Certificate II in Animal Care - VDSS

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 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.

Your classroom-based 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.

Entry Requirements

Students must have access to a minimum of two types of species of animals, for example a cat, dog or a bird.

Literacy and numeracy

Minimum language, literacy and numeracy LLN standards. Students should be working at or close to reading, writing and numeracy Year 9 NAPLAN standard or equivalent, this ensures they can understand course materials and complete written tasks.

What students need to successfully complete the course

Attend a TAFE Gippsland campus one day per week to learn basic animal husbandry, care, welfare and Animal Care industry standards; successful completion of assessment tasks including multiple choice quizzes, short and long answer responses problem solving relating to scenarios, projects, presentations and practical assessment tasks. Students must have access to a minimum of two types of species of animals, for example a cat, dog or a bird. Access to a computer and ability to video record practical tasks.

Physical or mobility requirements

Where relevant to the course students need to have a basic level of physical ability to bend, lift items and complete physical demonstrations of a skill at least 3 times and on floor level.

Proposed Units

• ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
• ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
• ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
• 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
• ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
• ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
• BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
• ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals

Clothing and Equipment

• Solid, closed in shoes
• Sun protection
• Branded uniform shirt will be supplied
• Students should bring their laptop they currently use for Secondary School to their VDSS class

Pathways

Here are the next steps you could take in your education pathway:

• Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Potential Job Outcomes

• Animal Carer/Shelter Attendant
• Kennel Hand