ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (VETDSS High School)

Study Animal Care as part of your High School Program – choose from our Flexible Online Option or Workplace Practical Training at Landsdale Farm in WA

Online

Face-to-face

Last Updated: August 13, 2026

Study Animal Care while still at School

AVT’s ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is a Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) program designed for Years 10–12 high school students who want to combine their final years of school with practical training in the animal care industry.

This course is accessible to students across Australia, with three study options depending on their location and personal situation.

Find your program

$2,845

Years 10-12 high-school aged students
Anywhere in Australia^
You find an animal care workplace near you
Suitable for at-school or home-schooled students
Self motivated to study online

$0*

Years 10-12 attending high school
Live in WA
You find an animal care workplace near you
Support of your school VET Co-ordinator
Self motivated to study online

Funded

$0*

Years 10-12 attending high school
Live in Perth
Attend Landsdale Farm 1 day a week (no placement needed)
Support of your school VET Co-ordinator
5 hours flexible online learning throughout the week

Funded

Students who complete this certificate can progress into veterinary nursing training or begin entry-level roles in animal care.

*See full funding details and conditions below | ^Students require access to a work placement

Course outline

Choose your preferred study mode

Online Students

Course Delivery & Assessments

This is a flexible online course option where you are not required to attend classes. As a student, you will:

Have up to 12 months to complete, or sooner if 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 assistance from our qualified Trainers and Assessors whenever needed.
Have help from our student support team to help you stay on track.
Be assessed in various methods including:
- Online multiple-choice quizzes and tests
- Written and practical assignments
- Oral testing via phone
- Video and photographic submissions

Work Placement

A work placement is required to complete your practical training. Here’s what you need to know:

You can start the course before securing your placement, but you will need to start your placement within 3 months of enrolling.
Plan to complete around 100 hours of practical training – approximately one day a week for 3-4 months, or 12-15 full work days. Your prior experience and existing skills may reduce the time needed.
You are responsible for finding and securing your own work placement, giving you the flexibility to choose a workplace that suits your location, availability and interests (workplaces must be approved by AVT).
Your placement must provide access to at least two different animal species and animals at different life stages.

Suitable placements include: kennels, catteries, doggy day care centres*, animal welfare shelters, pet shops (with access to animals), equine agistments centres and studs*, zoos and conservation parks, mobile animal exhibitors, educational farms, aquatic retail specialists and veterinary practices.

*You may require an additional placement to meet the minimum species criteria.

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

Entry Requirements

There are no prerequisites for entry into this course, however students will need to:

Be of high school age and if seeking a WA Funded position, be attending a WA high school
Provide their unique student identifier (USI)
Upload a copy of their most recent school report
Complete a language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) quiz
Have a reliable internet connection and access to a computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files
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
Find a suitable workplace that provides access to at least two animal species and animals at different life stages

What to Expect

The following information outlines what you can expect during this course. We care about our students and their success, so if you have any concerns about the points below, we encourage you to contact our Student Support team to discuss them.

Essential requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to:

Collaborate in a workplace setting using both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Effectively communicate with your Trainers and Assessors via email, phone and online learning platforms and respond promptly.
Follow written and verbal instructions accurately, both within online coursework and from supervisors during your work placement.
Demonstrate digital literacy skills to navigate the online learning portal, access resources and upload assessment evidence.
Complete workplace documentation using industry-specific language relevant to your host facility.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as required by your workplace, including enclosed shoes, gloves and sun protection.
Secure and participate in a suitable work placement in 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:

Manage your own learning schedule and progress through online theory content, requiring self-motivation and effective time management.
Adapt to the operational environment of your host facility, which may require working outdoors and being exposed to various weather conditions.
Function in a busy workplace environment which may include noise (such as barking), strong odours, and physical activity.
Interact with workplace staff and the general public, maintaining professional conduct at all times.
Be physically capable of the manual handling requirements of your workplace, including lifting equipment, bending and standing or walking for extended periods.

Psychosocial requirements
Given the nature of work in the animal care and welfare environments, and the delivery of training within a third-party workplace, you will need to:

Manage exposure to diverse animal behaviours, including animals that may be excited, stressed, fearful, unwell or difficult to handle.
Cope with the realities of animal care in your chosen workplace; this may include managing animal hygiene and grooming needs, witnessing illness or injury.
Maintain appropriate emotional regulation and professional behaviour in busy and sometimes unpredictable environments.
Maintain an inclusive and supportive attitude by interacting respectfully with workplace colleagues and clients of all backgrounds and identities.
Receive and respond to feedback from your workplace supervisor and your online Assessor in a constructive manner.
Manage the demands of study by balancing online coursework, practical placement hours, and assessment deadlines alongside your personal or employment commitments.

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

Written answers, online quizzes and knowledge tests.
Projects and logbooks completed during your work placement.
Video evidence of practical tasks submitted for review.
Third-party reports and feedback provided by your workplace supervisor.

Uniform

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.

VET Co-ordinator Support

Support for VET Coordinators

We work closely with VET Coordinators to help ensure students are supported, informed, and progressing throughout their course.

Clear delivery agreements – You can request a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining how we deliver to secondary students.
Structured student onboarding – Student agreements are reviewed and signed by VET Coordinators and parents to ensure clear expectations from the beginning.
Reporting aligned with school timeframes – We provide student reports in line with your internal school schedules, including WACE or equivalent end-of-year reporting requirements.
Progress visibility – Receive regular student progress updates or request reports at any time. They will also be given access to the online learning system to check student’s results and progress at anytime.
Active student support – We monitor student engagement and step in early to support students who need it.
Ongoing communication – Our team is available to answer questions and work with you throughout the student journey.

For more detailed information, see our dedicated Schools Page

Choose your preferred study mode

Face-to-Face at Landsdale Farm

Attendance & Practical Training

As part of this course, you will:

Attend Landsdale Farm in Darch, WA 1 day per week from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Work hands-on with a range of companion and farm animals at the Farm
In addition to your practical day, complete approximately 5 hours per week of flexible online learning including theory content and quizzes

You do not have to worry about finding a work placement normally required for this course.

Our qualified Trainers provide support, guidance and feedback throughout the course to help you stay on track and successfully complete your qualification.

Entry Requirements

There are no prerequisites for entry into this course, however students will need to:

Be available to participate in ALL training days (1 day per week) including a class commencement day in December
Upload a copy of their most recent school report
Complete a supervised language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND) quiz at your school
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
Provide a unique student identifier (USI)
Bring a laptop on-site each week
Have a reliable internet connection and access to a computer or laptop outside training days to complete learning activities, assessments and online course requirements

Credit Transfers

Students with eligible credit transfers may apply; however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for on-site training days.

Uniform

You will be required to wear:

An AVT top, hat and name badge (supplied by AVT)
Steel-capped shoes (supplied by student)
Neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

What to Expect

The following information outlines what you can expect during the course. If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, please contact our Student Support team.

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 Trainers and Assessors.
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 steel toe-capped boots, 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 classes with a maximum of 24 students.
Work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.
Encounter moderate levels of noise, including animal sounds, the general public and farm machinery.
Be physically capable of lifting equipment, and standing or walking for extended periods.

Psychosocial requirements
Given the nature of work in animal care and working farm environments, and the delivery of training within a third-party workplace, you will need to:

Work effectively and respectfully within small groups, managing differences of opinion constructively and seeking guidance when needed.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with peers, farm staff and Trainers to support animal welfare and maintain a safe working environment.
Demonstrate inclusive and respectful behaviour in a workplace operated by an NDIS approved provider, interacting appropriately with people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities.
Cope with the physical and sensory demands of an animal care and farm environment, including noise, odours and busy surroundings, without becoming overwhelmed.
Maintain appropriate emotional regulation and professional behaviour in environments where members of the public may be present.
Show patience and composure when working with animals that may be unpredictable or uncooperative.
Follow Work Health and Safety procedures consistently to minimise risk to themselves, others and the animals in their care.
Demonstrate reliability by attending all scheduled sessions, contributing to group tasks and completing required activities.
Adapt to changing conditions within a farm environment, including weather, animal behaviour and instructions from supervisors.

Possessing these skills is fundamental to succeeding in the course and building a sustainable career in the animal care industry. If you have any concerns about your ability to meet these psychosocial requirements, we encourage you to reach out to our Student Support team.

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.

Considering our Landsdale Farm option for 2027?

Take a look inside our face-to-face training

Where this course can lead you

AVT animal care graduates are successful in starting their careers in a variety of roles.

Job outcomes

High School Students who complete ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care start out in roles such as:

Kennel hands or cattery attendant
Animal attendant
Welfare shelter attendant
Junior farm hand / attendant
Station hand
Retail assistant (pet and feed shops)
Stable hand
Veterinary assistant

Career opportunities

Some of the organisations actively recruiting Animal Care graduates include:

Dog, cat and pet boarding facilities
Shelters for animals including rehoming organisations
Retail businesses such as pet shops
Wildlife care and rehabilitation centres
Animal welfare organisations
Farming and agricultural organisations
Horse agistment and stables
Veterinary clinics

Want to learn more? Read our post about: The top careers working with animals and salary expectations in Australia.

Study pathways

Completion of this qualification meets the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing however, it does not guarantee you a place. Due to high demand, our AVT selection criteria also apply. Please read full details on our Veterinary Nursing Course Entry page.

What will you learn?

Whether you choose our Workplace Practical Training Pathway at Landsdale Farm or Flexible Online Pathway, you will develop the knowledge and skills to approach, handle and care for animals safely and confidently. Students attending Landsdale Farm build and apply these skills through hands-on training with companion and farm animals, while online students apply their learning in a real workplace environment with access to animals.

In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate II in Animal Care VET schools course, you will be introduced to:

Working in the world of animal care
Understanding body language in animals and how to encourage natural animal behaviour
Safety around animals including how to keep you and animals safe from each other
Communication skills including how to build effective relationships with supervisors, peers, customers and clients
Sustainability in the animal care industry
Providing animal care information including care and welfare guidance
Practising low stress animal handling and minimising stress
Observing animal behaviour for health and wellness
Enrichment in an animal care environment
Basic animal health care including first aid for animals

Course content

Our ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care VETDSS for High School Students course content is regularly updated to reflect current industry practices. Students will complete 12 nationally recognised units of competency.

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

Course Units

ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health & safety processes
Learn how to identify hazards, follow safety procedures, and contribute to a safe working environment for yourself, your team, and the animals in your care.
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
Develop the skills to maintain clean, hygienic environments, including cleaning enclosures, equipment, and following infection control procedures.
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
Build effective communication skills to interact professionally with colleagues, supervisors, and clients in a workplace setting.
ACMGEN203 Feed & water animals
Gain practical knowledge in preparing and providing food and water to animals, ensuring their nutritional needs and wellbeing are met.
ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
Learn how to support basic animal health care tasks, including observing signs of illness and assisting with routine treatments under supervision.
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Understand how to work in an environmentally responsible way by reducing waste, using resources efficiently, and following sustainable workplace practices.
ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
Explore what it means to work in animal care, including industry expectations, roles, responsibilities, and professional standards.
ACMINF201 Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines
Develop safe animal handling techniques while applying infection control measures to protect both people and animals.
ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
Build skills in researching and sharing accurate information to support animal care decisions and meet client or workplace needs.
ACMGEN102 Approach and handle a range of calm animals
Gain confidence in approaching and handling calm animals safely, using low-stress techniques appropriate to different species.
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
Learn how to respond to common animal emergencies by providing basic first aid and seeking further veterinary assistance when needed.

The final unit of competency varies depending on your chosen delivery mode.

Students studying the online format will complete:

ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
Develop the skills to assess, monitor, and support an animal’s overall health and wellbeing, including recognising changes in behaviour or condition and taking appropriate action within your role.

Students studying the face-to-face Landsdale Farm format will complete:

ACMGEN103 Assist in the care of animals
Develop the practical skills to assist with the daily care of animals, including cleaning enclosures, preparing food, monitoring animal behaviour and wellbeing, and following safe work practices to support animal welfare.

Why choose AVT for your VET Animal Care Course?

In partnership with your school

We work alongside your school and VET Coordinator to support your progress, answer questions, and help you stay on track.

Work placement experience

Spend less time sitting in a classroom at school and more time building practical animal care skills through your work placement.

Streamlined course design

Our clustered course format groups related units of competency together, reducing duplication and creating a more efficient learning experience.

We’re invested in your success

Our team is committed to supporting you throughout your studies, with regular progress monitoring and guidance.

What students are saying about this course

"I enjoyed being able to interact hands on with animals. The fact that they weren't domestic pets like many other courses made it a unique experience and unlike anything else I have done and probably will ever do in my schooling career."

"My favourite part of the course was the learning environment and the ability to meet like minded friends! The environment was not stressful for me, and I felt like I was completely set up to succeed."

Fees & inclusions

Funded students: $0*

Eligible Jobs and Skills WA VETDSS funded students are exempt from course and resource fees.

Non-funded students: $2,845

Non-funded students are eligible for our monthly payment plan. This includes an initial payment of $400 plus 11 x $235 monthly payments.

What you get:

Eligibility for Jobs and Skills WA VETDSS funded place

The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is included on the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s VET delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) funded list.

The State Government has committed to increasing VETDSS places to ensure that more WA school students have access to high quality VET in schools as an option that contributes to them attaining their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). Please see the Jobs and Skills WA Fact Sheet for VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) for more detailed information on eligibility and criteria.

The VET Fees and Charges Policy applies to Department funded VET delivered to secondary students. This means enrolled school students are exempt from course and resource fees if they are undertaking a Department funded VET course. Read eligibility and criteria information.

Check to see if you meet the entry requirements before applying for a funded place.

*Fees subject to change. Please visit our website or speak to our Student Support team for information on eligibility. Funded places are subject to eligibility and availability. Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Start my application

Study online
Non-funded Students

Study online
Funded WA Students

Study at Landsdale Farm (WA)
February 2027 Intake
(compulsory course commencement day in December 2026)

Study at Landsdale Farm (WA)
July 2027 Intake

Want to study face-to-face at Landsdale Farm? If “Apply Now” is visible, applications are open, jump in early, as places are limited and fill fast. Not ready yet or planning ahead? Register your interest, and we’ll keep you updated.

Please note, AVT may make changes to the course location or training days if required (see cancellation policy). View full details of the application process →

FAQs

Application Process And Entry Requirements

What are the steps to apply for the on-campus / on-site Animal Care Courses?

The application process for our Animal Care on-campus / on-site courses are as follows:

Step 1 – Apply using the online form found on the course page. If an application period is not open, you can register your details and we’ll contact you when applications open.
Step 2 – You will receive a link to complete the LLND quiz, which assesses your Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills to help us understand your current skills and ensure you receive the right support throughout your studies.
Step 3 – Your application will be reviewed by one of our AVT Student Liaison Officers. If you are a VETDSS high school student we’ll speak with your parent/guardian and VET Coordinator.
Step 4 – Successful applicants will be emailed an offer including payment plan details.
Step 5 – You will be required to activate your payment plan prior to course commencement

For an overview of all important dates and deadlines including details of the next intake for all AVT courses, visit our timetables and key dates page.

General Questions About This Course

Work Placement (for VETDSS Online)

Fees, Subsidies and More

Qualification

International Students Living in Australia and Overseas & Non-Resident Visa Holders

RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) including Credit Transfers