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National code: ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care

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Overview About this course

Channel your passion for animals into your study as you develop practical, foundational skills in animal care. Launch your career as an animal attendant in boarding kennels, pet shops, groomers and welfare organisations.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Provide care to a range of animals

  • Monitor and assist with animal health routines

  • Practice hygiene and infection control

  • Safe manual handling of animals

  • Working safely and effectively in a team environment

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A sound understanding of following diet plans for a range of animals

  • Techniques to safely handle and restrain animals

  • Experience in completing observation checklists and undertaking routine health and hygiene checks

  • Engage in providing enriching environments for animals

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

  • Assessment conditions for Certificate II in Animal Care require learners to have access to an animal care facility. For some delivery locations, this may occur on a TAFE NSW site. Please check your preferred campus location for campus-specific entry requirements.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • A passion for animals and their welfare

  • A reasonable fitness level to handle animals and carry out manual lifting

  • The ability to follow basic written instructions and complete tasks safely under supervision

  • Access to a computer or personal device and internet as it would be beneficial to complete home study

  • Appropriate clothing, which may include covered non-slip shoes, trousers and shirts for your classes. TAFE NSW will provide you with other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is specific to animal care

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: Animal attendant or carer and Pet shop attendant

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate II in Animal Care does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Certificate II in Animal Care does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate II in Animal Care qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 Units of competency, including 7 core and 5 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Work in the animal care industry ACMGEN201

  • Complete animal care hygiene routines ACMGEN202

  • Feed and water animals ACMGEN203

  • Assist in health care of animals ACMGEN204

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Info sessions Want to know more?

There are a total of 2 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.

You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Animal Care and Horse Industry

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.