Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with the euthanasia of sick, injured or unwanted pound animals in a humane way that complies with safe operating practices and with ethical, welfare and legislative requirements.
This unit applies to individuals who are required to assist with the euthanasia of animals under the supervision of a registered veterinarian as part of their work in a pound. The individual is also required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.
This unit may cover assisting a veterinarian or authorised/licensed person who performs the euthanasia of animals in field situations. The individual must work under the direct supervision of a registered veterinarian.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore, it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to euthanase an animal under supervision | 1.1 Identify animal intended for euthanasia according to organisational policies and procedures or veterinarian instructions 1.2 Select method of euthanasia that is consistent with organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements 1.3 Prepare equipment and materials required for euthanasia 1.4 Determine required human assistance for the procedure, and organise 1.5 Identify hazards associated with the procedure according to workplace health and safety and biosecurity procedures 1.6 Obtain and review licences and permits required to conduct euthanasia with the supervisor |
2. Assist with euthanasia of an animal under supervision | 2.1 Use personal protective and safety equipment according to workplace health and safety standards and statutory requirements 2.2 Handle and transport equipment safely at all times according to industry standards 2.3 Ensure animal is physically restrained in a way that minimises its pain and distress 2.4 Assist with the application of euthanasia method 2.5 Monitor euthanasia procedure to ensure that the animal's death is rapid and without complications or undue suffering 2.6 Confirm death of animal |
3. Carry out post-euthanasia tasks | 3.1 Handle and move carcass if required for research or post-mortem examination according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements 3.2 Dispose of animal carcass and biological waste according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements 3.3 Dispose of, or decontaminate, clean and store, equipment and materials according to standard operating procedures 3.4 Update records relating to the euthanased animal according to organisational policies and procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Writing | Make notes of chosen method of euthanasia |
Oral communication | Listen carefully to instructions from veterinarian and ask clarifying questions as required |
Numeracy | Calculate solutions, dilutions, body weights and dose rates |
Get the work done | Develop personal grief coping methods |
Sectors
Animal Control and Regulation (ACR)