Many high school students and graduates dream of working with animals, and our Certificate II and III animal care courses are designed to help you take that first step. These pre-vocational qualifications open the door to a wide range of career pathways across the animal care industry.
You can choose to study online with practical training or on campus with hands-on experience. Either way, you’ll develop the knowledge and real-world skills needed to step into the industry with confidence or continue your studies at a higher level.
Make the decision easier by matching your study option to your age, school status, location and goals.
Still at school
If you are still at school, start with a VETDSS animal care option designed to fit alongside your school program.
Finished school
If you have left school and want to enter the industry, compare online and face-to-face options based on your location and learning style.
Need guidance
If you love animals but are unsure where to begin, animal care is a practical starting point that can support future pathways.
*For detailed information, please see the relevant Course Info & Fees page. Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability.
The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Additional fees may apply such as resource fees and other fees.
Yes. AVT offers VETDSS options for eligible school-aged students, including online and Perth-based study options. You can choose to study as part of your VET program or in addition to your current high school studies.
In most cases, we recommend students begin with ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, especially if you are new to animal care or have recently finished high school. This course helps you build foundational practical skills, confidence and industry knowledge before progressing into more advanced study.
Direct entry into the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is generally recommended only if you have already completed a Certificate II in Animal Care, completed a similar course, or have considerable work experience in the animal care industry.
The best starting point depends on your experience, confidence working with animals and career goals.
Choosing a study mode to suit you, depends on your location and personal situation:
Want to become a veterinary nurse?
For anyone interested in pursuing a career in veterinary nursing, our animal care qualifications meet the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. All applicants are subject to the AVT selection process once the prerequisite is met.
If you’re new to the animal care industry and want to learn more about animals, we would suggest you start with ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care. This is an excellent entry-level course to introduce you to the world of animal care. If you have not studied for some time and/or have only previously completed studies up to year 10 in high school, the Certificate II courses are also an ideal starting point to give you the foundations for further study in this area.
If you are a mature-aged student who has considerable experience working with animals, has completed year 11 studies or higher at high school, and are seeking a general animal care qualification, we would suggest that you begin your studies with ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) or ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online)
