GOTAFE
6 months (full-time) or 1 year (part-time)
Gain entry-level animal care skills for positions in shelters, veterinary clinics, grooming services, and wildlife facilities. Learn animal health care, hygiene, nutrition, first aid, and workplace safety through flexible full-time or part-time study.
Applicants must be over 15 years of age at course commencement. You'll need to complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to demonstrate required literacy and numeracy levels. A pre-training review interview ensures the course suits your needs and goals. Workplace students require 15 hours of paid employment in an approved workplace. A current Tetanus immunisation is recommended. You'll need access to a laptop/computer with internet, digital camera or video camera, and general stationery.
The course comprises 12 units: 7 core and 5 elective. Core units cover working in the animal care industry, animal care hygiene routines, feeding and watering animals, assisting in animal health care, environmentally sustainable work practices, workplace health and safety, and communication skills. Elective units include providing enrichment for animals, sourcing animal care information, basic animal first aid, client communication, general care of domestic dogs and cats, daily veterinary practice routines, and customer service delivery.
GOTAFE is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) with national recognition. The provider offers flexible delivery options including full-time, part-time, traineeship, and workplace-based learning to suit diverse student needs. With multiple campuses across Northern Victoria and comprehensive student support services including counselling, disability support, and learning assistance, GOTAFE ensures students have the resources to succeed.
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet grooming services, and wildlife care facilities. Career progression opportunities include advancing to Certificate III in Animal Care Services or Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Roles may include animal care assistant, veterinary assistant, shelter worker, or grooming assistant, with potential to develop into supervisory or specialized animal care positions.
Course fee
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