ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health and Welfare)

Our Animal Health and Welfare course is delivered via blended learning incorporating online eLearning, on-campus and on-site training. Your assessments will be completed face-to-face as well as online. 

You will participate in the following: 

• A full day induction at AVT’s Ascot campus at the commencement of the course.
• 1 day per week at the Cat Haven located in Shenton Park, WA OR at Dogs’ Refuge Home located in Shenton Park, WA. You will spend time at each facility during the course.
• 1 day per week at AVT’s Ascot Campus to receive intensive small group practical training and undertake assessments.
• Home-based online eLearning to complete and submit assessments.

We will endeavour to meet your preference for practical training / on-site training days, but this can not always be guaranteed. Attendance at all practical training days both on-campus and at Cat Haven and GAP is compulsory.

Students must:

• Complete a pre-training review, including a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. More info about the LLN >>
• Be available to participate in ALL training days (2 days per week)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Be physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed e.g. large bags of food of up to 10kg and standing for extended periods of time
• Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online in your own time, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies

You will be undertaking activities with cats. If you are pregnant or thinking about falling pregnant throughout the course, we suggest speaking with your doctor or medical professional before enrolment. If you would like to discuss your individual situation with us further, please feel free to get in touch with our student support team. 

This course is highly competitive and has limited places. Therefore, successful students are selected based on prior work experience, education, individual attitude and aptitude. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by an AVT team member.

Credit transfers

Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for orientation/induction and practical placement days and therefore full course fees will apply. Credit transfer fees do not apply for Jobs and Skills WA funded students. 

For our Animal Health and Welfare Course you will be required to wear:

• An AVT shirt (supplied by AVT)
• Enclosed protective footwear (comfortable walking shoes that are waterproof are recommended – supplied by student)
• Neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

“Presentation is key to success”

Essential Requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to:

• Collaborate in group settings using both verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Effectively communicate with your peers and Trainer and Assessor.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Engage in group activities and practical assessments alongside your peers.
• Complete workplace documentation using industry-specific language.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including enclosed shoes, gloves and sun protection.
• Work within an animal care facility, handling and caring for various species. This environment by its nature will expose you to potential allergens.
• Adhere to hygiene protocols to ensure animal health, which may involve contact with animal waste such as uneaten food, urine, faeces, soiled bedding and enrichment items.

Environmental Requirements
In this course, you will:

• Attend theory classes with a maximum of 24 students.
• Attend practical classes with a maximum of 7 students.
• Work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.
• Encounter a noisy environment including barking dogs.
• Work alongside volunteers and encounter the general public.
• Be physically capable of lifting equipment, and standing or walking for extended periods.

Assessment Types
You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge in various ways, including:

• Written answers, online assessments and tests, multiple choice questions, presentations, verbal questioning and practical tasks visually assessed by Trainer and Assessors.