To strengthen your application, we recommend gaining hands-on experience in an animal-focused environment. We particularly favour experience with companion animals such as dogs and cats, as the national training package for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing requires students to complete practical tasks and assessments with these species.
What experience is most relevant?
Animal-related volunteer work or entry-level positions are the best way to build and demonstrate the practical skills we look for, such as:
- Animal husbandry and daily care
- Feeding, grooming and exercise routines
- Enrichment activities and behavioural observation
- Basic health monitoring
- Cleaning of enclosures and maintaining hygiene
- Infection control and safe animal handling practices
- Customer service skills
- Working effectively within a team
This type of experience gives you confidence, helps you understand the realities of animal care, and shows us you’re prepared for the practical demands of veterinary nursing.
Where do you recommend volunteering or working?
For the strongest application, we recommend seeking experience in settings where dogs and/or cats are the primary focus and where a supervisor can verify your work. Suitable options include:
- Kennels and catteries
- Animal welfare organisations (with a supervisor available to provide a reference)
- Dog day care centres
- Veterinary clinics (volunteer roles where available)
These environments closely reflect the types of tasks required in a veterinary setting and will strengthen your application.
How about wildlife, farm or horse related experience?
Experience with other animals, such as horses, farm animals, or wildlife, will complement your application if you also hold, or are completing, a Certificate II or III in Animal Care. Particularly if you can demonstrate:
- Cleaning and hygiene
- Feeding and routine care
- Safe handling
- Following instructions in an animal care environment
Can I apply without volunteer experience?
Yes — as long as you meet the prerequisite, you may still apply without animal-related volunteer or workplace experience!
We understand everyone’s circumstances are different, so we consider the whole picture, including your entire work history, education, motivation and willingness to gain experience.
Where can I learn more about AVT’s entry requirements?
You can review all entry requirements, expectations and policies on AVT’s selection criteria and entry information
