Animal Management and Dog Grooming

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Animal management and dog grooming at London's environmental college

If you are interested in a career working with animals, then you should explore our specialist courses in animal management, zoology, and dog grooming.

Our courses are designed to focus on practical experience. We manage and look after more than 1,000 animals in our extensive zoos, collections, and farm across our London campuses at Crystal Palace Park, Enfield, Gunnersbury Park and Mottingham.

Our animal collection ranges from mammals and birds, to reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Each campus has dedicated training facilities and resources, including exotic and aquatic rooms, aviaries, large animal enclosures and paddocks.

Find a course you love

Workshop

Certificate of Technical Competence in Dog Walking (Level 2)

Full-time

Animal Care and Management - Occupational Specialism Animal Management and Behaviour (T Level)

Apprenticeship

Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Full-time

Access to Higher Education Diploma Veterinary Science (Level 3)

Full-time

Access to HE Diploma (Land-Based Studies) - Animal Science and Welfare Pathway

Full-time

Dog Grooming Diploma (Level 3)

Full-time

Dog Grooming Assistant Certificate (Level 2)

Higher Education

FdSc Animal Management and Zoology

Higher Education

BSc (Hons) Animal Biodiversity and Conservation (Top-Up)

Part-time

Dog Grooming Diploma (Level 3) (Adults)

Why come to Capel Manor College​

Over the last 50 years, we have helped thousands of school leavers and adults achieve their dream of working with animals, plants and the environment.

  • London's only environmental college​
  • Alternative to sixth form
  • Valued by land-based employers
  • Gain hands-on experience caring for animals
  • Boost your career​
  • Taught by industry experts​

Hazel landed skills that matter

I loved working with the animals and getting hands-on experience. Recognising ill health and abnormal behaviour in animals has allowed me to improve their health and wellbeing. Hazel studied a Level 3 animal management course before progressing to higher education to study veterinary medicine. Her goal is to become a vet.

Career prospects

Zookeeper

Zookeepers are responsible for maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of different types of animals. They work closely with animals to spot signs of disease, stress, or injury.

Veterinary Surgeon

Veterinary surgeons provide medical care to a range of animals, from domestic pets to those in farm and zoo settings, and wild animals with injuries.

Zoologist

A zoologist studies animals and their behaviour. They study specific species and populations of animals, and work in the field, out in captivity, or in a laboratory.

Mobile Dog Groomer

Mobile dog grooming is growing in popularity. Choose your own working hours by offering flexible dog grooming in clients’ homes.

Salon Manager

As a grooming salon manager, you will lead and inspire a team, set grooming standards, and ensure customers and their pets receive excellent service.

Teacher

Use your dog grooming skills and experience to demonstrate and teach practical skills to aspiring dog groomers.

Find us

Select a campus

  • By bus: 157, 358, 410, 249, 432, 322, 417, 3, 363, 202 and 931

    By rail: Served by Crystal Palace Station (from Victoria, London Bridge and Dalston Junction)

  • By car: The Campus is situated just off junction 25 of the M25 and the A10 Southbound

    By rail: Served by Turkey Street Station (from Liverpool Street Station), the College is approximately 20 mins walk from Turkey Street

    By bus: Buses 217 and 317

  • By bus: Jevington Way, Alnwick Road, and Mottingham Way stops are within five minutes' walk of the Campus

    By rail: Mottingham station is a 23 minute walk from the Campus, with regular services to London Charing Cross, London Bridge, Cannon Street and Dartford

    By car: Mottingham Campus is located on Mottingham Lane, just two minutes’ drive from the A20 Sidcup Road/South Circular Road roundabout

  • By tube: The Campus is very well served by tube stations on various lines including Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), Great Portland Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines), Baker Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines) and Camden Town (Northern line)

Register for our Open Day

Find a course

Upcoming event

Saturday 5 October

Open Day

Explore your local campus from 10am to 3pm:
  • Meet our tutors and discuss courses
  • Enrol on courses that have started or apply for 2025