OverviewAbout 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.
OutcomesWhat 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
SuitabilityIs 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.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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.
PathwaysFuture 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 study0 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 study2 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 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.
UnitsUnits 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 industryACMGEN201
Complete animal care hygiene routinesACMGEN202
Feed and water animalsACMGEN203
Assist in health care of animalsACMGEN204
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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 sessionsWant 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 Horticulture