FHDPETC Higher Diploma in Pet Care and Animal Assisted Therapy

Pet-related businesses, including pet grooming, is expanding fast in the Asia-Pacific region due to the rising population of pet owners and demand for premium pet-related products and services. This has given rise to a thriving pet economy in HK and China.

Animal-assisted therapy involves the partnership with trained animals especially dogs in therapeutic interventions. Scientific studies have shown that it has positive effects on the emotional well-being of subjects with Autism, Dementia, and mental health concerns.

The programme provides students with professional training of key knowledge and skills required for their future studies and career in a wide range of areas – from pet grooming and animal welfare to the science of human (Psychology) and the applications of animal-assisted intervention.

LiPACE is proud to be in partnership with Hong Kong Institute of Animal Assisted Intervention (HKIAAI), as the provider of the first and only credit-bearing programme in Pet Care and Animal Assisted Therapy in Hong Kong.

Objectives

Upon completion of the programme, participants should be able to :

• Apply a broad range of knowledge and practical skills in animal care, pet grooming and pet training;
• Explain current theories and contemporary developments in animal assisted interventions for improving human subject's cognitive, emotional and social functioning; and
• Apply theories of animal behaviour in conducting animal-assisted therapy for specific human target populations.

Programme Features

• Combines two skill sets in one programme, pet grooming and animal assisted therapy;
• Animal assisted therapy courses are taught by the Hong Kong Institute of Animal Assisted Intervention (HKIAAI; 香港動物輔助治療學會);
• Further study in pet grooming in Taiwan's most established programme at Tajen University with credit exemption;
• Graduates will acquire theoretical grounding and practical knowledge of Animal-Assisted Therapy to work alongside trained animals (e.g. dogs) attending to specific human target groups (e.g. SEN). They will also be in a position to practice pet grooming and find employment in the booming pet care industry.

Applicants are normally required to meet one of the following requirements:

• Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects (including English Language and Chinese Language)^; or
• Satisfactory completion of Diploma Yi Jin; or
• Satisfactory completion of a QF Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent programme, e.g. Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) or by a post-secondary institution in Hong Kong; or
• Other acceptable equivalent qualifications (including non-local qualifications obtained in or outside HK, or other qualifications/experience deemed to be equivalent); or
• Mature applicants aged 21 or above, preferably with relevant working experience.

Note:
^ Applicants possessing “Attained”, “Attained with Distinction (I)" and “Attained with Distinction (II)” results in an Applied Learning (ApL) subject are deemed to have attained “Level 2”, “Level 3” and “Level 4” respectively in one HKDSE subject, with a maximum of two ApL subjects can be counted for admission purpose.

• Introduction to Psychology 心理學概論

• Developmental Psychology 發展心理學

• Animal Welfare and Public Education 動物福利和公眾教育

• Veterinary Physiology and Nutrition 動物生理及營養學

• Pet Grooming and Animal Care 寵物美容及護養

• Introduction to Counselling 輔導學入門

• Social Psychology 社會心理學

• Research Methods and Statistics 研究方法與統計

• Health Psychology and Mental Health 精神及健康心理學

• Biological and Cognitive Psychology 生物及認知心理學

• Pet Training and Behaviour Analysis 寵物訓練及行為分析

• Applications in Animal-assisted Therapy 動物輔助治療應用

• Effective Chinese Communication Skills 應用中文傳意技巧

• English for Communication I, II & III 英語溝通技巧(一)、(二)及(三)

• IT and Digital Literacy 電腦及數位素養

• Gaining the Most from your Work-integrated Learning 從實習中成長

• Work-integrated Learning in Pet Care and Animal-Assisted Therapy^ 寵物護養及動物輔助治療實習^

[1] Students who have attained Level 3 or above in DSE English Language can be exempted from taking English for Communication I (ENGL3057EF).
[2] Non-Chinese speaking students can be exempted from taking Effective Chinese Communication Skills (CHIN4006CF). They will have to take a GE course as replacement for fulfilment of the overall credits for graduation.

^ Course includes not less than 90 practicum hours

Graduates are eligible to apply for:

• Year 3 of Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology offered by Hong Kong Metropolitan University

• Year 3 of Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Applied Social Studies offered by Hong Kong Metropolitan University

• Bachelor of Science in Pet Care and Grooming offered by Tajen University in Taiwan (click here for details)
  
   

• Year 2 of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology of Human and Animal Behavior offered by University of Salford, UK

The innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum of the programme is designed to cover core aspects to equip graduates aspired to a diverse range of career paths, such as pet care and grooming, animal training, animal welfare, animal advocacy, animal-assisted services, veterinary nursing, psychology and counselling, and human services.