring high standards of care and professional conduct.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Small Animal

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Introduction to caring for horses

    This element introduces foundational skills for equine care, focusing on safe working practices, effective horse handling and restraint, and routine yard duties such as accommodation management and maintaining a clean environment. Learners will develop practical competencies essential for supporting horse welfare and stable operations under supervision.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Understand and Work within an SQP's Responsibilities Regarding Veterinary Medicines, Animal Health, Disease and Professional Communication

    This subtopic equips the SQP with the knowledge and skills to legally and responsibly advise on veterinary medicines while understanding animal health, disease basics, and professional communication. It focuses on regulatory compliance, safe medicine selection, storage, and administration, underpinned by physiology and disease awareness, to enable effective, ethical client interactions and timely veterinary referral. Practical application includes using the VMD database, recognizing adverse events, and promoting responsible antimicrobial use to safeguard animal and public health.

    Lantra Awards Level 4 Award as a Suitably Qualified Person

    1 learning outcomes13 guidance points

    Introduction to Small Animal Biology

    This subtopic establishes the fundamental biological principles underpinning small animal veterinary care. Learners explore terminology, cellular and tissue architecture, anatomical boundaries, and the integrated physiology of major systems. This knowledge enables accurate communication with veterinary professionals and informed observation of animal health status.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes18 guidance points

    Veterinary nursing in practice (equine)

    This unit integrates the practical competencies and professional standards required for an equine veterinary nurse in clinical practice. It encompasses patient handling and care, effective communication with the veterinary team and clients, and the legal, ethical, and safety frameworks governing nursing duties. Mastery is demonstrated through the consistent application of systematic nursing processes and evidence-based practice across all equine nursing contexts.

    Lantra Awards Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Equine pathologies and laminitis

    This element focuses on the comprehensive recognition, assessment, and management of equine foot pathologies, with a central emphasis on laminitis—a complex systemic condition with devastating pedal consequences. Learners develop the advanced clinical reasoning and practical skills required to address a wide range of conditions, from infectious and traumatic pathologies to conformational and biomechanical disorders, using evidence-based podiatry techniques. Mastery of this content ensures the equine podiatrist can critically interpret clinical signs and radiographs, formulate holistic care plans, and deliver precise therapeutic trimming to optimise hoof health and function.

    Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Provide feed and water to animal(s) and/or livestock

    This element covers the essential practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to safely and effectively provide feed and water to animals and livestock. Learners must demonstrate correct procedures for preparing, delivering, and storing feed and water, as well as maintaining equipment and disposing of waste in line with health and safety, animal welfare, and environmental regulations. The focus is on ensuring nutritional needs are met while preventing contamination, injury, and disease transmission.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care)

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Introduction to Equine Podiatry

    This subtopic introduces the foundational principles of equine podiatry, focusing on legal responsibilities, anatomical knowledge, and evidence-based practice. It provides a historical and scientific context for barefoot hoofcare and emphasises the distinction between craft, belief, and science-based approaches. Learners will explore factors influencing hoof health and the contributions of key individuals and organisations to the field.

    Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Introduction to horse behaviour

    This element introduces learners to fundamental equine behaviour, covering breed diversity, historical and modern roles of horses, and innate instincts that underpin both normal and abnormal actions. Understanding these allows safe, welfare-focused handling and effective monitoring, forming a baseline for all practical equine work.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Medical Nursing Care

    This subtopic equips learners with essential skills in monitoring and supporting animal health through understanding normal clinical parameters, administering medical nursing care for common conditions, and safely dispensing medications. It emphasises effective communication with clients during challenging situations, including providing end-of-life care and bereavement support, all within the legal and ethical boundaries of veterinary practice. Mastery of these competencies ensures learners can deliver high-quality, compassionate care while adhering to professional standards.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Teamwork skills

    This subtopic explores the essential teamwork competencies required in animal care environments, such as veterinary clinics, kennels, or stables. It examines how clear roles, effective communication, and conflict resolution contribute directly to animal welfare and operational efficiency, enabling learners to collaborate safely and productively with colleagues to meet both animal and client needs.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care), Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    2 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

    Introduction to horse health and welfare

    This subtopic introduces learners to the foundational principles of horse health and welfare, emphasising legal frameworks such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the five welfare needs. It covers essential daily care responsibilities, including appropriate nutrition, housing, and hoof care, and equips learners with the skills to perform systematic health checks. Through practical application, learners develop competence in observing normal vs. abnormal signs and accurately recording findings to support equine wellbeing.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Supporting Animal Feeding and Nutrition

    This subtopic equips learners with the practical skills and underpinning knowledge to support animal feeding and nutrition, covering identification of feed types, basic nutritional science, safe provision of food and water, and proper feed storage. It emphasizes applying these principles to maintain animal health and welfare across a range of domestic species, ensuring learners can meet individual dietary needs while adhering to hygiene and safety standards.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Practice and professionalism in Equine Podiatry

    This element focuses on the professional standards, practical competencies, and theoretical knowledge required to perform ethical and effective equine podiatry. Learners will develop proficiency in safe tool use, hoof assessment, trimming non-pathological hooves, and managing cases, including understanding variations across equids and barefoot methodologies. Successful practice demands integration of biomechanics, client communication, and reflective evaluation to ensure optimal hoof health and welfare in diverse clinical scenarios.

    Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Podiatry

    1 learning outcomes12 guidance points

    Understand health and safety within land-based activities

    This topic covers health and safety in land-based activities, including legislation, responsibilities, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. Learners will develop knowledge to work safely in animal care and other land-based industries.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Animal care), Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities (Equine)

    2 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

    Supporting Diagnostic Techniques

    This element covers the essential skills for supporting diagnostic procedures in veterinary practice, including the safe operation and maintenance of laboratory and imaging equipment. Learners will understand how to collect, handle, and process specimens to obtain accurate results, while adhering to health and safety protocols. Practical competence in assisting with radiography and ultrasound, minimizing radiation exposure, and ensuring patient welfare is emphasised.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Supporting Provision of Veterinary Medicines

    This subtopic focuses on the legal and practical responsibilities involved in supporting the provision of veterinary medicines within an animal care setting. Learners must understand classification systems, safe handling protocols, and accurate record-keeping to ensure compliance with legislation such as the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and the Misuse of Drugs Act. Mastery of these skills is essential for maintaining animal welfare, preventing medication errors, and meeting professional standards in veterinary practice.

    Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

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