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Courses in Animal Care (Animal Studies)

Courses and study for working with animals

Certificate II Qualification Overview

Our nationally recognised ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is a pre-vocational qualification aimed as an entry point in the animal care and management industry. On completion, you can choose to start your career in the animal care industry or move on to a higher level qualification.

Certificate II Course Outcomes

Many people aspire to work with animals and a Certificate II in Animal Care can lead to a wide variety of qualification and/or job pathways in the animal care industry including animal welfare carers, veterinary assistants and vet nurses, council and ranger services, wild life carers and animal fauna rehabilitation workers, conservation workers, pet service related business owners, home based pet services, sanctuary management, park rangers, wildlife rangers, pet grooming, animal trainers, cattery attendants, boarding kennel hands, pet day care centres, agistment facilities and retail businesses such as pet shops.

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

(previously ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies)

Online

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Online

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • Work Placement

  • 1 year

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to begin your career in the animal care industry, with the flexibility of online study. 

You’ll gain a strong foundation through online learning and hands-on experience via a self-organised workplace-based training placement.

On-Site

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Health & Welfare

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Shenton Park & Ascot WA

  • 14 weeks

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Gain hands-on experience in shelter and rescue environments and at the same time develop your skills in animal care and welfare.

You’ll enjoy a combination of practical training at the Dogs’ Refuge Home and the Cat Haven, along with classroom-based learning, to build a strong foundation in animal health, behaviour and welfare.

On-Campus

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Vet Nurse Pathway

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nurse Pathway)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-Campus

  • Ascot WA

  • 14 weeks

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Apply for Vet Nursing

You’ll focus on developing skills and knowledge to prepare to apply for our Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or work as an Animal Attendant in a veterinary clinic.

You’ll enjoy a combination of hands-on practical training at our Ascot based Campus with real animals and classroom activities.

On-Site

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Exhibited Animals

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Exhibited Animals)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Landsdale Farm WA

  • 7 months

  • Work as an Animal Carer in a range of environments

You’ll explore the world of animal care in a working farm environment at Landsdale Farm. 

If you aspire to work in animal care facilities such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquaria, tourism farms, farm stays or other environments where animals are cared for or exhibited, this is the course for you. 

On-Site

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VETDSS

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • Landsdale Farm, WA

  • 1 semester

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

If you’re a high school-aged student passionate about animals, this course is the perfect way to start your journey in the animal care industry.

Gain hands-on experience working with companion and farm animals at Landsdale Farm while completing your studies, making this the perfect starting point for a career in animal care. 

On-Site

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Vet Nurse Internship

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Internship: Vet Nurse Program)

  • Payment plans available

  • Vet Clinic

  • Australia Wide

  • 6-12 months

  • Work as a Veterinary Assistant or Vet Nurse

This unique internship program with our industry partner, Greencross Vets, blends flexible online study.

You’ll learn fundamental skills such as handling and restraining animals, assisting with patient care, monitoring animal health, and supporting veterinary professionals in a clinical environment.

Jobs and Skills WA Funded Places Available

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care*

The following courses are eligible for applicants who qualify for the Jobs and Skills WA – Participation Program. Please visit each course page for detailed fees, funding and eligibility guidelines.

Animal Studies Course & Animal Care qualifications

Certificate III Qualification Overview

The nationally recognised ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is perfect for students who have some experience working with animals and wish to learn new skills and refine their knowledge. On completion, you can start a career in the animal care industry or improve your opportunities with an existing employer as well as go on to further education. 

Certificate III Course Outcomes

If you have some experience in animal care and wish to refine your skills and knowledge, the Certificate III in Animal Care Services is the perfect place to start. Graduates increase their opportunities for career development or employment in the industry and can engage in further responsiblities in voluntary roles.  On completion you could find yourself working in a variety of roles including supervisory positions, depending on your experience, across animal welfare, rehabilitation, veterinary care, retail and pet care, stables and agistments and pet boarding facilities. 

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services

(previously ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies)

Online

qual overview avt acm30122 animal care services online v2
Online

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online)

  • Payment plans available

  • Online

  • Work Placement

  • 1 year

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Build on your existing animal care skills and knowledge with the flexibility of online study, to prepare you for a rewarding career. 

You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through workplace-based training, developing expertise in animal health, behaviour, nutrition and enrichment across a range of animal care settings.

On-Site

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RSPCA Program

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA Program)

  • Jobs and Skills WA Funded

  • On-site

  • RSPCA Malaga WA

  • 6 months

  • Work as an Animal Carer or Animal Attendant

Through hands-on training at the RSPCA WA, you will gain skills in animal handling, behaviour assessment, enrichment and rehabilitation. 

Learn from industry professionals, work alongside the RSPCA behavioural team, and develop the expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in animal welfare.

Qualifications for high school leavers & graduates

Depending on your level of experience with animals, ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care and ACM30122 Certificate II in Animal Care Services are great places for students to start who have completed high school.

To learn more about the options we recommend visiting our High School Graduates page.

What Students Are Saying

Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Outstanding Track Record

A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Safe and Supported Learning

Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

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