Super Bundle - Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare & First Aid

Includes Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare and Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs

AIM Qualifications. Ofqual Register: 603/5731/9

iPet Network. Ofqual Register:610/3440/X

Course details

Introduction

Launch your career in dog care with confidence through our Level 2 Super Bundle – the perfect starting point for aspiring professionals and the essential qualification package for meeting DEFRA’s licensing requirements. This carefully curated bundle combines the Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare with the Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs, providing you with the fundamental knowledge and recognized credentials needed to deliver professional, compassionate care in any canine setting.

From understanding canine behaviour and implementing welfare best practices to responding confidently in emergency situations, this comprehensive package equips you with the practical skills demanded by today’s pet care industry. You’ll master the essentials of disease prevention, nutrition management, enrichment techniques, and force-free training methods, while also gaining vital first aid capabilities – from performing CPR to managing wounds, poisoning, and heat-related emergencies. Every element is designed to help you recognise and respond to dogs’ needs, ensuring their safety, health, and wellbeing under your care.

Whether you’re planning to open a home boarding service, join a daycare team, or enhance your existing pet care services, this Super Bundle provides the solid foundation, official certifications, and ongoing support you need to turn your passion for dogs into a thriving, compliant professional practice.

Learning Objectives

Course 1 – Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare

Unit 1: Introduction to Canine Behaviour and Training
  • Understand normal canine behaviour.
  • Know suitable routines to prevent welfare and behaviour issues.
  • Understand how to provide canine enrichment.
  • Understand appropriate canine training techniques.
  • Understand the use of force free training equipment.
Unit 2: Introduction to Canine Health
  • Learners will have an understanding of how to provide for a dog’s basic needs to help prevent common health problems.
  • Know about specific dog breeds and reasons for selecting specific breeds.
  • Understand canine disease.
  • Understand common canine health disorders.
  • Know basic canine needs and carer responsibilities.
  • Understand the basics of human and canine relationships.

Course 2 – Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs

Unit 1: Canine First Aid
  • Understand the objectives and classifications of first aid emergencies.
  • Learn to safely handle dogs in emergency situations and conduct a primary survey.
  • Know how to perform CPR, abdominal thrusts, and manage a dog in the recovery position.
  • Identify signs and appropriate first aid management of common injuries and illnesses.

Qualification Information

These regulated qualifications meet the requirements of Defra and The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

This bundle combines two Ofqual-regulated qualifications:
Level 2 Award in Canine Care and Welfare
Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs

Together, they meet Defra’s requirements for anyone operating or employed in a licensed dog business, including home boarding, commercial day care, or kennels boarding. These qualifications demonstrate that you hold the knowledge and skills expected of a competent, responsible professional caring for dogs under the Animal Welfare Regulations.

The Level 2 Award in Canine Care and Welfare builds core understanding of canine health, behaviour, and welfare. You’ll learn how to identify and prevent pain, suffering, injury, and disease, and how to provide dogs with the highest standards of daily care and enrichment.

The Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs equips you with the practical knowledge to respond quickly and effectively to canine emergencies. It covers recognising common health problems, managing incidents, and delivering immediate first aid to stabilise a dog before veterinary treatment.

Under Defra’s statutory guidance, a licence holder or designated manager must be suitably qualified. All staff responsible for animal care must be able to:
• Identify normal and abnormal canine behaviour.
• Recognise and respond to signs of pain, injury, suffering, disease, or distress.
• Take appropriate steps to prevent or mitigate welfare risks.

The guidance states that staff should “hold a formal qualification such as a Level 2 qualification regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) appropriate for their role, or demonstrate they have relevant and sufficient knowledge and experience.”

For reference, see Defra’s guidance for home boarding (as an example):
Home Boarding for Dogs – Licensing Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities

Completing this dual qualification demonstrates your commitment to high welfare standards and professional practice. It provides the recognised foundation needed to operate or work within a licensed dog care business, and prepares you to meet or exceed local authority inspection requirements.

Who is the course for?

This regulated qualification is for anyone who works with dogs – particularly in these settings:

  • Dog boarding
  • Dog day carer
  • Dog breeder
  • Dog walking
  • Dog trainer/behaviourist
  • Dog grooming
  • Pet sitting

You do not need any prior knowledge or qualifications to study for this qualification, although some experience or related knowledge will be advantageous.

Assignments and assessments

Both qualifications are assessed through coursework and practical evidence rather than exams. You’ll complete a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge, understanding, and practical competence against Ofqual’s regulated criteria.

The Canine Care & Welfare qualification focuses on written tasks and research assignments. You’ll answer short essay-style questions (typically 200–500 words), interpret real-life care scenarios, and show how you would apply good welfare practice in line with Defra standards.

The First Aid for Dogs qualification includes both written and practical elements. You’ll demonstrate safe handling, first aid techniques, and emergency response skills, supported by tutor feedback, video evidence, or photographs.

All work is submitted online through our secure learning platform. Each assignment is graded as Pass or Refer, with up to two complimentary resubmissions allowed.

On successful completion, your portfolio is independently quality-assured by AIM Qualifications and iPET Network. Certificates are issued once external verification is complete.

This assessment approach ensures that you graduate with the practical understanding and professional credibility expected of licensed dog care practitioners in the UK.

Why Choose Our Course

This dual-qualification pathway provides a strong, nationally recognised foundation for anyone starting or working within a licensed dog care business.

The course content is clear, relevant, and engaging, with a variety of learning materials to suit different study styles.

Our online learning platform makes it simple to study from anywhere, at any time.

Unleash your potential with expert-led training built around real-world professional standards.

This bundle includes the following courses

FAQs

What is the Level 2 Super Bundle?

Short Answer:

The Level 2 Super Bundle combines two Ofqual-regulated qualifications – the Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare and the Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs – with licensing guidance and a personalised tutorial, providing the essential qualification package for meeting DEFRA’s licensing requirements.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Super Bundle is the perfect starting point for aspiring professionals launching their careers in dog care, carefully curated to provide the fundamental knowledge and recognised credentials needed to deliver professional, compassionate care in any canine setting. This comprehensive package combines the Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare (AIM Qualifications, Ofqual Register: 603/5731/9) with the Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs (iPET Network, Ofqual Register: 610/3440/X), ensuring you have both the welfare knowledge and emergency response skills demanded by today’s pet care industry. What sets this bundle apart is the complete support system built around your learning journey. Beyond the two Ofqual-regulated qualifications, you receive comprehensive Licensing Guidance to help you navigate regulatory requirements with ease, plus a personalised one-to-one tutorial session to address your specific goals and questions. Whether you are planning to open a home boarding service, join a daycare team, or enhance your existing pet care services, this Super Bundle provides the solid foundation, official certifications, and ongoing support you need to turn your passion for dogs into a thriving, compliant professional practice. With immediate online access, 20 guided learning hours, 56 total qualification hours, and 10 assignments across 2 units, the bundle offers flexible, accessible learning that fits around your existing commitments.

Who should take the Level 2 Super Bundle?

Short Answer:

This bundle is for aspiring dog care professionals, those planning home boarding or daycare services, existing pet care providers wanting recognised qualifications, and anyone needing to meet DEFRA’s licensing requirements.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Super Bundle is designed for a wide range of individuals who want to launch or enhance their careers in professional dog care. It is ideal for aspiring professionals who are taking their first steps into the dog care industry and want a solid foundation of knowledge and recognised qualifications, individuals planning to open home boarding services who need to meet DEFRA’s licensing requirements under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals)(England) Regulations 2018, those wanting to join daycare teams or kennels as qualified staff members with professional credentials, existing pet care providers such as dog walkers or groomers who want to expand their services and demonstrate professional competence through recognised qualifications, and anyone who needs to meet licensing requirements for any dog-related business activity. The bundle is particularly valuable for those who want comprehensive preparation rather than just basic qualifications, as it combines essential welfare knowledge with vital first aid skills, plus the licensing guidance and personalised tutorial support that help you navigate the practical aspects of launching or enhancing your dog care services. Whether you are exploring a career change, seeking to formalise existing experience with recognised qualifications, or building a professional practice from scratch, this Super Bundle provides the credentials, knowledge, and support you need to succeed in today’s professional pet care industry.

What qualifications will I receive?

Short Answer:

You will receive two separate Ofqual-regulated certificates: the Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare (AIM Qualifications) and the Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs (iPET Network).

Long Answer:

Upon successful completion of the Level 2 Super Bundle, you will receive two separate, nationally recognised Ofqual-regulated certificates that demonstrate your professional competence in canine care and emergency response. The first certificate is the Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare, awarded by AIM Qualifications and listed on the Ofqual Register under reference 603/5731/9. This qualification provides comprehensive education in canine behaviour, welfare, health, disease prevention, nutrition, enrichment, and force-free training methods, giving you the fundamental knowledge needed to understand and meet dogs’ needs in any care setting. The second certificate is the Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs, awarded by iPET Network and listed on the Ofqual Register under reference 610/3440/X. This qualification equips you with vital first aid capabilities, teaching you to perform CPR, manage wounds, respond to poisoning and heat-related emergencies, safely handle dogs in emergency situations, and conduct primary surveys to assess dogs’ conditions. Both qualifications are recognised by licensing authorities, insurance providers, and employers throughout the UK, providing credible evidence of your professional knowledge and skills. These certificates can be displayed on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials, immediately differentiating you as a qualified professional in the competitive pet care industry. Together, these qualifications provide the essential credentials required to meet DEFRA’s licensing requirements whilst demonstrating your commitment to professional standards and continuous learning.

How does this bundle help me meet DEFRA licensing requirements?

Short Answer:

The bundle provides the essential Ofqual-regulated qualifications in canine care and first aid that licensing authorities expect, plus comprehensive Licensing Guidance to help you navigate the application process and regulatory requirements.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Super Bundle is specifically designed to help you meet DEFRA’s licensing requirements under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals)(England) Regulations 2018, which govern home boarding, kennels, daycare, and other dog-related business activities. Licensing authorities expect applicants to demonstrate appropriate knowledge and competence in canine welfare, behaviour, health, and emergency response, and the two Ofqual-regulated qualifications included in this bundle provide exactly that evidence. The Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare demonstrates your understanding of dogs’ needs, normal behaviour, welfare best practices, disease prevention, and health management—all fundamental requirements for licensed activities. The Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs demonstrates your ability to respond confidently and effectively to health emergencies, which is increasingly expected by licensing authorities as evidence of professional competence and duty of care. Beyond the qualifications themselves, the bundle includes comprehensive Licensing Guidance that demystifies the regulatory requirements, helping you to understand what licensing authorities assess during inspections, how to prepare your premises and procedures for licensing, what documentation and policies you need to have in place, and how to navigate the application process with confidence. The personalised one-to-one tutorial session also provides an opportunity to discuss specific licensing requirements for your local authority and your particular business type, ensuring you are fully prepared. Whilst licensing requirements can vary slightly between local authorities, the qualifications and knowledge provided in this bundle form the essential foundation that all licensing authorities expect to see.

What will I learn about canine behaviour and welfare?

Short Answer:

You will learn to understand normal canine behaviour, prevent welfare and behaviour issues, provide appropriate enrichment, implement force-free training techniques, and meet dogs’ basic needs to ensure their health and wellbeing.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare component of this bundle provides comprehensive education in canine behaviour and welfare, equipping you with the knowledge needed to recognise and respond to dogs’ needs in any care setting. You will learn to understand normal canine behaviour, including how dogs communicate, what behaviours are typical and healthy, and how to recognise when a dog is comfortable, stressed, anxious, or unwell. The course teaches you to know suitable routines to prevent welfare and behaviour issues, enabling you to create structured environments and daily schedules that promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing. You will understand how to provide canine enrichment, including mental stimulation, physical exercise, and environmental variety that keeps dogs engaged, happy, and fulfilled. The course covers appropriate canine training techniques, with particular emphasis on understanding the use of force-free training equipment and positive reinforcement methods that build trust and cooperation without causing fear or distress. You will gain understanding of how to provide for dogs’ basic needs to help prevent common health problems, including appropriate nutrition management, exercise requirements, and environmental conditions. The course also covers specific dog breeds and reasons for selecting specific breeds, helping you to understand breed-specific needs and characteristics. Additionally, you will learn about canine disease and common canine health disorders, enabling you to recognise early signs of illness and take appropriate action. Understanding the basics of human and canine relationships is also covered, helping you to build positive bonds with the dogs in your care and communicate effectively with their owners.

What first aid skills will I gain?

Short Answer:

You will learn to perform CPR and abdominal thrusts, manage dogs in the recovery position, safely handle dogs in emergencies, conduct primary surveys, and identify and manage common injuries and illnesses.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs component of this bundle equips you with vital first aid capabilities that could save a dog’s life in an emergency situation. You will learn to understand the objectives and classifications of first aid emergencies, enabling you to assess situations quickly and determine the appropriate level of response. The course teaches you to safely handle dogs in emergency situations, which is essential as injured or frightened dogs may behave unpredictably, and to conduct a primary survey to assess a dog’s condition systematically, checking vital signs and identifying life-threatening issues. You will learn how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for dogs, including the correct techniques for chest compressions and rescue breathing that differ from human CPR. The course covers how to perform abdominal thrusts for choking dogs and how to manage a dog in the recovery position to maintain an open airway whilst waiting for veterinary assistance. You will learn to identify signs and provide appropriate first aid management for common injuries and illnesses, including wounds and bleeding control, burns and scalds, fractures and sprains, heatstroke and hypothermia, poisoning and toxic ingestion, seizures and fits, and allergic reactions. The training emphasises the boundaries of first aid, helping you to understand when immediate veterinary attention is required and that first aid is about providing appropriate initial response and stabilisation until professional veterinary care is available. These comprehensive first aid skills provide essential peace of mind and demonstrate your professional competence to licensing authorities, insurance providers, and customers.

How long does it take to complete the Super Bundle?

Short Answer:

The bundle includes 20 guided learning hours and 56 total qualification hours, which you can complete at your own pace online, typically taking 2-6 months depending on your study schedule and commitments.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Super Bundle is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing you to complete the qualifications at your own pace whilst balancing work, family, and personal commitments. The bundle includes 20 guided learning hours, which represents the time spent on direct instruction, tutorials, and structured learning activities, and 56 total qualification hours, which includes guided learning plus additional time for completing the 10 assignments, independent study, research, revision, and reflection. The course is delivered entirely online with immediate access upon enrolment, meaning you can start studying straight away and fit your learning around your existing schedule. You can study during evenings, weekends, or whenever suits your circumstances, progressing through the materials at a pace that works for you. Most students complete the bundle within 2 to 6 months, depending on how much time they can dedicate to study each week. If you can commit several hours per week to focused study, you may complete the qualifications more quickly, whilst those with limited time or busy schedules may take longer, which is perfectly acceptable. The bundle consists of 2 units covering canine behaviour, welfare, health, and first aid, with 10 assignments that you will complete and submit for assessment throughout your studies. The personalised one-to-one tutorial session can be scheduled at a time that suits you, typically once you have made progress through the course materials and have specific questions or goals to discuss. The flexibility of online learning ensures that the Super Bundle is accessible to everyone, regardless of their existing commitments or circumstances.

Do I need any prior qualifications or experience?

Short Answer:

No prior qualifications are required. The bundle is designed for beginners, though you should be at least 16 years old and have basic literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Level 1.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Super Bundle is specifically designed as a starting point for aspiring professionals, so no prior qualifications or formal experience in dog care are required. As Level 2 qualifications, these awards build your professional foundation from the ground up, assuming no prior formal knowledge of canine behaviour, welfare, health, or first aid. The typical entry requirements are that you should be at least 16 years old and have basic literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Level 1, which simply means you can read and understand course materials, write assignments expressing your understanding clearly, and perform basic calculations where necessary. Whilst formal qualifications are not required, it is beneficial to have some practical experience with dogs, whether through owning your own dogs, volunteering with animal charities, or working with dogs in informal settings, as this provides valuable context for the learning and helps you to relate theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. However, even if you are relatively new to dog care, the course provides comprehensive foundational knowledge that will prepare you for professional practice. The bundle is perfect for those exploring career changes from completely different fields, school leavers or young people seeking their first career path, individuals returning to work after career breaks, and anyone who wants to turn their passion for dogs into a professional practice, regardless of their educational background. The combination of online learning, practical assignments, and personalised tutorial support ensures that learners with diverse backgrounds and experience levels can successfully complete the qualifications and launch their careers in dog care with confidence.

Can I work in any dog care setting with these qualifications?

Short Answer:

Yes, these Level 2 qualifications provide the fundamental knowledge needed for any dog care setting, including home boarding, kennels, daycare, dog walking, training, grooming, and other professional services.

Long Answer:

Yes, the Level 2 Super Bundle provides the fundamental knowledge and recognised credentials needed to deliver professional, compassionate care in any canine setting, making it an excellent foundation for diverse career paths in the dog care industry. The qualifications are applicable to home boarding services, where you care for dogs in your own home whilst their owners are away, commercial kennels and boarding facilities, where you may work as a qualified staff member, daycare centres, where dogs spend the day whilst their owners are at work, dog walking services, where understanding behaviour and first aid is essential for safe, professional service, dog training businesses, where knowledge of force-free training techniques and canine behaviour is fundamental, grooming salons, where understanding safe handling and recognising health issues is important, pet sitting services, where you care for dogs in their own homes, and rescue centres and animal charities, where welfare knowledge and first aid skills are highly valued. The comprehensive nature of the qualifications – covering behaviour, welfare, health, and first aid – means you have the essential knowledge base required for any role involving direct care of dogs. Whilst some specialised roles may require additional qualifications or training (for example, advanced behaviour modification or specific grooming techniques), the Level 2 Super Bundle provides the solid foundation upon which you can build further expertise. The Ofqual-regulated status of both qualifications means they are nationally recognised and respected by employers, licensing authorities, and insurance providers across all sectors of the dog care industry, giving you flexibility and credibility as you develop your career.

Will these qualifications help me get insurance?

Short Answer:

Yes, holding recognised Level 2 Ofqual-regulated qualifications in canine care and first aid significantly strengthens your insurance applications and may result in more favourable terms and premiums from specialist pet business insurers.

Long Answer:

Yes, the Level 2 Super Bundle significantly supports your ability to obtain appropriate insurance for your dog care business, which is essential for professional operation and is typically required as part of licensing. Specialist pet business insurers view Ofqual-regulated qualifications very favourably because they demonstrate that you have appropriate knowledge and competence in canine welfare, behaviour, health, and emergency response, which reduces the risk of incidents, injuries, or welfare issues that could result in insurance claims. When applying for public liability insurance, which covers you if a dog in your care injures someone or damages property, and professional indemnity insurance, which covers you if you are accused of negligence or inadequate care, insurers will typically ask about your qualifications, experience, and training. Being able to demonstrate that you hold the Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare and the Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs provides strong evidence of your professional competence and commitment to high standards. This may result in more favourable terms, lower premiums, or access to insurers who might otherwise decline cover to unqualified individuals. Some specialist pet business insurers may require or strongly prefer applicants to hold recognised qualifications, making these awards not just beneficial but potentially essential for obtaining cover. The first aid qualification is particularly valued by insurers because it demonstrates that you are prepared to respond appropriately to health emergencies, which reduces risk and potential liability. By investing in the Super Bundle, you not only gain essential knowledge and credentials but also strengthen your position when seeking insurance, potentially saving money on premiums whilst ensuring you have appropriate cover for your professional activities.

What career progression is available after completing this bundle?

Short Answer:

After completing the Level 2 Super Bundle, you can progress to Level 3 qualifications for more advanced knowledge, specialise in areas like behaviour or training, or launch your own licensed dog care business.

Long Answer:

The Level 2 Super Bundle provides a solid foundation for diverse career progression opportunities in the dog care industry, opening pathways to both employment and self-employment. After completing the bundle, you can progress to Level 3 qualifications such as the Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare, which provides more advanced knowledge and is particularly valuable for those seeking higher-level positions or wanting to meet the higher standards requirements for Animal Activity Licensing. You can specialise in specific areas such as canine behaviour and training, pursuing additional qualifications in behaviour modification, training instruction, or specific methodologies, canine nutrition, studying advanced nutrition and dietary management for dogs with specific health needs, canine first aid instruction, training to become a canine first aid instructor yourself, or specific business types such as daycare management, kennels operations, or breeding. The qualifications also provide the foundation for launching your own licensed dog care business, whether home boarding, daycare, kennels, dog walking, training, or other services, with the credentials and knowledge needed to meet licensing requirements and operate professionally. Some graduates use the Level 2 Super Bundle as a stepping stone to employment in established businesses, gaining practical experience before launching their own ventures. Others combine dog care qualifications with business management training to develop comprehensive skills for running successful enterprises. The Ofqual-regulated status of both qualifications means they are recognised as part of the national qualifications framework, providing clear progression pathways and demonstrating your commitment to continuous professional development. Dog Business School offers a range of additional courses and resources that can support your ongoing learning and career development as you progress in the dog care industry.

Level: Level 2 Award
Credit Value: 7 Credits
Guided Learning Hours: 24 hours
Total Qualification Time: 62 hours
Course: Online, 3 Units, 11 Assignments
Course Starts: Immediate online access
Access
2-year access including 6 months to complete the course from your course registration
Entry requirements
Learners should be aged 16 or above and be working at Level 1 or above and be comfortable working with dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through a Portfolio of Evidence/ Workbook. Mostly a series of short essays ranging from 250-400 words.

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Super Bundle – Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare & First Aid
£427 (Inc. VAT)