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Animal Care

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online)

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Prefer face-to-face Learning?

Why not consider the unique opportunity to participate in a supervised work placement at the RSPCA in Malaga WA
About our RSPCA Program →

Build on your skills and knowledge for a successful career in animal care!

If you have some experience in animal care and are looking to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills, our ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is perfect for you. This online course allows you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

Upon completion, you’ll be ready to kickstart your career in the animal care industry, enhance opportunities in your current job, or progress to a higher qualification. As a graduate, you’ll find increased job prospects in both voluntary and paid positions within the animal care sector. Your nationally recognised qualification will be highly valued, opening up new avenues for employment and professional advancement.

Nationally recognised animal care course in Australia NRT

Course snapshot


Study mode: Online

Duration: Up to 2 years

Application status: Enrol now

Start: Flexible start date to suit you

Practical training: At an Approved Workplace of your choice (approx. 250 hours)

Online study time: Approx. 2 days per week

Prerequisite: No prior qualifications are required

Best suited to: Students who have some knowledge or experience in the animal care industry, are looking to consolidate their skills with a course, are looking to take the next step in their animal care pathway and who have a genuine interest in the welfare and care of animals.

Cert 3 in Animal Care - online course bird
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Course outline

Select headings below to learn more about this course

This course is delivered online and you will not be required to attend classes. You will:

  • Be provided with a login to our Online Learning Platform where you will find all of the course materials including interactive learning material, videos, and assessments.
  • Receive the personal support of our qualified Trainers and Assessors either via email, online chat or phone.  Our education team is made up of experienced and working veterinary nurses, veterinarians and animal scientists who have hands-on experience in a range of veterinary hospitals and animal related organisations and businesses, and
  • Have help and assistance from our student support team to help you stay on track.
  • Be assessed in various methods including:
    • Online multiple-choice quizzes
    • Online tests
    • Written and practical assignments submitted online
    • Oral testing via phone call
    • Online video assessments (e.g., Zoom)
    • Video and photographic submissions

To gain the valuable practical skills required to successfully complete this course, you will be required to complete workplace based training (a Work Placement).

  • You are responsible for finding and securing your work placement position. This means you have the flexibility to select a workplace that suits your location, availability and interests. If you do not wish to find your own placement, you can consider our RSPCA Program option. 
  • Already working in an animal care related business, or volunteering in an animal related organisation? It may be possible to use your place of employment for your workplace training. You will still need to submit your workplace details for review and approval.
  • Ideal work placement facilities include kennels, catteries, day care centres, animal welfare shelters, pet shops (with access to animals), wildlife rehabilitation centres, zoos or veterinary practices. 

Just keep in mind you need to have access to dogs and cats to complete some of the practical assessments, therefore if you choose a wildlife or zoo related placement, or a workplace where you only have access to one species (either cat or dog), you will need an additional placement to complete your assessments.

For more information, see our Work Placement FAQ’s below or visit Practical Work Placements in Animal Care.

To complete the course you will:

  • Complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. More about the LLN →
  • Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer, laptop or electronic device. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies
  • Be proficient in speaking and writing in English
  • 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
  • Need to be at least Year 10 high school age
  • Need to have access to dogs and cats to complete some of the practical assessments
  • Need to find a suitable workplace for your practical training where your supervisor can also read and write English

You do not need to complete the Certificate II in Animal Care to commence this course, however, we do recommend commencing your study pathway with the Certificate II in Animal Care.  Read our FAQ for more information.

International students, please note that we are not registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Please visit the CRICOS website to view education providers that offer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas. We are unable to offer this course to students currently living overseas or those on a student visa. For more information visit our frequently asked questions below:

When you visit your Work Placement you will be required to wear:

  • An AVT shirt and name badge (supplied by AVT),
  • Suitable enclosed shoes (supplied by student),
  • Neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

You will be required to wear the AVT uniform unless specified by your approved workplace. 

Prefer face-to-face Learning?

Why not consider the unique opportunity to participate in a supervised work placement at the RSPCA in Malaga WA
About our RSPCA Program →

What will you learn?

You will complete 17 units of study covering a broad range of topics relating to the principles of working in the animal care industry.  You will become competent in:

  • Carrying out daily health care requirements of animals
  • Understanding animal health management practices and how to monitor animal health
  • Assessing the nutritional requirements of animals and design suitable feeding plans
  • Safely and correctly handling and restraining animals in a variety of situations
  • Identify different animal behaviours and how to handle and interact safely with different species
  • Providing behavioural management and designing enrichment programs for different animal species
  • Implementing animal care hygiene and infection control policies and procedures in animal care workplaces
  • How to perform basic health checks and an understanding of different animal diseases
  • Basic anatomy and physiology
  • Providing animal first aid
  • How to manage your own personal wellbeing working in the animal care industry
  • How to effectively communicate with clients
  • How to work sustainably
Qualification - Certificate 3 in Animal Care - Online course in Australia

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn can be applied across a broad range of animal care facilities. For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers.

Course outcomes

On successful completion, students will receive the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (previously ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies). Students will also meet the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, the nationally recognised course for a fully qualified veterinary nurse. Our graduates can choose to go on to a wide range of roles across the animal care industry. 

Job outcomes

Once completing ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services you can go into roles such as:

  • Welfare shelter attendant
  • Pet sitting business owner
  • Kennel or Cattery animal attendant
  • Pet shop worker
  • Veterinary receptionist or Veterinary care assistant
  • Animal Health Officer 

Career opportunities

This course will prepare you for career opportunities in a broad range of animal care organisations such as:

  • Animal shelters and welfare organisations
  • Animal rehabilitation and rehoming centres
  • Pet boarding facilities such as kennels and catteries
  • Veterinary Clinics
  • Pet shops and retail businesses
  • Stables and agistments
  • Self-employment such as pet sitting services and dog walking

Course content

Core & Compulsory Units

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services online students must complete 17 core and compulsory units:

  • ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
  • ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
  • ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
  • ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
  • ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
  • ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
  • ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
  • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
  • ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
  • ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
  • BSBOPS304 Deliver and monitor a service to customers
  • ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
  • ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
  • ACMGEN312 Provide nutritional requirements for animals
  • ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
  • ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable practices

Why choose our Online Animal Care Services course?

  • Learner Focused Format

    Includes online tutorials and video content to make theory accessible and easy to apply

  • Supportive Learning

    Our Trainers and Assessors are here to support you through live chat, email, or phone, with our student support team always on hand to help

  • Monthly Payment Plan

    Easy-to-manage, inclusive payment plan designed to streamline your student fee payments.

  • 100% Flexibility

    Study whenever you like to suit your location, lifestyle and commitments.

  • Fast Track Your Career

    This certificate increases your opportunities for employment in the animal care industry and gives recognition towards entry into further studies.

  • Frontline Industry Expertise

    We develop and deliver our own tailored course material, so you get the latest and most up-to-date knowledge.

Meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing

This qualification meets the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Due to high demand, our AVT selection criteria also apply → 

What students say about our course

I just completed a Certificate III in Animal Care Services with AVT and they were most helpful along the journey. I HIGHLY recommend studying with AVT to anyone wanting to get a taste of working with animals. Their assessors and admin are so patient and kind. Thank you for everything AVT! (Google Review)
Olivia SCertificate III in Animal Care Services Graduate
I'm from Queensland, so I chose AVT (online learning) over TAFE and a few other providers, and I couldn't be happier with this decision. This was an absolutely stress-free and smooth process, I never knew that education might be so if I can put it like this, friendly! The study materials are easy to comprehend and cover all topics you need for the tests, even if you don't score your target mark on the first attempt, when you receive feedback it's like the tutor is gently steering you in just the right direction, no riddles or negative talk. Not to mention the absence of deadlines for assignments - with online learning you have the opportunity to do it at your own pace and build your study precisely to fit your lifestyle. Communication with tutors and staff throughout the course was marvellous, I never felt like I'm one on one with challenges that I met, and never got a single robotic answer - it always was fast, personal, and friendly. (Facebook Review)
Zhanna VCertificate III in Animal Care Services Graduate
I definitely recommend studying with AVT!!! I completed my Cert III in Animal Studies online through AVT and then went on to study full time Cert IV Vet Nursing. The staff are amazing and lovely, extremely patient and always helpful. You are supported and encouraged every step of the way by the staff and your classmates.
Kim C
Kim CCertificate III in Animal Studies (Online) & Certificate IV in Vet Nursing Graduate
This course has taught me the basic care of animals and about animal health in general. This course allows people to get hands on experience and lectures to provide practical care to animals. Thus; others with an interest in animals will gain and have a positive outcome to the course, alike to me.
Abby G
Abby GCertificate III in Animal Care Services Graduate

Fees & inclusions

Course fees: $3,795*

Payable via our monthly payment plan. Initial payment of $330 plus 11 x $315 monthly payments and includes:

  • Dedicated Student Support  
  • Membership in our Private Facebook Group 
  • All Course Content
  • Assessments and Certification
  • Support from AVT Trainers including online chat and forums
  • Practical Training Insurance**
  • Work Placement Kit: Uniform, Name Badge and Workbook

Flexible payment plans are available (weekly, fortnightly or monthly), please contact us to discuss fee and payment plan options.

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Looking for subsidised/concession options?

If you’re based in Perth, check out our RSPCA Program, where you will participate in weekly practical training at the RSPCA WA in Malaga.  

*Fees, inclusions and payment plan amounts are subject to change. If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued. Please see our policies page for full details. Concession rates are not available for this course
** Workplace Practical Insurance Cover only applies to students undertaking practical training whilst in Australia

Enrol now

Enrol Now
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services - Online
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Ready to enrol? It’s easy, just complete our online application form.  Once we have received and reviewed your submission you will receive an email outlining the next steps to get started. 

FAQs

International – FAQ
b
I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

In some cases, registered training organisations (RTOs) may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa. Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

Visa information for Jobs & Skills WA Funding Jobs and Skills WA funded programs

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM40418 Certificate  IV in Veterinary Nursing should visit this page for more detailed information about eligibility. 

Students wishing to be considered for funded places in the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health & Welfare) course should visit this page for detailed information about eligibility.

Students wishing to be considered for funding places in the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) course should visit this page for detailed information about eligibility.

    Related FAQ’s:

     

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    b
    Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

    In some cases, a registered training organisation (RTO) may enrol students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa* . Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.

    *Any course undertaken by a student visa holder must be registered on CRICOS and training must be provided by a CRICOS registered provider (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Applied Vocational Training is not a registered CRICOS provider and as such we are unable to accept applications from individuals wishing to study on a student visa.

    Related FAQ’s:

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

     

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

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    b
    I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?

    This answer specifically addresses students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.

    Unfortunately, we cannot assist individuals studying as international students as we do not hold the required CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registration.

    The following link outlines the main steps to study in Australia homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for a student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

    You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia that can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing courses.

    Related FAQ’s:

    Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus full-time course? Will I need an international student visa?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

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    b
    I currently live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus courses? Will I need an international student visa?

    This answer specifically addresses international students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.

    Unfortunately, we are unable to assist individuals with studying as an international student in Australia as we do not have the necessary registration with our government to enrol students in Australia on a Student Visa. The required registration for this is CRICOS ‘The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students’.

    To find out more about studying in Australia we recommend visiting the Australian Government website: homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for the student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.

    You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia who can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer courses in Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing

    Related FAQ’s:

    Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

    Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?

    I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?

    I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?

    I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?

     

    Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

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    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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    The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
    Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals. 

    AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →

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    We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.

    Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is proudly a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5273).

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