TAFE NSW
4 to 12 months depending on study mode and location
This nationally recognised Certificate II in Animal Care teaches practical skills for working with animals in boarding kennels, pet shops, grooming businesses and animal welfare organisations. Perfect for animal lovers seeking hands-on experience in animal care, health monitoring, hygiene practices and safe handling techniques.
You must have evidence of previous experience or study before enrolling. You'll need a passion for animals and their wellbeing, reasonable fitness to handle animals and do some lifting, ability to follow simple written instructions and complete tasks safely with supervision, access to a computer or device with internet for home study, and suitable clothing such as covered non-slip shoes, trousers and shirts for classes. Assessment conditions require access to an animal care facility, which may be provided on a TAFE NSW site depending on your campus location.
The course comprises 12 units of competency including 7 core units and 5 specialty units. Core units cover workplace health and safety, environmentally sustainable work practices, communication skills, animal health care assistance, animal care hygiene routines, feeding and watering animals, and working in the animal care industry. Specialty units include veterinary nursing reception duties, companion animal handling and infection control, horse safety, dog grooming and bathing, animal enrichment, animal first aid, care of various animal species (birds, reptiles, fish, mammals, amphibians, rodents, rabbits), animal behaviour and interaction, zoological facility work, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal habitat preparation and maintenance.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised training provider offering 35 study and location options across New South Wales. The institution provides comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, Aboriginal support, careers counselling, libraries, and scholarship programs. TAFE NSW recognises prior learning and offers credit transfers, allowing you to complete your qualification faster. The course is delivered by experienced educators in state-of-the-art facilities with flexible study options including on-campus, online, combination, and workplace-based learning.
Graduates progress to roles as animal attendants or carers and pet shop attendants. The course provides a strong pathway to continue your study with further qualifications including Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, opening doors to advanced career opportunities in animal welfare, veterinary support, wildlife management, zoological facilities, and specialised animal care sectors.
Qualification
Course fee
Start date
You will be redirected to the training provider to enquire directly. Workinitiatives is not the course or training provider. We aggregate and list courses only.