It is a Level 6 special purpose award (10 ECTS) offered by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

The course is designed for people working in the greyhound industry, providing training, knowledge, and education in greyhound care from “inception to end of life.”

It is a Level 6 special purpose award (10 ECTS) offered by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

The course is designed for people working in the greyhound industry, providing training, knowledge, and education in greyhound care from “inception to end of life.”

Total fee: €1,000.

Students pay 25%, which is €250.

For eligible participants, Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) covers the remaining 75% (i.e., € 750).

The course is aimed at people already working in the greyhound industry.

There are no explicitly listed academic requirements beyond being involved in the industry, but it’s designed to build welfare and husbandry knowledge.

Over 15 weeks, the course covers:

• - Introduction & industry overview
• - Greyhound welfare and legislation (e.g., Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Animal Health & Welfare Act, microchipping regulations, GRI Code of Practice)
• - Breeding: pre-mating, mating (stud dog and bitch), whelping, and puppy care
• - Rearing and pre-training of greyhound pups
• - Physical exercise, rest, and racing training routines
• - Nutrition: designing a racing-dog diet, understanding nutrition theory, parasite control, hydration
• - Kennel layouts, gallops, and training structures
• - Retirement and rehoming of retired greyhounds
• - Industry business aspects: marketing, PR, finance / accounting, international developments, welfare schemes.

Over 15 weeks, the course covers:

• - Introduction & industry overview
• - Greyhound welfare and legislation (e.g., Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Animal Health & Welfare Act, microchipping regulations, GRI Code of Practice)
• - Breeding: pre-mating, mating (stud dog and bitch), whelping, and puppy care
• - Rearing and pre-training of greyhound pups
• - Physical exercise, rest, and racing training routines
• - Nutrition: designing a racing-dog diet, understanding nutrition theory, parasite control, hydration
• - Kennel layouts, gallops, and training structures
• - Retirement and rehoming of retired greyhounds
• - Industry business aspects: marketing, PR, finance / accounting, international developments, welfare schemes.

• Delivery: 15 weeks × 2.5 hours/week (blended learning)
• Site Visits: There are 4 site visits during the course.
• Assessment:
• Worksheets / multiple-choice questions
• Practical evaluation
• Interview assessment

Delivery: 15 weeks × 2.5 hours/week (blended learning)

Site Visits: There are 4 site visits during the course.

Assessment:
- Worksheets / multiple-choice questions
- Practical evaluation
- Interview assessment

Yes, Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) covers 75% of fees (€750) for eligible participants.

For other students, you pay a portion (€250), as per course fee structure.

To apply: use the “Apply Now” button on the TUS course page.

For general queries: contact TUS Flexible Learning Office - email: flexible.midwest@tus.ie, phone: (061) 293802.

For academic queries: contact Conor Foley, via Conor.Foley@tus.ie.

The curriculum includes current Irish legislation: e.g. the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013, Microchipping regulations, and the 2016 Welfare of Greyhounds Regulations.

It also covers GRI’s Code of Practice, which defines welfare standards for owners, trainers, and breeders.

Improved professional competence in roles such as kennel-hands, trainers, welfare officers, or rehoming coordinators.

Helps to standardise best practice in welfare across the greyhound industry.

Could be a stepping stone to further education in animal science, veterinary or welfare roles (e.g., bioveterinary science).