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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Explain the principles of successful adoption of dogs and cats 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261598  Explain the principles of successful adoption of dogs and cats 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Animal Protection Standards 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
The purpose of an adoption programme should be to find responsible and caring homes for animals suitable as family pets. Such matchmaking requires an assessment of both animals and their prospective adopters. It is neither a kindness to animals nor a benefit to the community to irresponsibly home animals that are unsuitable or will not receive adequate care and attention.

The unit standard reflects this need, and learners credited with it will be able to:
  • Explain what makes a dog or cat a suitable companion animal.
  • Explain the desirable characteristics of a suitable adoptee.
  • Explain the necessity of legal contracts and animal history when adopting animals.
  • Explain the necessity of matching individual animals and potential adoptees.
  • Explain the implications of responsible ownership.
  • Assess and prepare an individual dog or cat prior to being placed for adoption. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication at NQF Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain what makes a dog or cat a suitable companion animal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The suitability of cats as family pets is explained in terms of the nature of cats and their environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The suitability of dogs as family pets is explained in terms of the nature of dogs and their environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors that would make a dog or cat unsuitable as a pet are identified in terms of physical environmental factors. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the desirable characteristics of a suitable adoptee. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Adoption of a pet is described in terms of the role of the adoptee. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Desirable characteristics of potential adoptees are identified and explained in terms of specific breeds of pet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Undesirable potential adoptees are identified and explained in terms of their characteristics and physical conditions for the animal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Suitability of the new/proposed environment is identified for the specific breed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the necessity of legal contracts and animal history when adopting animals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation is given of the necessity of accurately completing adoption contracts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons for providing the adoptee with copies of information regarding health, welfare and behaviour are provided that include vaccination records, sterilisation and species specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An explanation is given of indemnity clauses in adoption contracts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the necessity of matching individual animals and potential adoptees. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Factors for consideration are identified when evaluating individual animals and their requirements for adoption. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of evaluating the potential adoptees are described in accordance with organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A home check is undertaken to ensure that animals are successfully matched with the prospective adoptees taking into consideration, family, lifestyle and needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors for approving an adoption are classified into negotiable and non-negotiable factors. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain the implications of responsible ownership. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fundamental and critical factors are explained with regard to responsible ownership of pets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Necessary treatment prior to homing an animal is explained in terms of the importance of sterilisation, vaccination and any other required treatment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Socialisation and training of dogs and cats in general is explained in terms of its importance for the well being of the animal. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Assess and prepare an individual dog or cat prior to being placed for adoption. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Individual animals are assessed according to their needs, individual behaviour and specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Areas of concern are identified that can be addressed at the kennel facility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The animal is prepared for a new home in terms of socialisation and desensitisation requirements for a given scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The owner is evaluated and informed of the necessity to continue compulsory socialisation and special care of the animal after adoption for a given scenario. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment of this unit standard should be contextual and practical.
  • Assessors and moderators must be registered with the relevant accredited ETQA.
  • Assessors should be in possession of a relevant qualification that is at least one level higher than the level of this unit standard or have at least 5 years relevant practical experience.
  • Training providers must be accredited by a relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment should include both formative and summative assessment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Commonly kept companion animals.
  • Key points of responsible companion animal ownership. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking when designing practical ways to provide environment enrichment for animals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others when persuading them to adopt responsible animal ownership behaviours. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when preparing material for giving advice and education. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills when giving advice or a presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems when explaining the social impact of responsible animal ownership. 

    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. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65229   Further Education and Training Certificate: Animal Protection  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  LG SETA 


    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.