Animal Focused has announced the launch of a new qualification designed specifically for animal licensing officers in Wales – the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Award in the Licensing of Selling Animals as Pets.

This Ofqual-regulated qualification was developed in collaboration with VetSkill and will be exclusively delivered and assessed by Animal Focused, a VetSkill-approved centre since August 2024. 

Building on the success with the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Certificate in Licensing of Animal Activities (England), the team are excited to now offer tailored training that supports officers working under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021.

The qualification is designed for local authority officers in Wales who carry out inspections as part of their role. It meets the requirement for officers to be suitably trained, equipping them with the knowledge and crucially, the practical skills needed to license animal activities legally, professionally, and ethically -specifically, the activity of selling animals as pets. The development has been supported by Zoe Phillips, Project Manager for Animal Licensing Wales, https://www.animallicensing.gov.wales

Vicky Skinner, Head of Centre at Animal Focused, said: “It’s been fantastic to build on the success of the VetSkill qualification for English licensing officers. With devolved legislation, it’s vital we provide bespoke training for each nation, and this new qualification ensures officers in Wales can access training that’s genuinely fit for purpose.”

As a multi-award-winning educational consultancy and training provider, Animal Focused is committed to raising standards across the sector. With a history of working with pet businesses, welfare organisations, schools, and Local Authorities, Animal Focused continues to develop qualifications and training that put animal welfare at the heart of professional practice.