GOTAFE
1 Year (full time) or 2 Years (part time)
Certificate III in Animal Care Services prepares you for specialised roles in veterinary clinics, shelters, and grooming salons. Gain practical skills in animal health, behaviour, nutrition, and grooming with flexible full-time or part-time study options.
Applicants must be over 15 years old, complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test for literacy and numeracy, and undertake a Pre-training Review interview. Foundational knowledge of animal care is required, demonstrated through previous employment in animal care facilities, animal ownership experience, or practical handling experience. A current Tetanus immunisation is recommended. Students must have a laptop/computer with internet access and access to a digital camera or video camera for assessments.
The course comprises 17 units: 7 core and 10 elective. Core units include identifying animal behaviours and safe interaction, assessing animal welfare, promoting workplace wellbeing, providing basic animal first aid, communicating with clients and team members, complying with infection control policies, and contributing to workplace health and safety. Elective units cover animal enrichment, companion animal selection and care, animal health and wellbeing monitoring, nutritional requirements, animal anatomy and physiology, dog grooming techniques (bathing, drying, brushing, breed styling), sanitary grooming, sustainable work practices, and customer service delivery.
GOTAFE is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) with national recognition. The provider offers flexible delivery modes combining workplace training, online study, and on-campus practical workshops. With multiple campuses across Northern Victoria and dedicated support services including learning support, disability support, counselling, and career guidance, GOTAFE ensures students receive comprehensive support throughout their studies.
Graduates may pursue roles as Animal Attendants in veterinary clinics or animal shelters, Assistant Dog Trainers, Animal Management Rangers, Pet Shop Workers, Dog Handlers, or Assistant Animal Groomers. The qualification provides pathways to further study in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418). Career opportunities span the animal care industry including private veterinary practices, animal shelters, boarding facilities, pet grooming salons, and animal management organisations.
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