arrow-icon-size3 Enrol Now

Are you at High School?

We have a unique course designed specifically for high school students with the unique opportunity for classroom learning and workplace training at Landsdale Farm in WA.
High School Program >>

Study your Online Animal Care course from anywhere!

Working or volunteering with animals is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, and the best place to start is with this entry-level course. 

The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care online course (formerly Animal Studies) is the best course to prepare you for a range of jobs such as an animal carer or animal attendant in a doggy daycare, kennel or cattery, stable, veterinary clinic, animal shelter or pet shop. This nationally recognised course will give you the foundation skills and knowledge to get started in the animal care industry.

Nationally recognised animal care course in Australia NRT

Course snapshot


Study mode: 100% Online theory with work placement

Duration:  Up to 1 year

Application status: Enrol now

Start: Flexible start date to suit you

Practical training: At an approved work placement of your choice (approx. 100 hours)

Online study time: Approx. 10-15 hours per week

Prerequisite: No prior qualifications are required

Best suited to: Students who have little or no prior knowledge or experience in the animal care industry, and have a genuine interest in the welfare and care of animals or wish to meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing. Or high school aged students wishing to complete a VETDSS animal care online course

Study animal care online in Australia
arrow-icon-size3 Download Course Flyer
arrow-icon-size3 Download Online Course Flyer
arrow-icon-size3 Download High School Flyer

Course outline

Select headings below to learn more about this course

This flexible animal care training course is delivered online to Australian students. The great news is, you will not be required to attend classes. As a student, you will:

  • Have up to one year to complete this course. It is possible to complete the qualification in less than one year as long as work placement requirements are met (see next section).
  • 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 successfully complete this course, you must undertake a work placement. We recommend completing at least 100 hours of workplace-based training to gain the practical skills and experience required.

You are ultimately 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 choose from one of our On-Campus/On-Site Courses (WA based). 

If you are 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, doggy day care centres, animal welfare shelters, pet shops (with access to animals), wildlife rehabilitation centres, zoos or veterinary practices. Keep in mind, you will need to have access to at least two species of animals. For more information see our Work Placement FAQ’s below or visit Practical Work Placements in Animal Care.

The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is an ideal starting point if you have very little or no prior knowledge or experience in the animal care industry. There are no prerequisites for entry into this course, making it a great pre-vocational course.

Students must:

  • Provide your unique student identifier (USI). More info about USI → 
  • Complete a language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) quiz. More info about the LLND quiz →
  • 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
  • Be at least Year 10 high school age
  • Have access to at least two species of animals
  • Find a suitable workplace for your practical training where your supervisor can also read and write English

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. 

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:

What will you learn?

You will complete 12 units of study covering a broad range of topics relating to the principles of working in the animal care industry. You will be introduced to:

  • The principles of working and volunteering in the animal care industry
  • Following and implementing animal feeding plans
  • Carrying out animal care hygiene routines such as bathing and grooming
  • Safely and correctly handling and restraining animals
  • Assist with assessing the health of animals
  • Identifying and interpreting animal behaviour
  • Working with animal care records
  • Administer basic animal first aid techniques 

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 and read our tips on How to become an Animal Carer in Australia. 

ACM20121 Animal Care Course - online studies

Course outcomes

Our graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the animal care industry. 

Job outcomes

On successful completion of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care you can go into roles such as:

Career opportunities

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

  • Dog daycare centres
  • Dog kennels and boarding
  • Catteries 
  • Stables and agistments
  • Veterinary clinics  
  • Animal shelters, rehoming and rehabilitation centres
  • Pet shops and retail businesses
  • Mobile dog services
  • Groomers

Course content

Our ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care online course is delivered in a clustered format. This means you can work through the theoretical and practical components  including assessments of your course in a streamlined and efficient manner. Our delivery method gives you an opportunity to progress quickly and complete your course sooner. 

Expand to explore the full list of units in this animal care course

All students must complete the following core units:

  • ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health & safety processes
  • ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
  • BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
  • ACMGEN203 Feed & water animals
  • ACMGEN204 Assist in healthcare of animals
  • ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry

You will also be required to study:

  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
  • ACMGEN205 Source information for animal care needs
  • ACMGEN102 Approach and handle a range of calm animals
  • ACMINF201 Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines

In addition to the core units, you will select one species-specific elective unit from the list below . This unit will correspond with a species you are working with as part of your work placement. You can choose from:

  • ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
  • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
  • ACMSPE314 Provide general care of birds
  • ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits*

*Due to Queensland legislation relating to rabbit ownership and management, we recommend selecting an alternative elective if you’re based in Queensland.

Why choose our Online Animal Care course?

  • Easy to Learn Format

    Complete with online instructional videos and materials to help you understand and apply theory easily.

  • Supportive Learning

    Our Trainers and Assessors can help you on live chat or via email or phone plus our student support team are available to provide assistance.

  • All Inclusive Payment Plan

    Affordable, all inclusive monthly payment plan to help you manage your student fees.

  • Complete Flexibility

    You can study whenever you like to suit your lifestyle and commitments.

  • Streamlined Course Design

    Our clustered course format has been designed to reduce repetition and allow you to progress quickly and complete your course sooner.

  • Industry Leading Knowledge

    Our tailored course content is developed in-house, so you always get the most current and relevant information

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 applies.

AVT is an independent animal care focused Registered Training Organisation (RTO). We do not have third-party arrangements with other training providers to acquire content or distribute qualifications. All course material is written and delivered by our team of qualified Trainer and Assessors. 

 

NRT - nationally recognised training - for animal studies, horse care and vet nursing

What students say about this course

All the staff are so kind and supportive and go above and beyond for their students studying under their care with teaching and providing amazing opportunities. I really enjoyed learning with AVT.
Shanae E
Shanae ECertificate II in Animal Studies (Online) & Certificate IV in Vet Nursing Graduate

Fees & inclusions

Total course fees: $2,845*

Payable via our monthly payment plan. Initial application fee of $260 plus 11 x $235 monthly payments and includes:

  • Dedicated student support 
  • Support from AVT Trainers including online chat and forums
  • Membership to our Private Facebook Group
  • Access to the online AVT Virtual Animal Shelter
  • Access to the AVT interactive online eLearning centre 
  • Assessments and Certification
  • Workplace 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.

arrow-icon-size3 Chat to us about fees

*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

Ready to enrol? Simply complete our online application form. Once submitted, we’ll review your application and guide you through the next steps. Learn more about the full application process >>

Enrol Now
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care – Online
arrow-icon-size3 Enrol Now
arrow-icon-size3 See All Key Dates

FAQs - Find answers to your questions here!

 

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

 If you are in Australia on another type of visa, your eligibility to study depends on the specific conditions attached to your visa. AVT is not able to enrol students on a student visa.

  • Other visas – Some registered training organisations (RTOs), including AVT, may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or living in Australia on certain visas other than a student visa. See important information about Jobs & Skills WA Funding eligibility including visa eligibility.

  • Restrictions – Many visas include limits on study or training. Your study and work rights are linked to your visa type.

  • Your responsibility – You must check your individual visa conditions before applying. Further information is available from the Department of Home Affairs.

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

Courses shown below are subsidised under the Jobs & Skills WA funding program. Eligibility including visa eligibility, vary by course. Please refer to the links below for details:

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care – Eligibility details for each stream:

ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) – Eligibility details >>

ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing – Eligibility details >>

Related FAQs:

Back to Top
b
Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course without being CRICOS registered?

CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian official register of training providers approved to deliver courses to international students on a Student Visa. Any course undertaken by a Student Visa holder must be listed on CRICOS and delivered by a CRICOS-registered provider.

In some cases, a registered training organisation (RTO) may enrol students who are temporarily visiting or living in Australia on other types of visas (not a Student Visa). However, many visas include restrictions on study or training. It is each individual’s responsibility to check their visa conditions to confirm their study and work rights. You can verify these with the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Related FAQ’s:

Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

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

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.

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 Care and Veterinary Nursing courses.

Related FAQ’s:

Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

Back to Top
b
I live overseas, can I apply for your on-campus courses?

AVT is not able to accept international students wishing to study on-campus in Australia on a Student Visa. To enrol students on a Student Visa, training providers must be registered with CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). AVT does not hold this registration.

If you wish to study on-campus in Australia with a Student Visa, you will need to apply through a CRICOS-registered provider. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions are CRICOS-registered and may offer qualifications in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing.

Related FAQ’s:

Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS

Back to Top
b
Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?

The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a nationally accredited and recognised qualification throughout Australia. However, to our knowledge, there are currently no formal arrangements in place for this qualification to be recognised outside of Australia.

We do know some countries do not have formal qualifications for Veterinary Nursing and the Australian qualification is highly regarded across and often results in employment in these countries. In addition, some countries may consider part or all of Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing as eligible to apply for recognition for prior learning or equivalency to their own qualification. For example, this is the case in the United Kingdom (UK).

Graduates of the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing who are considering applying for veterinary nursing positions overseas will need to investigate potential pathways for recognition by contacting the relevant registering bodies in the country concerned. AVT is unable to advise on the particular requirements for qualifications in countries other than Australia.

Related FAQ’s:

Back to Top
b
I live overseas, can I apply for your online courses?

AVT is not able to accept applications for online courses and qualifications from students who reside outside of Australia.

All AVT qualifications require students to learn and demonstrate knowledge of Australian legislation, regulations and industry standards, as well as apply these in practical settings. Because these requirements differ from those in other countries, we are unable to assess and recognise competence for students living overseas.

Related FAQ’s:

Back to Top

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 92% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 92% 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.

Download Course Flyer

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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 →

Facebook Instagram Tiktok Youtube Linkedin

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).

Copyright © 2025 Applied Vocational Training. All Rights Reserved.
Search

Before you get started

Answer our quick checklist to ensure your application is processed

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Course outline(Required)
USI(Required)
LLND(Required)
Photo ID(Required)
Just a head and shoulders 'selfie' style photo
I'm prepared to:
PS(Required)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.