We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new development for students starting our next ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health and Welfare) course. As part of our commitment to providing practical, real-world learning experiences, we’ve formed a new partnership with the Dogs’ Refuge Home in Shenton Park for student workplace training. This change marks an enriching chapter for our students, who will now gain hands-on experience with two of Perth’s most respected animal welfare organisations.
A New Chapter in Hands-on Learning
The Dogs’ Refuge Home, with its long-standing reputation and commitment to animal care and welfare, will now serve as a training ground for our health and welfare students alongside the Cat Haven.
The collaboration with Dogs’ Refuge Home brings several key advantages to our students:
Central location in Shenton Park for easy student access
Located in the heart of Shenton Park, the facility offers convenient access for students across Perth. More importantly, it provides an impressive shelter environment where students can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
Diverse practical training experience with animals
Working with Dogs’ Refuge Home exposes our students to a wide variety of dog breeds, each with unique behavioural challenges and care requirements. This diversity is invaluable for developing well-rounded skills in animal care, behavioural enrichment and management.
Complementing work with the Cat Haven
This new partnership complements the practical training that our students already receive at the Cat Haven. Together, these placements offer students experience in the full spectrum of animal care across both canine and feline welfare, giving them a good understanding of animal shelter operations.
Access to Dogs’ Refuge Home knowledgeable team
The Dogs’ Refuge Home is staffed by a dedicated team who are as passionate about animal welfare as our students. In addition to the AVT Trainers and Assessors who will be on-site, students will have access to the Home’s supportive staff, who are ready to share their knowledge. This creates an ideal learning environment where students can grow and receive guidance from those already working in the industry.
Enhanced Learning Outcomes for Animal Care Students
This partnership strengthens our commitment to delivering practical, hands-on training that prepares students for real-world careers in animal care. Students will:
- Gain experience in handling and caring for different dog and cat breeds
- Learn about behavioural assessment and management
- Understand shelter operations and animal welfare practices
- Develop skills in animal health monitoring and basic care procedures
- Build confidence in working with animals with varying needs and temperaments
Interested in joining us?
Find out more about our intensive course with practical training at the Dogs’ Refuge Home and Cat Haven.
About the Dogs’ Refuge Home
The Dogs’ Refuge Home, located in Shenton Park, has been a pillar of the Perth animal welfare community for over 80 years. Known for their dedication to rescuing and rehoming stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs, they share a deep commitment to animal care and advocacy that resonates with our own values.
A unique opportunity for aspiring animal care professionals
At AVT, we believe that hands-on experience is essential to building a successful career in animal care. Working in real-world settings gives students a firsthand understanding of the patience, empathy and resilience required in animal care and welfare professions.
Students who complete their training at the Dogs’ Refuge Home and Cat Haven will leave with not only a deeper understanding of animal welfare practices but also the practical skills and insights that employers in the animal care industry value highly. This experience will set our students apart, helping them transition smoothly from learning to practice and preparing them for a meaningful career in animal care.
Join us and start your animal care journey!
We’re immensely proud to partner with the Dogs’ Refuge Home and the Cat Haven in Shenton Park and are excited to see the positive impact this has on our students and the animals they care for.
For those interested in learning more about our ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health and Welfare), please visit our course page for more information.
This new partnership is just one of the many ways we strive to enhance our students’ learning journey.
About AVT
We have been training animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care and veterinary nursing students for over 25 years in Australia. Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey right through to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path. Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our qualifications here or gain new skills by studying one of our short courses.
Start Studying Animal Care
Get Qualified
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare)
About Animal Health & Welfare
Animal Health & Welfare
Further Your Pathway
ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
About Behaviour and Training
