SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Explain and apply pet care, hygiene and safety in the home 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114432  Explain and apply pet care, hygiene and safety in the home 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners wishing to acquire the competencies of this standard will be voluntary community workers, domestic workers and /or will be involved in a pet care environment.

Qualifying learners are able to hygienically care for a pet's environment in accordance with best practices in pet care.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Identifying and explaining the pet areas to be cleaned
  • Cleaning pet areas in and around the home
  • Identifying the cleaning requirements of the pet
  • Identifying good/sensitive pet care practices
  • Identifying the safety requirements of the pet 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learner would have achieved numeracy and communication competencies at a minimum level of ABET level 2 or the equivalent. This will enable the learner to confirm the knowledge and skills required by this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Pets refer common household pets including but not limited to dogs, cats, and rodents including hamsters, birds and fish.
  • Environment hygiene refer to all areas used by pet, and the hygienic cleaning there of.
  • Cleaning tools refers to the cleaning cloths and consumables that are used exclusively for pet and pet area cleaning.
  • Safety measures refer to the learner preventing direct contact with the feces and urine of a pet.
  • UN- clean areas refer to pet cages and areas used by pets that have not been cleaned.
  • Disease refers to zoonotic disease- a zoonosis is a disease common to animals and humans, including but not limited to Rabies, Ticks, Toxoplasmosis, Roundworms, Ringworm, Scabies or Sarcoptic Mange.
  • Allergens refer to pet allergens [cat and dog hair, saliva and dander.
  • Household instructions refer to instructions given by the employer in terms of the care of the pet.
  • Most effective way of removing pet hair refers to evacuation.
  • Unwanted pet hair refers to any pet's hair in the home, on clothes or any area used by the family.
  • Cleaning requirements of pets refers to bathing of dogs, brushing of dogs.
  • Ectoparasiticides refers to a toxic powder or liquid rubbed or poured over the pet to kill and prevent external parasites such as ticks, fleas, mites.
  • The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to care for a pet.
  • The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, very repetitive and familiar, no generation of new ideas is needed and the person has no responsibility for the learning of others.
  • In the context of this unit standards pet's safety and care includes the direct care of the pet.
  • Pets refer common household pets including but not limited to dogs, cats, and rodents including hamsters, birds and fish. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and explain the pet areas to be cleaned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The pet areas that need cleaning and care are identified by pointing out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reason(s) for cleaning these areas are explained with examples of the consequences of not cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dedicated cleaning tools are listed that will be used to clean the areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons are explained for using dedicated cleaning tools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The areas that need daily, weekly and monthly cleaning are identified and the difference is explained with examples of each. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reason(s) for cleaning pet urine and feces immediately in a home environment is explained with examples of the consequences of not doing so. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Clean pet areas in and around the home. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cleaning of cat litter boxes urine and feces of pets is explained following safety and hygiene measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why un-cleaned pet areas spread disease is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for removing unwanted pet hair from all surfaces in the home is given with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of not washing hands after working with pets and their areas are explained with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify the cleaning requirements of the pet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The cleaning requirements of the pet are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why some pets need cleaning and others clean themselves are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reason(s) why some pets require bathing, brushing and application of ectoparasiticides is explained with examples of each pet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The times and frequency of cleaning the pet are explained according to household requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Bathing and brushing the pet is described according to bathing and brushing instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify good/sensitive pet care practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The rights of any animal are explained according to animal welfare regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Refer to right to be treated humanly, right to food, water, shelter , the right to live free of fear of being abused.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The duties of a pet owner are explained with examples of each duty. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Refer to the basic responsibility of care towards the pet, the duty to health treatment of the pet when required, the duty of feeding and correct shelter, the duty of not leaving the animal alone during holidays or illness, but to ensure safe keeping of the animal.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for extending care and sensitivity towards the pet are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Insensitive and abusive treatment towards pets is listed in tabular form and the manner in which abuse towards pets can be reported is explained with an example of a report. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Identify the safety requirements of the pet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The safety requirements regarding the pet are identified in a list and the risks of not applying the safety requirements are explained with examples of each risk. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dogs needs to be behind gates to ensure own and others safety, a window must be left open for a cat, birds and fish must not be placed in direct sunlight in the summer, hamsters and rodents must be kept in their cage.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The major health safety issues are explained with examples of each. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Poison in any form, specifically aerosols sprayed in the vicinity of birds, fish; Paint and paint removers being left open and accessible to the pets, plastic bags that may be eaten, chemicals that are not stored properly.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why dogs should receive special shelter during festivities where fire works are used are explained with consequences of not providing special shelter. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Halloween, Guy Fawkes, Old year parties.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution or provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be a registered assessor with the relevant competence at NQF level 2.
  • Both internal and external moderation of the assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines outlined in the relevant qualification and agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • An understanding of the hygiene factors for safe pet keeping in home.
  • A knowledge of the chemicals and poisons dangerous to pets.
  • An understanding of the general sensitivity towards animals.
  • A knowledge of the care of pets and animals. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems where pet care hygiene or safety of pets is concerned. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in the application of creating a safe and hygienic environment for the pets in a home. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively so that all cleaning and pet care equipment is at hand as and when required. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when reporting any pet care hygiene or safety issues. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate the world as a set of related system where good efficient pet care, safety and hygiene equals a happy and healthy pet. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  23853   GETC: Domestic Services  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  80786   National Certificate: Home-Care Practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.