• On Campus
  • Online with workshops

Course Overview

Code:
ACM20121
Course Type:
Accredited Course
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Enquiry Apply

Apply Online

Provide your details below and we'll get your application started.

Enquire Online

Provide your details below and we'll be in contact soon!

Intakes

Course Duration:
6 months
Commencing in:
  • 2025

2025 Intake

Intake Date Campus Attendance Days
30/01/2025 Warragul Monday, Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm
21/07/2025 Warragul Monday, Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm
22/07/2025 Yallourn Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm

About this course

If you love animals and the idea of working in an animal care role, this course is the place to start.
This nationally recognised qualification is the first step to start your career path into the animal care industry. You will gain the skills and knowledge required to care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. During this course you will have the opportunity to build your professional networks through meeting other students and industry specialist guest speakers.

Our Certificate II in Animal Care will teach you basic animal handling and first aid, assisting in caring for animals, work health and safety, workplace communication and participating in work placement. At this level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities.
Your face-to-face learning will also be enhanced through excursions and industry visits, case studies, peer-to-peer learning and real-life experiences under the guidance of our specialist trainers.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, students will have gained skills and knowledge to seek employment in the animal care industry. Common job roles for certificate II level employees include but are not limited to:
• Assistant animal care worker
• Assistant animal shelter attendant
• Assistant kennel hand
• Assistant cattery attendant
Job roles within the animal care industry require stamina and physical fitness to allow you to safely handle animals in the workplace.

Opportunities for Further Study

After achieving this qualification candidates may apply to undertake ACM30121 - Certificate III in Animal Care Services and/or ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Both of these qualifications are offered at TAFE Gippsland.

Skills or Knowledge gained

Students will gain the skills and knowledge to assist in the animal care industry. This includes basic animal handling and first aid, assisting in caring for animals, work health and safety, workplace communication and participating in work placement. At certificate II level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities.

Entry Requirements

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Recommended entry Requirements:

It is recommended that students own or have access to a minimum of two (2) different species of animals in order to meet assessment requirements. Additionally some units of competency require students to have access to animals a varying life stages e.g. puppy and adult dog, in order to meet their learning needs and support the achievement of assessment outcomes.

Limitations to course Entry:

Students must have access to a reliable internet connection.
Students must have access to a computer or tablet that will support course work to be completed in our Learning Management System Moodle. We recommend that this also includes a headset (integrated microphone and earphones).
This job role also requires candidates to have a good level of physical fitness to allow them to safely handle animals in the workplace. This includes the ability to bend, lift and be on their feet most of the day.

Minimum Industry Requirement

Not applicable.

Licensing/Regulatory Requirements

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No

Qualifications and Recognition - 2025

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Certificate II in Animal Care.

Work Placement - 2025

Does this course require placement?: Yes

Whilst the training package does not stipulate mandatory work placement, there is a requirement for three units of competency to be assessed in an Animal Care facility.

Placement to be arranged by: Student

Course Overview

Code:
ACM20121
Course Type:
Accredited Course
Mode of Delivery:
Online with workshops
Enquiry Apply

Apply Online

Provide your details below and we'll get your application started.

Enquire Online

Provide your details below and we'll be in contact soon!

Intakes

Course Duration:
10 months
Commencing in:
  • 2025

2025 Intake

Intake Date Campus Attendance Days
04/02/2025 Warragul Tuesday 10:00am-12:00pm
22/07/2025 Warragul Tuesday 10:00am-12:00pm

About this course

If you love animals and the idea of working in an animal care role, this nationally recognised qualification is the place to start.
Delivered online, you will also take part in scheduled workshops and excursions, gaining the skills and knowledge required to care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics and build your professional networks through meeting other students and industry specialist guest speakers.

Our Certificate II in Animal Care will teach you basic animal handling and first aid, assisting in caring for animals, work health and safety, workplace communication and participating in work placement. At this level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities.
Your face-to-face learning will also be enhanced through excursions and industry visits, case studies, peer-to-peer learning and real-life experiences under the guidance of our specialist trainers.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, students will have gained skills and knowledge to seek employment in the animal care industry. Common job roles for certificate II level employees include but are not limited to:
• Assistant animal care worker
• Assistant animal shelter attendant
• Assistant kennel hand
• Assistant cattery attendant
Job roles within the animal care industry require stamina and physical fitness to allow you to safely handle animals in the workplace.

Opportunities for Further Study

After achieving this qualification candidates may apply to undertake ACM30121 - Certificate III in Animal Care Services and/or ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Both of these qualifications are offered at TAFE Gippsland.

Skills or Knowledge gained

Students will gain the skills and knowledge to assist in the animal care industry. This includes basic animal handling and first aid, assisting in caring for animals, work health and safety, workplace communication and participating in work placement. At certificate II level, work takes place under direct supervision within clearly defined guidelines for work activities.

Entry Requirements

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Recommended entry Requirements:

It is recommended that students own or have access to a minimum of two (2) different species of animals in order to meet assessment requirements. Additionally some units of competency require students to have access to animals a varying life stages e.g. puppy and adult dog, in order to meet their learning needs and support the achievement of assessment outcomes.

Limitations to course Entry:

Students must have access to a reliable internet connection.
Students must have access to a computer or tablet that will support course work to be completed in our Learning Management System Moodle. We recommend that this also includes a headset (integrated microphone and earphones).
This job role also requires candidates to have a good level of physical fitness to allow them to safely handle animals in the workplace. This includes the ability to bend, lift and be on their feet most of the day.

Minimum Industry Requirement

Not applicable.

Licensing/Regulatory Requirements

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No

Qualifications and Recognition - 2025

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Certificate II in Animal Care.

Work Placement - 2025

Does this course require placement?: No

Further Information - 2025

Fees

Fees and charges Government subsidised concession Government subsidised Full-fee paying student
Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) $399.90 $1,999.50 $5,654.50
Materials fee* (GST exempt) $375.00 $375.00 $375.00
Total $774.90 $2,374.50 $6,029.50
VET Student Loans

Not Applicable for this course

Help with fees

Sample course units

ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
HLTAID011 Provide first aid

Further Information - 2025

Fees

Fees and charges Government subsidised concession Government subsidised Full-fee paying student
Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) $399.90 $1,999.50 $5,654.50
Materials fee* (GST exempt) $370.00 $370.00 $370.00
Total $769.90 $2,369.50 $6,024.50
VET Student Loans

Not Applicable for this course

Help with fees

Sample course units

ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
HLTAID011 Provide first aid