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Animal Care

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health and Welfare)

Gain job ready skills with Perth's only nationally recognised Animal Health and Welfare focused course

Have you ever dreamed of working with animals? Are you looking for an introduction to the animal care and animal welfare industry or a job seeker looking to improve your opportunities? Are you a volunteer and want to offer more help and assistance to an animal welfare or rescue centre, animal adoption, cattery or kennel facility? 

AVT’s ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Health and Welfare) course is a great place to get started if you’re looking to enter the animal care industry or meet the prerequisite for our Veterinary Nursing qualification. 

This 14-week course includes weekly training at the Cat Haven and Dogs’ Refuge Home in Shenton Park. It is one of the quickest ways to gain a Nationally Recognised Animal Care Qualification and obtain valuable experience in a local animal shelter and kennel facilities.

Government Funded Subsidised Discount fees for Animal Care and Vet Nursing

Are you unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week?

You maybe eligible for a funded Jobs and Skills WA position. Read More >>

Government Funding and subsidised Vet Nursing course
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Course snapshot


Duration:
14 weeks

Next intake: May 2025

Application status: Apply now

Attendance: 2 days per week 

  • Practical training: 1 day per week at Cat Haven or Dogs’ Refuge Home (Thursday or Friday)
  • Classroom training day: 1 day per week at our Animal Care Facility in Ascot (Wednesday)

Fees: Subsidised fees start from just $698.12*

Prerequisite: No prior qualifications are required

Best suited to: Students and Job Seekers who wish to start a career in the animal care industry or those who wish to go on to further studies such as Vet Nursing. This course meets the prerequisite for the national qualification

Course outline

Click headings below to learn more about this course

Our Animal Health and Welfare course is delivered via blended learning incorporating online eLearning, on-campus and on-site training. Your assessments will be completed face-to-face as well as online. 

You will participate in the following: 

  • A full day induction at AVT’s Ascot campus at the commencement of the course.
  • 1 day per week at the Cat Haven located in Shenton Park, WA OR at Dogs’ Refuge Home located in Shenton Park, WA. You will spend time at each facility during the course.
  • 1 day per week at AVT’s Ascot Campus to receive intensive small group practical training and undertake assessments.
  • Home-based online eLearning to complete and submit assessments.

We’ll endeavour to meet your preference for practical training / on-site training days, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Attendance at all practical training days both on-campus and at Cat Haven and Dogs’ Refuge Home is compulsory.

Students must:

  • Provide your Unique Student Identifier (USI). More info about USI >> 
  • Complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) quiz. More info about the LLN quiz >>
  • Be available to participate in ALL training days (2 days per week)
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • 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
  • Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online in your own time, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies

You will be undertaking activities with cats. If you are pregnant or thinking about falling pregnant throughout the course, we suggest speaking with your doctor or medical professional before enrolment. If you would like to discuss your individual situation with us further, please feel free to get in touch with our student support team. 

This course is highly competitive and has limited places. Therefore, successful students are selected based on prior work experience, education, individual attitude and aptitude. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by an AVT team member.

 

Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for orientation/induction and practical placement days and therefore full course fees will apply. Credit transfer fees do not apply for Jobs and Skills WA funded students. 

For our Animal Health and Welfare Course you will be required to wear:

  • An AVT shirt (supplied by AVT)
  • Enclosed protective footwear (comfortable walking shoes that are waterproof are recommended – supplied by student)
  • Neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).

“Presentation is key to success”

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 Trainer and Assessor.
  • 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 enclosed shoes, 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 theory classes with a maximum of 24 students.
  • Attend practical classes with a maximum of 7 students.
  • Work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.
  • Encounter a noisy environment including barking dogs.
  • Work alongside volunteers and encounter the general public.
  • Be physically capable of lifting equipment, and standing or walking for extended periods.

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.

What will you learn?

During our Animal Health and Welfare course, you’ll become familiar with the fundamental principles of working in the animal care industry. In addition to the topics covered in the Certificate II in Animal Care course, you will be introduced to:

  • The principles of working and volunteering in the animal care industry.
  • Understanding body language in animals and encouraging natural animal behaviours.
  • Low stress handling and minimising stress in the rescue or animal care environment.
  • Enrichment in an animal care environment including mental stimulation, exercise and feed planning and socialisation.
  • Increasing an animal’s potential for rehoming.
  • Animal health and well-being including first aid for animals, animal care hygiene routines to minimise spread of disease and more.

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn in this animal care and animal welfare course can be applied in an animal adoption, shelter or rescue based organisation or across a broad range of animal care facilities in commercial organisations. For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers.

Course in animal welfare and care

Course outcomes

On successful completion, students will receive the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (previously ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies). Students will also meet the pre-requisite 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

Students who have completed the Certificate II in Animal Care go on to careers as a:

  • Animal care attendant
  • Animal welfare shelter attendant
  • Kennel hand
  • Cattery attendant
  • Pet shop attendant
  • Assistant dog groomer
  • Stable hand
  • Vet assistant

Career opportunities

Graduates from this course work in a range of animal care organisations such as:

  • Welfare organisations and shelters
  • Adoption and rehoming services
  • Dog kennels, catteries and boarding facilities
  • Pet shops and retail businesses
  • Groomers
  • Dog daycare centres
  • Dog training services
  • At home services including self-employment in dog walking and pet sitting

Course content

As part of this intensive animal care course, you will complete 12 units of study including:-

  • 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
  • ACMINF201 Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines
  • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
  • ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
  • ACMGEN102 Approach and handle a range of calm animals
  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid

Why choose this course?

  • Unique Workplace Learning

    No stress - Your work placement is organised! Plus, you will work alongside amazing industry professionals both at Dogs' Refuge Home and the Cat Haven.

  • Supportive Learning

    Our Trainers and Assessors are onsite to supervise and help you plus you have access to live chat and support with our team when you need it.

  • Opens the Door to New Opportunities

    Kickstart your career in a variety of positions such as an animal attendant in a kennel, a retail associate in a pet shop, an assistant at a pet grooming salon or an animal carer in a welfare organisation.

  • Government Subsidised

    Eligible students have access to significantly reduced fees on an all inclusive payment plan to help you manage your finances and reduce your stress*.

  • Nationally Recognised Qualification

    This industry and employer recognised qualification will help your job application stand out from the rest when applying for competitive roles.

  • Streamlined with Intensive Learning

    In just 14 weeks, you will develop foundational skills including understanding body language in animals, encouraging natural behaviours and practicing low-stress handling techniques and much more.

Want to become a Vet Nurse?

Successful graduates will meet the compulsory entry requirement for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Due to high demand, AVT selection criteria applies → 

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

What students are saying about this course

Fees & inclusions

Your course fees will depend on your eligibility for a Jobs and Skills WA based funded position and your concession status. Please see detailed fees and funding information here. All fees are payable via our monthly payment plan. 

  • Funded concession: $698.12*
  • Funded non-concession: $2,045.07*
  • Full fee: $3,900*

Our fees include:

  • Dedicated Student Support
  • One-on-one mentoring by AVT Trainers 
  • Membership to a private Facebook group for your class
  • Access to the AVT interactive online eLearning Centre
  • Assessments and Certification
  • Practical training insurance
  • Work Placement Kit: Uniform, name badge and workbook

Want more info about fees, the deposit or payment plan options?

*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. Full fees apply for participants who do not meet the Jobs and Skills WA Participation – Work Readiness program eligibility criteria.

If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued unless you are a Jobs and Skills WA funded student. Please see our policies page for full details.

Apply now

Ready to take the next step? Simply click on the application links below to get started. If the “Apply Now” button is visible, applications are open for our next intake—don’t miss your chance! Not quite ready, or waiting for a future intake? No problem! You can register your interest to stay in the loop about our next intake. 

Course Dates
May 2025 Intake
26 May 2025 - 29 August 2025
September 2025 Intake

This course has limited places. We recommend submitting your application, as early as possible.  AVT reserves the right to cancel or make changes to the location and training days for this course (See cancellation policy). For full details of the application process please visit this link.

FAQs

What is the LLN?

An LLN quiz assesses your Language, Literacy, and Numeracy skills to understand your abilities and ensure you have the correct support for your studies.

All AVT qualifications have been evaluated against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to determine the level of core skills required for successful participation in each course. Rather than simply evaluating general study readiness, the LLN ensures that you have the specific skills needed to meet the demands of your chosen course.   

Why do we ask all students to complete the LLN?

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AVT is required by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to assess and provide evidence of a student’s language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills prior to confirming their enrolment. For this reason, we have incorporated the LLN quiz as a compulsory step in our enrolment process.

Can I be exempt from the LLN if I have completed other qualifications?
Unfortunately, due to regulatory requirements, we must assess your language, literacy, and numeracy skills using the ACSF (Australian Core Skills Framework). This means all students are required to complete the current AVT LLN quiz, regardless of prior qualifications.

How is the quiz conducted?

All applicants will be emailed a request to complete a quiz, which is conducted online and completed from home. We recommend carefully reading and answering each question rather than rushing through the quiz.

How soon after enrolling will I receive my LLN quiz?
You’ll receive the link to complete your LLN quiz within 1–2 working days after we receive your application. Keep an eye on your email for the link—once it arrives, you can complete it online at a time that suits you.

What is an example LLN question?

This is an example Certificate II level LLN question:

Read the following text message and answer the questions:

“Hi Jenny, I’m at Tony’s Farm now but I’ll see you at the front gates of Landsdale Farm at 3pm for the hay delivery. From Sharon”

  • Who is the message from?
  • Where are they going to meet?
  • What time are you going to meet?

How is the quiz evaluated?

An independent organisation evaluates this quiz to determine if your current core skills meet the required level for the course. If you are a successful applicant and minor skill gaps are identified, you will be provided with the necessary support to develop the required skill level throughout the course. 

You may not be suitable for a course if a significant core skill gap is identified. In such instances, you may be referred to an alternative study pathway or external support services to develop these core skills. 

How long does it take to process my LLN quiz results?
Once you’ve completed your LLN (Language, Literacy and Numeracy) quiz, our team will review your results. You won’t receive individual results, but we will only contact you if there’s a significant gap or if we believe you may benefit from additional support.

  • Online courses: As long as you’ve met the entry requirements and completed the LLN quiz, you’ll be able to start your course within 2–3 working days. This timeframe allows us to finalise your enrolment and set up your course access.
  • On-campus/blended courses: The process may take a little longer. We assess applications as part of a group intake to ensure everyone receives careful and fair consideration, and you may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information to support your application.

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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