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

Animal Care Online

Our Online Course allows students up to 1 year to complete their course. It is an ideal starting point for those with very little or no prior knowledge or experience in the animal care industry. It is also the minimum pre-requisite for the Veterinary Nursing qualification.

About Studying Online

Animal Care Online

Our online course provides the most flexibility for students who are not based in Perth or who wish to combine their studies with work or other commitments.
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On-Site Intensive

Animal Health & Welfare - Jobs and Skills WA Funded*

Students enjoy a combination of on-site practical training at Perth's Cat Haven and Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) facility, classroom activities at our Ascot campus, and home-based eLearning over 14 weeks.

About Animal Health & Welfare

Animal Health & Welfare (GAP & Cat Haven)

Perfect for students who are seeking an introduction to the animal care industry, including experience and knowledge in the area of shelter care, rehoming, and welfare.
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On-Campus Intensive

Vet Nursing Pathway - Jobs and Skills WA Funded*

This 14 week program is delivered via blended learning where students focus on developing skills and knowledge to prepare them for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or to work as an Animal Attendant in a veterinary practice.

About Vet Nursing Pathway

Vet Nursing Pathway

Students enjoy a combination of practical training and classroom activities at our purpose built facility in Ascot.
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On-Campus

VETDSS for High School Students

This is an on-site 6 month course specifically for high school students. Incorporating classroom and hands-on training at Landsdale Farm in Darch, WA. Practical assessments will be completed with our experienced Trainers. Work placement is not required.

About Our Schools Program

VETDSS for High School Students

Students will work with a range of companion and farm animals to learn important low stress handling skills as well as the foundations of animal care.
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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 see the Animal Health & Welfare or the Vet Nurse Pathway fees and funding pages for full details and information 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

Animal Care Services Online

Our online course can be completed within 2 years. It is ideal for those who may have already gained some experience in the industry and are looking to consolidate their skills and knowledge with a nationally accredited qualification.

About Studying Online

Animal Care Services Online

This course also offers the next step in a pathway to those who have completed a Certificate II as well as a suitable pre-requisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
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On-Site

RSPCA Program - Jobs and Skills WA Funded*

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is a 6 month certificate with work placement at the RSPCA WA. It provides an intensive option to obtain the qualification including practical training at the RSPCA and AVT.

About the RSPCA Program

RSPCA Program

This course is ideal if you do not want the hassle of organising your own work placement if you want to learn face-to-face from our qualified Trainers. Plus gain the amazing experience of working in a shelter environment.
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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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