Find and interpret the required information

When researching reputable information for animal care, it's essential to rely on trusted, evidence-based sources. Here are some strategies to guide your research effectively:

When looking for reputable sources online, there are specific techniques you can use to ensure you're accessing high-quality, accurate information. Here's a breakdown of helpful strategies:

Below are some examples of scenarios where you may need to conduct research. 

In the table below are some examples of reputable websites that can help you conduct research. 

Below are some examples of not-so-reputable sources of information to keep away from. 

How to use a search engine 

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The next couple of videos explain the wonderful world of search engines.

Using reputable sources ensures that the information you gather for animal care is evidence-based, accurate, and aligned with best practices in veterinary medicine. Avoiding unreliable sources protects against misinformation and potential harm to the animals in care.

Here are some examples of high-quality books that are reputable for students researching animal care and veterinary science, as well as examples of books that would not be as reliable or appropriate for serious research purposes.

Using reputable, science-backed books ensures that students base their research on verified, professional knowledge, whereas books with anecdotal or pseudoscientific approaches are best avoided.

Industry Associations

Whilst doing research, you may need to look up different industry associations. These organisations support the animal care industry by setting standards, providing resources, and offering professional development for those working in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and related fields.

The table below demonstrates resources and associations relevant to the animal care industry. 

Locate sources of relevant information

Using the resources available to you, locate sources of relevant information. You may use a variety of different sources for the same information need. For example, you may access workplace resources and product brochures, and find some sources from validated internet sites, all related to the same range of animal care products or services. For individual animal information, you will likely need to access workplace information management systems, industry databases and/or government registers.

Select the most current source of reputable information

As you learned from the previous topic, there are often multiple sources of similar information. Once you have found a reputable source, you then need to evaluate the source in terms of currency and coverage. In other words, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Currency:
   • When was the information published?
   • Is the information current or outdated?
   • Does currency matter in this topic?
2. Coverage:
   • Does the information covered meet your information needs?
   • Does it provide basic or in-depth coverage?” (Run Run Shaw Library 2022)

Once you have evaluated the sources, select the most appropriate source for your, the client’s or team member’s information needs. Products and services often change over time regarding availability, price, contents and many other factors. So, you should always use the most up-to-date source when providing information to others.

It is important to evaluate coverage in terms of the information needed. Choose a source that clearly provides the information that is required. It can be very frustrating for the other person if you give them irrelevant information and/or don’t answer their original question.

You should also evaluate coverage in terms of the level of detail. Use questioning and active listening to gauge the level of detail the other person requires, then select a source that meets that need. It can be frustrating for the other person to be bombarded with excess information they are not interested in or if they must keep asking questions to get the level of detail they want.

It is often easier to select a source with more detail than is required but only to provide the information that is needed. If the other person has follow-up questions, you can use the same source again rather than finding a new source with greater coverage.

To locate sources of relevant information in the animal care industry (or any industry), you can use various types of resources depending on the information you need. Here are some key strategies:

1. Books and Textbooks

   • Purpose: Foundational knowledge and broad overviews of subjects such as animal health, welfare, and species-specific care.
   • Where to Find: Libraries, educational institutions, or online stores (e.g., Amazon, Google Books).
   • Example: "Veterinary Medicine: A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs, and Goats."

2. Scientific Journals and Research Papers

   • Purpose: Peer-reviewed articles on recent studies, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends in veterinary science and animal care.
   • Where to Find: Databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR, or specific journals like The Journal of Veterinary Science.
   • Example: Searching on Google Scholar for "canine enrichment activities study."

3. Government and Regulatory Websites

   • Purpose: Legal and ethical standards, industry regulations, and policy guidelines regarding animal care and welfare.
   • Where to Find: Official government websites.
   • Example: The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment provides guidelines on animal welfare laws in Australia.

4. Professional Organisations and Associations

   • Purpose: Standards, guidelines, and educational resources developed by industry professionals and organisations.
   • Where to Find: Websites of organisations like the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), RSPCA, or the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
   • Example: Visit the RSPCA Australia website to learn about welfare standards and best practices for animal care.

5. Veterinary Clinics and Animal Care Facilities

   • Purpose: Practical insights, treatment protocols, and hands-on experience shared by practising veterinarians and animal care professionals.
   • Where to Find: Veterinary clinics' websites, veterinary associations, or consulting with local clinics for real-world experience.
   • Example: Asking a local veterinary clinic for details on specific treatments they recommend for common pet issues.

6. Industry Magazines and Newsletters

   • Purpose: Updates on industry trends, new products, and practical advice for professionals working in animal care.
   • Where to Find: Subscribe to industry publications like Vet Practice Magazine or Animal Welfare Australia Newsletter.
   • Example: Signing up for an email newsletter from Vet Practice Magazine for the latest veterinary techniques and tools.

7. Workshops, Conferences, and Seminars

   • Purpose: Professional development, networking, and learning about the latest advancements in animal care and veterinary medicine.
   • Where to Find: Websites of veterinary associations, event organisers, or local government bodies.
   • Example: Attending the Australian Veterinary Association's annual conference to hear about the latest veterinary practices.
   • Correctly interpret the information

     

     Once you have accessed information about animal care products and services, it is important that you can interpret it – that is, you can read and understand the information. Interpreting information for animal care needs will involve you locating and understanding details within the source, such as:

     • purpose of the product or service
     • product ingredients or service contents
     • instructions relating to product use or requirements for pre-service
     • safety precautions or considerations
     • quantities and measurements
     • application requirements.

     Tips for effective interpretation of written information

     Rather than reading an entire document, which can be time-consuming, you should use strategies to locate sections of the document in which you may find the information you require. Such strategies include:

     • Reviewing the document’s contents to identify relevant sections
     • Searching for words or phrases, using the glossary or a search function for electronic documents (for example, use Ctrl + F in Microsoft Word® or Adobe Acrobat® programs or on webpages)
     • Referring to key parts of figures and diagrams, such as the legend (which tells you what the symbols or colours represent) and the scale, if appropriate
     • Scanning the document – to quickly read and develop a broad understanding of the subject and the key information the document contains. When scanning a text, do not read every word or sentence. Rather, let your eyes fall over the text and search for the key information you need. You may use a finger to help guide your eyes logically and systematically through the text, searching for key information.
     • Reading actively – that is to process the material as you progress through it by:
       • Identifying key ideas in the document, using a highlighter or underlining
       • Making notes on the document to help clarify your thoughts
       • Using a dictionary to obtain the definitions of words you are unsure about
       • Re-reading the document later, in whole or in part, as required.

     If you have attempted to interpret a source of information about an animal care product or service and you are still unsure about what it means or how to apply it, it is vital that you seek advice from an appropriate person. An ‘appropriate person’ may include your work supervisor, a manager, an experienced colleague or an external expert on the topic.

     Interpreting numerical information

     Animal care product and service information often involve numbers. This numerical information can be extremely important for providing specific details to the client or team member. In the case of health care products, it may even be life-threatening if you misinterpret the numerical information, for example, leading to the incorrect dose of medication.

     Quantity and measurement

     A quantity is the amount or the number of something. In other words, the quantity is ‘how much’ or ‘how many’ of something. For example, a client may want to know how many (the quantity of) single-serve pouches are in the bulk package, the maximum number of snakes that can be kept together in a particular enclosure, or the number of supplements to give their guinea pig every day.

     Measurement is the process of determining the quantity of something. To measure something, you require a specific tool for the type of measurement. For example, you may use a ruler or tape measure to determine the length or dimensions or something, a scale to measure weight or a measuring cup or jug to measure volume.

     Quantities can also be measured in terms of specific qualities, such as length, weight and volume.

     Length and dimensions

     Length measures how long an object is – the distance between the start and end of something. For example, the length of a snake is the distance between the tip of its nose and the tip of its tail.

     The dimensions of an object are the combined lengths of the different sides. For example, the dimensions of a birdhouse include the lengths of the width (from side to side), height (from top to bottom) and depth (from front to back).

     

     Length measurements may also relate to the size of objects, such as the length of a grooming brush or the chest measurement of a car harness.

     Weight and volume

     Weight is a measure of how heavy an object is. The base unit of weight is the kilogram (kg). However, depending on the object being weighed, you may use smaller units that are conversions of the kilogram.

     Unit	Microgram	Milligram	Gram	Kilogram
     Symbol	µg	mg	g	kg
     Conversions	1 µg = 1/1000 mg 1 µg = 1/1,000,000 g 1 µg = 1/1,000,000,000,000 kg	1 mg = 1000 µg 1 mg = 1/1000 g 1 mg = 1/1,000,000,000 kg	1 g = 1,000,000 µg 1 g = 1000 mg 1 g = 1/1,000,000 kg	1 kg = 1,000,000,000,000 µg 1 kg = 1,000,000,000 mg 1 kg = 1,000,000 g
     Examples of when to use	For tiny amounts, such as the weight of the active ingredient in a medication.	For very small amounts, such as the weight of a specific vitamin in a supplement tablet.	For small amounts, such as the weight of wet food in a pouch.	For larger amounts, such as the weight of a dog.

     Volume is a measure of how much space a liquid takes up. The base unit of volume is the litre (L). However, as with weight, there are unit conversions to use for different quantities.

     Unit	Microlitre	Millilitre	Litre	Megalitre
     Symbol	µL	mL	L	ML
     Conversions	1 µL = 1/1000 mL 1 µL = 1/1,000,000 L 1 µL = 1/1,000,000,000,000 ML	1 mL = 1000 µL 1 mL = 1/1000 L 1 mL = 1/1,000,000,000 ML	1 L = 1,000,000 µL 1 L = 1000 mL 1 L = 1/1,000,000 ML	1 ML = 1,000,000,000,000 µL 1 ML = 1,000,000,000 mL 1 ML = 1,000,000 L
     Example of when to use	For tiny volumes, such as the volume of the active ingredient in a liquid medication.	For small volumes, such as the volume of spot-on preparation in a flea topical.	For larger volumes, such as the volume of shampoo in a bulk container.	For very large volumes, such as the volume of water in an equine hydrotherapy pool.

     Ratios

     A ratio is the quantity of one thing compared to the quantity of another thing. For example, the number of chickens allowed to be kept compared to the area they are kept in, the number of doggy day care animal attendants needed compared to the number of dogs, or the dimensions of an enclosure compared to the size of the animal.

     There are three ways to express a ratio.

     The first method is to add a colon between the two values. For example, the ratio of animal care attendants to dogs in a day care facility is 1:10. The order of the numbers must match the order of the items in the sentence. In this example, 1 animal care attendant is required for every 10 dogs.

     The second method is to use the word ‘to’. For example, the ratio of animal attendants to dogs in a day care facility is 1 to 10. Again, the order of numbers must match the items in the sentence.

     The last method of presenting a ratio is as a fraction. For example, the ratio of animal attendants to dogs in a day care facility is 1/10. With this method, the first item mentioned is always the numerator (top number) of the fraction, while the second item is the denominator (bottom number).

     If you change the order of the items in the ratio, you must change the order of the numbers in the ratio. For example, if we change the order of the sentence to say ‘the ratio of dogs to animal care attendants’, then we need to change the order of the numbers in the expressed ratio – 10:1 or 10 to 1.

     However, when expressing a ratio as a fraction, the lowest number is typically the numerator.

     Cost

     Cost is the amount of money that is required to pay for a product or service. When sourcing information about cost, you may need to look for terms such as price, fee or charge.

     In Australia, the cost is expressed in Australian Dollars (AUD). However, it is typically written with a simple dollar symbol, $. For example, the cost of a training clicker could be $11.95.

     When sourcing cost information online, ensure the website's currency is set to AUD. Many other countries, including the United States of America (USD), Singapore (SGD) and Canada (CAD), also use dollars. However, the price in AUD is not the same amount as in USD, SGD or CAD.

     Decimals

     Decimal numbers represent quantities based on whole numbers and parts of numbers. The number before the decimal point shows how many whole numbers and the first number after the decimal point shows how many tenths. A tenth is one whole divided into 10 equal parts. Therefore 0.5 is equal to a half, 0.5 = 1/2.

     For example, a small dog weighing 5.4 kg is 5 whole kilograms plus 4 tenths of a kilogram. Further, this dog is 1 tenth of a kg less than 5.5 kg.

     Review the following video (4:05 min), which is a refresher about place value, including decimal numbers.

      

     Case Study

     

     You are working as an animal care assistant in a veterinary clinic. The vet, Dr. Lisa, has asked you to help administer medication and adjust the diet of Rex, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever suffering from arthritis and obesity. You are given numerical and written information regarding the medication dosage, food adjustments, and the cost of treatment.

     1. Receiving and Correctly Interpreting Information Medication Instructions: The vet gives you a bottle of anti-inflammatory medication with instructions: "Administer 0.5 mg of medication per kilogram of body weight, twice daily." You weigh Rex and see that he weighs 32 kg. You need to interpret both the weight and the medication dosage to ensure Rex gets the correct amount. Interpretation: Dosage Calculation: You calculate the correct dose by multiplying Rex's weight by 0.5 mg: 32 kg x 0.5 mg = 16 mg per dose Since the medication is given twice a day, you will give Rex 16 mg in the morning and 16 mg in the evening.

     2. Interpreting Numerical Information: Medication Administration Medication Supply: The medication bottle contains 120 mg of the drug. Question: How many days will the current supply last for Rex if he's getting 32 mg of medication per day? Interpretation: Total daily dosage for Rex = 16 mg (morning) + 16 mg (evening) = 32 mg per day. Total amount in the bottle = 120 mg. Duration of medication supply = 120 mg ÷ 32 mg/day = 3.75 days. Conclusion: You inform the vet that Rex will need a new prescription after 3 days.

     3. Interpreting Written and Numerical Information: Adjusting Rex’s Diet Rex's current food portions are 500 grams per meal, and he eats twice a day. However, due to his obesity, the vet recommends reducing his daily intake by 25%. The vet provides this written instruction: "Reduce the daily food intake by 25% and ensure the food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates." Interpretation: Current daily intake = 500 grams (per meal) x 2 meals = 1000 grams/day. 25% reduction = 1000 grams - (25% of 1000 grams) = 1000 grams - 250 grams = 750 grams/day. You interpret the instruction to feed Rex 375 grams per meal instead of 500 grams.

     4. Interpreting Ratio Information: Nutritional Composition The vet also suggests ensuring that Rex’s food contains a protein-to-carbohydrate ratio of 3:1. You find a dog food label that shows it contains 21% protein and 7% carbohydrates. Interpretation: Proteinratio = 21% protein ÷ 7% carbohydrates = 3:1, which matches the vet’s recommendation. You confirm that this food is suitable for Rex’s new diet.

     5. Cost Interpretation: Calculating the Treatment and Food Cost Rex's medication costs $0.80 per mg. His food costs $12 per kilogram. Interpretation: Medication Cost Calculation: Rex needs 32 mg of medication per day. Cost per day = 32 mg x $0.80/mg = $25.60 per day. Cost for 7 days = $25.60/day x 7 days = $179.20 for a week of medication. Food Cost Calculation: Rex eats 750 grams of food per day (0.75 kg). Daily food cost = 0.75 kg x $12/kg = $9 per day. Cost for 7 days = $9/day x 7 days = $63 for a week of food.

     6. Correctly Interpreting and Applying All Information You calculate that Rex’s total weekly cost for his medication and food will be: Medication: $179.20 Food: $63 Total cost for 7 days = $179.20 + $63 = $242.20. You inform Dr Lisa of the costs, prepare the correct medication dosage (16 mg, twice a day), and adjust Rex’s food portions to 375 grams per meal while ensuring the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio is suitable.

     • Correctly interpreted the vet’s written and numerical instructions for Rex's medication and diet.
     • Interpreted weight, dosage, and percentage reductions to calculate the right medication dosage and meal adjustments.
     • Used ratios and cost calculations to ensure Rex’s diet met the required nutritional needs and to provide the vet with an accurate cost breakdown for his care.

     Interpreting safety information

     Safety information is always important. As part of your duty of care to the animal, you must do your best to provide information about risks and hazards associated with the products or services for which you source information – even if it is not necessarily part of the information requested.

     Product safety information

     While detailed product safety information is provided in safety data sheets (SDS), if a product poses a risk, warning and safety information is included in the full product brochure as well as written directly on the packaging. For example, parasite topical treatments for dogs may have warnings on the packaging such as, “CAUTION KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN” or “FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY”. Safety directions may include information such as “Avoid contact with eyes”; “Wash hands after use”; “Do not swallow”; or “If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre”.

     

     The following table outlines some common safety information associated with the different types of animal products.

     Product type	Associated safety information
     Dietary needs	Ingredients that may be common allergens Age specifications or limitations, e.g., only suitable for puppies or not suitable during lactation
     Animal housing items	Instructions for safe disposal Product weight Product loading limitations
     Health and hygiene products	Hazardous chemicals in contents Keep away from children Avoid contact with eyes Wash hands afterwards Poisons Centre contact information Instructions for safe disposal Suitable and unsuitable species
     Enrichment items	Choking hazards Instructions for safe disposal Supervise use, particularly with new item
     Grooming products	Hazardous chemicals in contents Ingredients that may be common allergens Keep away from children Avoid contact with eyes Wash hands afterwards Poisons Centre contact information Instructions for safe disposal Suitable and unsuitable species
     Training products	Instructions for safe disposal Do not leave animal unsupervised with item

     Service safety information

     As with products, there are risks associated with animal care services. While the risks are usually low, it is important to provide the information to the client so they can make informed decisions about the services. The specific safety risks will depend on the specific nature of the service. Make sure to read the information about safety carefully before providing it to a client. If you cannot find any information regarding safety, you may need to make enquiries or source additional information to clarify or confirm safety concerns or precautions related to the service.

     The following table outlines some common safety concerns associated with different types of animal care services. The examples are not exhaustive, nor guaranteed. Make sure to read the safety information specific to the service.

     Service category	Associated safety risks
     Boarding and day care facilities	Injury to client's animal as a result of: interacting with other animals damaged equipment or poorly maintained grounds Risk of client’s animal: contracting an illness from other animals learning bad behaviours from other animals
     Grooming services	Risk of client’s animal: suffering nicks or cuts suffering water or products in the eyes or ears experiencing allergic responses to products developing anxiety about grooming
     Training services	Injury to client's animal as a result of: inappropriate use of training items inappropriate training location Risk of client’s animal: developing anxiety or aggression due to unsuitable handling
     Veterinary and allied health services	Risk of client’s animal: experiencing allergic responses to products not surviving a procedure or anaesthetic developing anxiety for vet visits
     Outsourced services	Risks will depend on the specific outsourced service

     Interpreting industry terminology

     As with any industry, there are specific terms that relate to animal care. Recognising and understanding what these terms mean will help you interpret product and service information accurately.

     The following table lists some safety, scientific and health care terminology that are commonly found in animal care product SDS and product or service brochures.

     Unit or term	Explanation or definition
     Common safety terms
     Hazard (e.g., environmental hazard)	A source of potential harm, for example, to the environment
     Precaution (e.g., personal precaution)	A measure taken to reduce the risk, for example, to yourself
     Contaminate	Adding a dangerous, toxic or polluting substance to something
     Flammable	Can catch fire
     Ventilated	Free-flowing air
     Sanitised	Cleaned with disinfectant
     Common scientific terms
     mL/L	Millilitres per litre
     kg	Kilograms
     g	Grams
     mg	Milligrams
     Aquatic	Freshwater (lakes and rivers)
     Marine	Saltwater (ocean)
     Terrestrial	Ground-based
     Arboreal	Lives in trees
     Consumed	Eaten
     Common heath care terms
     Indications	Reasons to apply the product
     Contraindications	Reasons not to apply the product, for example, during pregnancy
     Triannual	Three times per year
     Annual	Once every year
     Oral	Mouth
     Ocular	Eyes
     Dermal	Skin
     Gastrointestinal	Digestive system
     Ectoparasite	Parasites that live on the surface of the host, for example, ticks
     Endoparasite	Parasites that live inside the host, for example, intestinal worms
     Carcinogen	Something that can cause cancer

     Knowledge CHeck 3

     Case Study

     

     You are a senior animal care assistant working at Happy Paws Animal Care. The facility recently received a new disinfectant product called "SafeClean" designed for use in kennels, cages, and operating areas. The product safety information needs to be reviewed before use, as staff members will handle the solution during cleaning procedures. The safety guidelines must also be cross-referenced with industry terminology to ensure it is safe for animals and staff alike.

     1. Receiving the Product Safety Information
        • The product arrives with the following Safety Data Sheet (SDS):
          • Hazardous Ingredients: Contains Benzalkonium chloride (0.1%), which is a mild irritant to skin and eyes.
          • Handling Precautions: Use protective gloves and safety goggles, and ensure proper ventilation while using. Avoid contact with skin or eyes.
          • Dilution Instructions: Mix 1 part SafeClean with 10 parts water for general cleaning. For deep cleaning or disinfection after surgery, use a 1:5 ratio.
          • First Aid Measures: In case of contact with skin, wash with water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
          • Animal Safety: Non-toxic to animals when diluted as directed, but avoid contact with animals during cleaning. Ensure areas are completely dry before allowing animals to re-enter.
     2. Interpreting the Product Safety Information
        • You ensure that both staff and animals are safe when using the product by interpreting the safety information correctly:
          • Hazardous Ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound commonly used in disinfectants. It is a low-level disinfectant that can cause irritation but is safe when handled with proper protective gear.
          • Handling Precautions: Ensure all staff are equipped with protective gloves and safety goggles, and that the cleaning area is well-ventilated.
          • Dilution Instructions: A 1:10 ratio means adding 10 litres of water for every 1 litre of SafeClean for general cleaning. For deep cleaning (after surgery), use a stronger 1:5 ratio (1 litre of SafeClean with 5 litres of water).
     3. Cross-Checking Industry Terminology
        • You ensure that the use of SafeClean aligns with industry standards and terminology for safe cleaning protocols in animal care facilities:
          • Non-toxic to animals: "Non-toxic" means the product won’t harm animals when used properly. Allowing animals back into the area only after surfaces are fully dry is a best practice.
          • Dilution Ratios: The "1:10 ratio" and "1:5 ratio" are standard in most cleaning protocols. Ensure all staff understand how to measure these ratios and their importance for various cleaning tasks.
          • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): PPE terminology is standard in safety guidelines. Double-check that all staff know the importance of wearing gloves, goggles, and ensuring ventilation during cleaning.
     4. Action Taken
        • After interpreting the safety information:
          • Create a cleaning schedule that outlines the proper use of SafeClean, detailing how to mix the solution correctly for different tasks (1:10 for general cleaning, 1:5 for disinfection).
          • Brief all staff on handling precautions, emphasizing the importance of wearing gloves, goggles, and ventilating rooms during and after cleaning.
          • Check the facility to ensure there are adequate PPE supplies available for staff.
          • Ensure there are First Aid protocols in place, with a clear procedure in case of skin contact with the undiluted product (washing with water for 15 minutes).
     5. Monitoring Compliance
        • Once the cleaning process begins:
          • Observe staff to ensure they follow dilution guidelines and wear necessary PPE.
          • Check that areas where animals are kept are left to dry completely before allowing animals back, ensuring their safety.
          • Conduct regular spot checks to ensure disinfectant use complies with both the manufacturer’s safety data and industry regulations.
     6. Conclusion
        • By interpreting both the product safety information and relevant industry terminology carefully, you ensure SafeClean is used safely and effectively in the facility. Proper interpretation of ratios, hazard warnings, and PPE instructions prevents harm to both staff and animals, aligning with best practices in the animal care industry. This proactive approach to safety management helps maintain a clean and secure environment for all involved.

     Documenting Sources and Referencing

     

     Documenting sources and referencing are critical skills in professional and academic settings. Proper referencing acknowledges the original authors of information, helps avoid plagiarism, and allows others to trace sources. Here’s a step-by-step guide for documenting sources and using references effectively:

     1. Types of Referencing Styles APA (American Psychological Association): Common in social sciences. MLA (Modern Language Association): Often used in humanities. Harvard: Popular in various fields for its simplicity. Chicago/Turabian: Used in history, business, and the arts. Vancouver: Common in medical and scientific papers. Choose the style recommended by your institution or workplace. For example, the APA style is often used in animal care fields in academic contexts.

     2. Elements of a Citation Regardless of style, most citations include the following information: Author(s): Who created the work? Use last names and initials. Title: What is the name of the work? Publication Date: When was it published? Source: Where can it be found (e.g., journal, website, book)? Additional Details: Include volume numbers, page numbers, and URLs if needed.

     3. Documenting Different Source Types Here’s how to document common types of sources: Book: APA: Author(s). (Year). Title of the book. Publisher. Example: Smith, J. (2020). Veterinary essentials. Animal Care Press. Journal Article: APA: Author(s). (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL (if available). Example: Brown, R., & Grey, M. (2021). Parasite prevention in household pets. Journal of Animal Care, 14(3), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.1234/jac.2021.003 Website: APA: Author(s). (Year, Month Day). Title of the page. Website Name. URL Example: RSPCA Australia. (2022, June 10). Tips for keeping pets healthy. RSPCA Knowledgebase. https://www.rspca.org.au/knowledgebase/

     4. In-Text Citations APA In-Text Citation: Include the author’s last name, publication year, and page number (for direct quotes). Paraphrasing: (Smith, 2020) Direct Quote: (Brown & Grey, 2021, p. 47)

     5. Reference List or Bibliography The reference list appears at the end of your document and contains full citations for each source. Arrange entries alphabetically by the author’s last name. Use a hanging indent (indent the second and subsequent lines) to format each entry.

     6. Referencing Tips for Online Sources in Animal Care Check Credibility: Use reputable sources like academic journals, government sites, and recognized animal care organizations (e.g., RSPCA). Use Permanent Links: When citing online materials, use DOI links or stable URLs to ensure sources remain accessible. Consult Style Guides: Style manuals (such as the APA manual) offer detailed guidance on how to cite various source types.

     7. Using Reference Management Tools Tools like Zotero, EndNote, and Mendeley can help automate citations, making it easier to organize and format references. Many of these tools offer plugins for word processors, allowing you to insert citations and create a reference list automatically.

     Example Reference List (APA Style) Here’s how a reference list might look in APA format: Reference List Brown, R., & Grey, M. (2021). Parasite prevention in household pets. Journal of Animal Care, 14(3), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.1234/jac.2021.003 RSPCA Australia. (2022, June 10). Tips for keeping pets healthy. RSPCA Knowledgebase. https://www.rspca.org.au/knowledgebase/ Smith, J. (2020). Veterinary essentials. Animal Care Press.

     With these steps, you can create clear, organized, and properly formatted references, enhancing the quality and credibility of your work. 

Recall that an animal care product is an item that can be purchased for and used in the care of an animal, such as food, health products or enrichment items.

Product manufacturers publish information about their products. As someone working in the animal care industry, it is your job to know how to research products for clients, interpret the information accurately, and then provide that information to the client in a way that they can easily understand. However, animal care product marketing can be confusing and even misleading. It is critical that you read all the product information, including any fine print, to make sure you provide accurate information.

Two product categories to be particularly careful with are dietary items and parasite preventatives.

In Australia, there is no regulatory body for pet food. This means that there is no legislation concerning the manufacture of pet food in any state or territory. Instead, it is regulated with voluntary industry standards applied through the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA). For further information on this subject, review the 'Australian Government response to the report of the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee: Regulatory approaches to ensure the safety of pet food'.

For example, when a specific protein source is listed, such as beef or chicken, there are no requirements that the ingredient is actual meat. Instead, it could contain beaks, hooves, blood, skin, fat, blood or other animal components. There are also no requirements for the minimum quantity of the ‘meat’. The weights listed are also typically measured before dehydration, meaning the amount of meat content can be up to 80% less than what is listed.

Terms such as ‘balanced’, ‘premium’ or ‘holistic’ on dietary items are also not regulated and, therefore, should not impact decision-making around appropriate food items for a particular animal. Instead, focus your research on veterinary-recommended foods that are backed by scientific studies.

Parasite preventative information can also be confusing. Many products may have ‘all wormer’ or ‘complete parasite control’ on the box but may not cover all important parasites. For example, many ‘all wormers’ do not cover tapeworm.

Another thing to keep in mind is when looking at products that cover multiple parasites, make sure to check the application schedule carefully. The different active ingredients often have different efficacy durations. For example, the product could be marketed as a monthly flea and tick preventative. However, it prevents fleas for one month but only prevents ticks for two weeks.

To ensure you provide accurate information, make sure you read the entire product brochure or insert, including any fine print, and double-check exactly what parasites are covered and for how long.

Types of animal care products

There is a massive variety of animal care products available across several categories. However, in this module, we shall focus on the following six categories:

1. Basic dietary needs, including food products, supplements, and treats. For example, cans of wet dog food, chicken pellets, guinea pig vitamin C supplements, cat liver treats, etc.
2. Animal housing items: For example, cat beds, dog kennels, fish tanks, reptile enclosures and rodent cages, etc.
3. Health and hygiene products: For example, medications, parasite control, shampoos, kitty litter, disinfectants, etc.
4. Enrichment items: For example, toys, cat towers, bird swings, items to encourage specific behaviours, such as foraging, grooming and social interaction, etc.
5. Grooming products: For example, brushes, clippers, fur or feather treatments, etc.
6. Training products: For example, leads, halters, collars, clickers, obstacles, etc.

Animal care product information

Animal care product information can be grouped into two broad classes:

1. General information, including:
   • purpose, including intended species and life stage
   • ingredients, contents or materials used
   • Use By or Best Before dates
   • recommended retail price.
2. Product instructions, including:
   • measurements
   • recommended quantities and frequencies of use
   • instructions for assembly, use and disposal
   • applications, including species, breed, weight, size or other limits
   • associated safety precautions.

The following table provides some examples of the types of information you may be required to interpret about some common animal care products.

Select information according to the identified need

Once you have sourced animal care product information, you need to review it so you can select the information that is relevant to the identified need. Recall (and confirm if required) the client’s or team member’s information need. What do they need to know? Does the information you sourced contain those details?

• Product purpose – the intended use of the product. For example, the behaviours targeted by a particular enrichment item.
• Product contents – the materials or ingredients used to make the product. For example, the key ingredients in poultry feed.
• Product instructions relating to:
  • Use –instructions for the appropriate method of applying or using the product. For example, the steps involved in constructing a cat gym.
  • Safety precautions –instructions for the safe use of the product and warnings against improper use. For example, warnings against leaving the animal unsupervised with a new training product.
  • Quantities – instructions for the amount of product to be used at any one time. For example, to use the entire pipette of liquid topic solution in a single application.
  • Measurements – instructions related to weights, volumes or dimensions of the product. For example, the chest measurements for different sizes of car harnesses for dogs.
  • Application requirements – instructions for the species, breed, size, weight or other limitations for using the product. For example, the size of a rodent cage may be suitable for up to eight mice but only up to two rats.
• Other product information – may include information about the origin of the product components or ingredients; product quality testing results; diagnostic information; troubleshooting tips; and much more. For example, many parasite control products provide descriptions of common symptoms of parasite infestations.

Interpreting product information

Once you have identified the relevant information, you then need to interpret it accurately so you can provide it to the client or team member effectively.

Product brochures, labels and leaflets

The product brochure, full label or leaflet typically contains all the information you will require about a product. Unlike SDS, there is no recommended structure for product labels and brochures. Therefore, it is important to read the entire document to ensure you can find and interpret all the important information.

The following figure is part of the information leaflet inside the packaging of Milbemax™, a worming product for dogs, with key sections highlighted.

1. Variations of the product, including a brief description of the differences in contents and quantities.
2. The product purpose lists all parasites targeted by this product, including their scientific names. Scientific names are usually two words and always written in italics.
3. Instructions for use in terms of application requirements (species, age and weight), how to administer the product and how frequently to administer it for different forms of treatment.
4. Instructions relating to appropriate dosage, in terms of quantity of the product per bodyweight of the animal and the recommended minimum ratio of active ingredient to body weight. It is important to be comfortable with scientific units and various measurements to correctly interpret these types of instructions.
5. Safety precautions outline any issues related to misuse of the product. First aid information is usually present as well (not shown on this excerpt). More detailed product safety information will be found in the SDS.
6. Additional information includes search information about the efficacy of the product and any known side effects, as well as descriptions of symptoms of worm infestations.

Case Study

Lucy, an animal care assistant at Happy Paws Animal Care, is responsible for administering flea treatment to a newly admitted dog named Max, a 5-year-old Border Collie mix. Max has been scratching excessively, indicating a possible flea infestation. Lucy needs to use a flea treatment product safely and effectively while ensuring Max’s well-being.

Lucy has received a new product from the facility’s inventory called FleaGuard Spot-On for Medium Dogs. This product is designed for dogs between 10-20 kg and contains Fipronil as the active ingredient. Before applying the product to Max, Lucy carefully reads through the product label and instructions to ensure she uses it correctly.

Step 1: Reading the Product Label The product packaging includes the following information: Product Name: FleaGuard Spot-On for Medium Dogs Active Ingredient: Fipronil 10% Target Weight Range: 10-20 kg Purpose: Kills fleas, ticks, and lice. Prevents reinfestation for up to 30 days. Usage Instructions: Apply the entire tube contents directly to the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. Use once a month. Do not bathe the dog for 48 hours after application. Precautions: Do not use on puppies under 8 weeks old. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, consult a vet. First Aid Instructions: In case of contact with eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes. If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from children and animals.

Step 2: Interpreting the Information Lucy carefully interprets the instructions to ensure that: Max is within the target weight range of 10-20 kg, making this product suitable for him. The active ingredient is Fipronil, which is a common insecticide for controlling fleas and ticks in dogs. Lucy understands that this ingredient will kill any existing fleas on Max and help prevent reinfestation. Max does not have any health conditions or a history of skin sensitivities, meaning the treatment should be safe for him, but Lucy remains alert to potential side effects such as irritation. She pays attention to the Precautions and ensures that Max will not be bathed for 48 hours after application, as water could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Step 3: Administering the Product Lucy follows the steps outlined in the product instructions: Preparation: Lucy wears gloves to protect her hands from direct contact with the product. She holds the FleaGuard tube, ensuring it is ready for use. Positioning: Lucy has Max sitting calmly on the floor. She gently parts the fur between Max’s shoulder blades, which is the recommended application site because it is difficult for the dog to lick this area. Application: Lucy carefully squeezes the entire contents of the tube directly onto Max’s skin, avoiding fur, and ensuring the liquid fully contacts the skin for maximum absorption. Post-Application: After the treatment, Lucy makes sure Max is comfortable and keeps an eye on him for the rest of the day to monitor for any signs of skin irritation or allergic reactions. She ensures Max is not bathed or allowed to swim for at least 48 hours.

Step 4: Recording the Application Lucy knows that accurate record-keeping is important for tracking Max’s treatments and health. She records the following information in Max’s medical file: Product Used: FleaGuard Spot-On for Medium Dogs Date and Time of Application: October 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM Dosage: Full tube, as per the product instructions Observation Notes: No immediate irritation or reaction was observed

Step 5: Monitoring Max's Condition Over the next few hours, Lucy checks Max regularly. She notices that after about 30 minutes, Max’s scratching has reduced, indicating the flea treatment is working. Lucy observes Max’s skin and fur for any signs of irritation or side effects. She is prepared to follow the First Aid Instructions in case Max accidentally rubs the product near his eyes or ingests any of it.

Conclusion: By carefully reading and interpreting the product label, Lucy ensures that Max receives the correct flea treatment safely and effectively. She follows the usage instructions, adheres to safety precautions, and monitors Max for any adverse reactions. Recording the treatment details in Max’s medical file allows for accurate tracking of his health history, ensuring continuity of care in the future. This case study highlights the importance of reading, interpreting, and following product information to ensure the wellbeing of animals in care, while also maintaining safety for both the animal and the handler.

Interpreting animal care service information involves understanding the various services offered by an animal care facility, their purpose, and how they meet the needs of both the animals and the owners.

Types of Animal Care Service information

Recall that an animal care service is work done with or for an animal by someone who is not the owner. When finding out information about an animal care service, the types of details clients or your team members are likely to require include:

• purpose, including intended species and life stage
• why it is required
• what is included in the service
• recommended price
• time required to provide
• availability
• associated safety precautions.

The specific information required will depend on the service and the needs of the client or team member.

Boarding and day care facilities

Different boarding facilities offer different services. Information you may be required to source about boarding facilities includes but is not limited to:

• maximum and minimum length of stay (in hours or days)
• specified drop-off and pick-up times
• price per hour or day, any price deals (for example, 10 weeks of day care for the price of 9)
• whether food/treats are included in the price
• options for additional services, such as grooming or training.

Grooming services

All animals need and often enjoy some level of grooming. While grooming helps an animal look nice, regular grooming also has several health benefits, including:

• preventing fur from matting, which can be painful and cause various skin conditions
• preventing overgrown nails and claws, which cause pain, toe and foot pad infections and difficulty with walking
• removal of grass seeds, which can cause discomfort and infections
• early detection of skin conditions and external parasites, such as ticks, mites and fleas.

Some common questions regarding grooming services include, but are not limited to:

• How often does the animal need to be groomed?
• What specific grooming tasks are recommended or required for the individual?
• Is professional grooming needed, or can the owner do it?

Training services

The government regulates some types of animal training. For example, in Victoria, under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, it is illegal to attack-train a dog unless the owner is a registered and licenced security guard.

General obedience and behavioural training, however, is readily available for cats and dogs (and other animals). Some common information requirements regarding animal training services include, but are not limited to:

• the level of experience and/or qualification the trainer holds
• the level of involvement of the owner in the process
• the behaviours that are targeted by the training
• recommended frequency and number of sessions
• length of each session
• times, availability and location of sessions
• price per session, any price deals (for example, 10 sessions for the price of 9)
• any required equipment.

Veterinary and allied health services

All animals require health care at some stage in their lives. Preventative and maintenance health care helps the animal avoid health issues and should be regularly administered. Allied health services, such as hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, can help treat long-term health issues and improve the animal’s quality of life.

Common questions relating to animal health care services include, but are not limited to:

• How often does the animal require a health check?
• What specific treatment/medication does the animal need?
• What preventative treatments can the owner do at home?
• What changes to the normal routine are needed during a period of recovery?

Outsourced services

Outsourced services are required in addition to the primary service. They are only needed when the primary service cannot provide every aspect. To determine whether an outsourced service is required, you will need to confirm what is included in the original service.

Outsourced services may include services such as:

• additional animal care services
• product delivery or transport
• product installation
• removal of old or broken items
• waste removal.

Is this the right service for you?

Before you provide animal care service information to a client or team member, review the information you have sourced. Is the information relevant, and does it meet the animal care service needs the person is requesting?

After you have provided the service information, ask the client or your team member if the information answers their request. Some of the information may need clarification or the client may require additional information. They may also ask you to confirm the information with the service provider.

Study the following scenario where an animal care attendant reviews information to determine a client’s relevance to needs and makes enquiries to clarify and confirm the service.

Scenario: Pet Boarding

Peta works as an animal care attendant at Willowtree Veterinary Clinic. A regular client, Joanne, walks in and requests information about a local boarding facility for her pets because she is going overseas for three months.

Peta passes the business cards of two local boarding facilities to Joanne and tells her that many clients have successfully used these services. Peta then asks Joanne if this is all she is after for today. Joanne scans the cards and asks Peta if she knows if any of them cater for snakes.

Joanne says she has recently adopted a Centralian Carpet Python. She is looking for a facility with a confident, experienced snake keeper because her snake is still young and can be a bit snappy. 

Peta isn’t sure if any of the pet boarding facilities cater for pet snakes, so she quickly looks them up online. Success! Tip Top Pet Boarding lists minding reptiles (with their tank) as one of their additional services.

Joanne is happy with this but is still unsure and would like some more information about the service, such as their snake-handling experience and whether they can house both her snake and her dog while she is away.

Peta offers to call Tip Top Pet Boarding to clarify whether they are qualified and to confirm availability for both pets. Thankfully, the manager of Tip Top Pet Boarding has several pythons at different life stages of his own and is more than happy to mind Joanne’s Centralian Carpet Python and her dog. The dates she is after are currently available. Joanne asks for the Tip Top Pet Boarding manager to pencil her pets in for those dates and says she will call them when she gets home to confirm the booking.

Joanne thanked Peta for helping with that information and for walking out.

To recap, to clarify, confirm or source additional service information, you can:

• contact the service provider directly
• speak to your supervisor or other experienced and knowledgeable team members
• do further research.

Case Study

Interpreting Animal Care Service Information for a Dog Service: A dog grooming and health check package.

• Purpose: The grooming service includes a bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing, while the health check ensures the dog’s overall wellbeing.
• Frequency: The package is recommended every 2-3 months to maintain hygiene and detect early health issues.
• Cost: $100, which includes a comprehensive health check by a veterinarian. Additional costs may apply if extra treatments (e.g., flea treatment) are needed.
• Vaccination Requirement: Proof of up-to-date vaccinations (including kennel cough) is required before the grooming service can be provided.
• Staff: Certified groomers and a licensed veterinarian perform the service.
• Interpretation: The service helps keep the dog clean, comfortable, and healthy while also ensuring early detection of health issues. By understanding the cost and the requirements (such as vaccinations), the owner can prepare for the service appropriately and ensure the dog receives all necessary care.

By clearly interpreting the animal care service information, owners can make informed decisions, ensuring their pets receive appropriate, safe, and timely care.

Most animal care organisations will keep some form of record of the animals they work with. These records store information about the individual animals and the services and products they may have received. New and relevant information should be added to an animal’s records each time a service or product is provided.

When a team member or client asks you for information, it is important to document what information you provided, but also the source of that information for future reference, should you or others need it.

A client may ask, "Why did we decide that this cat food is best for my senior cat?" You would then refer to the animal record and find that because you documented the information you provided to the client, along with its source, you can quickly verify why that decision was made.  

To use and add information to individual animal records:

1. Identify the individual animal
2. Locate and access the workplace records or information management system
3. Identify the specific individual animal record
4. Cross-check the record with the animal and its (or the owner’s) needs
5. Use the record to provide information to others or update the record as required.

Identify the individual animal

To ensure the best possible care for an individual animal, it is important to identify the animal correctly before:

• providing any care needs
• providing information about the animal to another person
• updating any records about the animal.

Methods of identifying animals include using the animal’s:

• basic anatomical features of species and/or breed
• microchip number
• tags, bands, brands, tattoos or other distinguishing features.

You will likely need to use a combination of methods to identify the animal confidently.

Basic anatomical features

Basic anatomical features are physical characteristics that are common to all normal and healthy members of a particular group. The more specific the group, the more refined the features are.

While working in the animal care industry, through experience, you will learn to identify species and breeds of animals that you come into contact with regularly.

Understanding the basic anatomical features of animals is essential for providing proper care and assessing health. Here’s a general overview of the basic anatomical features common across various animal types you might encounter in an animal care facility:

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Species defining characteristics

Most people are confident about telling the difference between the common species of domestic animals. For example, most people can tell the difference between a cat and dog, or between a horse and cow with just a quick glance, without really knowing why. However, some key anatomical differences between similar mammal species include:

• cats have retractable claws, while dogs don’t
• mice (30-45 g) are considerably smaller than rats (230-450 g)
• horse and donkey hooves are a single structure, while cows, sheep and goats have cloven hooves (two parts to the hoof)
• horses grow long hair on their mane and tail, while donkey hair is naturally much shorter
• sheep have a philtrum (split upper lip) and grow wool instead of hair; goats have a single upper lip and grow hair.

All species of animal have at least one anatomical feature that sets them apart from all other species. These features are often called defining characteristics. For example:

• bird species are usually identified by their size, beak shape and the colour and patterns of their feathers
• frog species are sometimes identified by their size, back, belly and inner thigh colours and patterns
• snake species are usually identified by the number of scales around their mid-section, the shape of scales on its head, and the shape and type of teeth (Department of Environment and Science 2022).

Breed defining characteristics

Selective breeding of domestic animals over many generations has created various forms of the same animal. These forms are called breeds. Different breeds have features that distinguish them from the other breeds of the same species.

For example, Australian Cattle Dogs are 43-50 cm tall with short, smooth, double-layered coats (American Kennel Club n.d.a). In comparison, Scottish Terriers are only around 25 cm tall with medium-length, wiry, double-layered coats (American Kennel Club n.d.b).

Australian Cattle Dog

Scottish Terrier

As your experience working with animals grows, so too will your skill in identifying different breeds of animals. Until then, if you are not confident, confirm with your supervisor or other experienced staff members that you have correctly identified the breed.

Microchipping

Microchipping an animal means inserting a tiny microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) under the skin of an animal, usually at the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades. Each microchip has its own unique number, which is recorded in a database and linked with details about the animal and the owner’s contact details (RSPCA n.d.).

Scanning the microchip will automatically retrieve the relevant information from the database and is an excellent method of identifying an individual animal. Scanning a microchip can confirm the animal’s identity before providing a specific treatment or service as well as identifying lost animals and the information needed to contact the owner.

The RSPCA recommends that all companion animals are microchipped. Currently, compulsory microchipping legislation is in place for cats and dogs in the ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC and WA. The legislation only covers microchipping dogs in Tasmania (RSPCA n.d.).

Visual identification

Other methods of identifying an individual animal include other visual points of identification. For example, details about specific markings or tattoos could be recorded on the animal’s file.

Leg bands

While many birds are large enough to carry a microchip, leg bands are a common method of identifying individuals, especially in wild populations. A leg band is a small ring with a number printed on it, which wraps around the bird’s ankle.

Ear tags

Ear tags are still the most common way to identify individual livestock animals, such as cattle, sheep and goats. The coloured and numbered tags are inserted into one or both ears of the animal and help identify the owner as well as the individual animal.

Brands

Brands are marks made on the skin of an animal using either a hot or a cold brand (a piece of metal in a specific shape used to represent the owner of the animal).

Hot branding uses a heat brand, which burns the hair and leaves a permanent scar on the skin. Freeze branding uses a brand cooled with dry ice or liquid nitrogen, which damages the pigment cells and causes the hair to grow back white.

Locate and cross-check the specific individual animal record

The type of individual animal records and the information they contain will depend on your workplace. You will first need to establish where the records are kept and whether the animal you are working with has an existing record.

Make sure you have access to the records, whether they are physical copies or if you need login details to access digital records and databases.

Animal identification databases

There are several animal identification databases, often specific to an industry or classification of animal. For example, companion animal microchipping databases and the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

Microchip databases

All microchip manufacturers provide a database for the companion animals that use their microchips. There are several microchip databases used in Australia. Scanning the animal’s microchip will typically tell you which database the information is in if the details are not immediately accessible by simply scanning the microchip.

National Livestock Identification System

The NLIS is an Australian database that identifies cattle, sheep and goats. It uses a combination of visible and electronic ear tags to identify individual animals. The physical location of each animal is recorded using specific Property Identification Codes. The database houses all individual animal information, including vaccinations and preventative health treatments, ownership, physical location and sales histories (Integrity Systems n.d.).

Workplace records

Cage cards

Cage cards are very basic records. They typically contain the following animal information:

• name
• microchip number
• owner details
• species and breed
• age
• colour
• sex
• whether the animal is entire or desexed
• weight
• check-in date.

Depending on the animal care facility, the cage card may also contain the:

• feeding plan
• services required
• vaccination history
• preventative health treatment due dates
• medication and supplement requirements
• behavioural and general health observations.

The following is an example of a cage card for Watermelon, the Guinea pig.

ABC All Animal Boarding
Animal name:Watermelon Microchip: 1234567891011120		Owner name: Truss Owner number: 0400 800 800		Species: Cavy (guinea pig) Breed: Satin Age: 1 year Colour: Golden		Sex: Female Desexed: No Weight: 470 g
Stay		Feeding		Services
Date in: 18/12/2022 Date out: 01/02/2023		Product: Fresh vegetables (named container in the fridge) Amount: 1/2 cup per meal Frequency/timing: Morning and evening		Hydrobath - flea/tick: Hydrobath - medicated: Hand bath:		Clip (details): Nail clip: Yes
Vaccinations		Preventative health		Medication / supplements
Due date: n/a Type:		Product:n/a Due date:		Product: Vitamin C powder Dose: 1/2 scoop daily Timing: Evening, on food
Notes:
Date	Eat	Drink	Urine	Faeces	Medication	Notes:
18/12/2022 am	✔ all	✔	✔	✔
18/12/2022 pm	✔ half	✔	✔	✔	Vitamin C powder
19/12/2022 am	✘ none	✔	✔	✔ Runny		Lethargic

Medical histories

In addition to the basic information kept on a cage card, veterinary clinics keep detailed medical patient histories, including information about preventative and health maintenance treatments, any first aid incidents or other medical treatments. It is critical to keep these records up-to-date and accurate to ensure the best care for the animal. Good file notes will be detailed while being clear, concise and use accurate industry terminology.

Other records

For other services, the records may be very brief. For example, a groomer may simply keep the animal and owner details and the date and type of last service.

Cross-check the record with the animal

Once you have identified the animal and the record, cross-check:

• your identification of the animal with the record details
• any database information against existing workplace records
• the owner’s contact details.

Make sure all the information is accurate and consistent. If there are inconsistencies, check with your supervisor to identify the correct information. You may need to update the record.

Provide individual animal information to others

When providing individual animal information to a team member or client, make sure you provide information that is accurate and consistent with the animal record. Only provide the information that is required and that you are qualified to provide. For example, at this level of qualification, you are not to provide diagnosis or treatment information, even if it is in the animal’s record. That type of information is for the qualified vet to provide.

Only share information that may be considered private, such as owner contact information and microchip number, when absolutely necessary for your workplace requirements. For example, you must not provide client information to another client. However, you may share an animal record and its associated client information with another animal care facility with the client’s consent.

Update the record

All records should be kept up to dateup-to-date and accurate. As with documenting the sources of information, it is best to do this as soon as possible, before you forget the details.

Ensure the information you add to the record is easily understood - use plain English and appropriate industry terminology to document new information. For example, ‘canine’ rather than ‘dog’.

Firstly, the record should identify the animal and owner details clearly. When you enter information about an animal, gather all the relevant details. This will help your workplace determine what the animal in your care requires and helps ensure the best possible care. Consistently update the record each time the animal comes to your organisation.

Some examples of types of information that may need to be updated include, but are not limited to:

• any medication and the frequency of required doses
• preventative health products, including date of last treatment
• type and date grooming
• any communication with the owner, especially if they asked for or if you provided them with information.

If relevant, you may need to set up an alert for the owner to remind them when the next service or treatment is required.

Review the following scenario to gain some insight into what information is typically entered on an animal identification record, including cross-checking and one type of update that you may need to make while working in the animal care industry.

Case Study

A client arrived at Long Road Veterinary Clinic with his pet Pug on 23 November 2022.

Jessie, an animal attendant, who has just started working at the clinic this week, greets the client and then confirms the Pug’s details.

She says, “Hi, how are you? Who do we have here today?”

The client confirms that he has ‘Doug’ with him and is here for his dog’s weekly weigh-in.

Jessie replies, “Can I get your surname, please?”.

The client replies that his surname is ‘Smith’.

Jessie now knows that she should look up ‘Doug Smith’ (the patient) and retrieves his file on the clinic’s computer database.

She then asks the client (John Smith) to confirm his contact details, email address and phone number. The details all match, so Jessie does not need to update them.

Jessie then opens Doug’s medical record, which is one of the tabs on the client’s file. She scans his microchip and cross-checks that the number on the record matches. It does.

Next, she asks John to pop Doug onto the scales while the vet reads the measurement. Jessie immediately records the new weight from today on the patient file (shown in red). The reading is 11.3 kg.

Jessie confirms with John that, according to last week’s weight reading of 11.5 kg, Doug has lost weight. The vet asks him to visit for Doug’s next weighing in one week. An SMS reminder message has been set up to remind John the day before his next visit.

The following animal identification details and health records are examples of the information that is likely to be found on Doug’s patient file after the visit on November 23rd.

Doug’s individual Record

Animal's Details

Animal identification	Details
Name	Doug
Age	11 years
Date of birth	10.10.2011
Breed	Pug
Sex	Male
Entire/Desexed	Desexed
Colour	Tan and black
Microchip number	9704635400091827

Owner's Details

Owner	Details
Name	John Smith
Phone	0404 123 456
Email	john.smith@mail.com
Address	123 Long Road
Name of veterinarian	Long Road Vets

Animal Health Record

Medical history	Details
Allergies	None
Existing conditions	Osteoarthritis hind limbs - diagnosed 2020
Notes	Overweight 16 Nov: Doug has been put on Hill’s Metabolic dog food to reduce weight. Weekly weighing is recommended until Doug reaches the goal weight of 9.5 kg. Weekly weight information: 16 Nov: 11.5 kg 23 Nov: 11.3 kg

Knowledge check 6

In a role working with animals, it’s common to receive a large volume of information from customers, ranging from specific details about an incident to a broader context about an animal’s history and environment. It’s crucial to determine what information is immediately important, such as details that directly affect the animal’s current condition or needs and what is relevant background to provide a fuller understanding of the situation.

For example, if a customer reports an injury, the focus might be on the nature of the injury and how it occurred, but details like the animal’s living conditions, diet, and behaviour can be equally important to identify contributing factors or potential complications. This requires active listening, careful questioning, and prioritising key details to ensure the best outcomes for the animal’s care and wellbeing. Balancing urgency with context is essential in providing holistic and effective support.

What can this look like? 

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on immediate concerns that impact the animal’s health (e.g., symptoms, injuries, or behavioural changes).
• Consider environmental and background factors to identify contributing causes or ongoing risks.
• Use additional information for a holistic understanding, ensuring both short-term care and long-term wellbeing.

Let's explore this in more detail. 

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