As part of the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, you must have practical access to:
- At least two different animal species
- Animals at different life stages (for example, juvenile and adult)
This is a requirement of the national training package to ensure students develop well-rounded skills that reflect real-world workplaces.
What this means for your placement
If you are completing one of our online animal care courses, your placement must:
- Include one companion animal species (such as dogs or cats), and
- Include a second species linked to your chosen elective unit
For example, if you select a dog-focused elective, you must have access to dogs during your placement, alongside another species.
Important: VETDSS students
If you are studying through one of our VETDSS programs, requirements differ depending on your study mode:
- VETDSS Face-to-Face program
Your practical training is structured and organised for you as part of your scheduled training. You will gain exposure to the required species and tasks during your program. - VETDSS Online program
You will complete your theory self-paced online and organise your own work placement.
You are still required to have access to at least two species and different life stages during your placement, however you do not need to select elective units.
Why is this required?
Animal care professionals often work in environments where they encounter a wide variety of animals of Working with more than one species and different life stages helps prepare you for real-world animal care environments, where no two days, or animals, are the same.
By meeting this requirement, you will:
- Build adaptable, job-ready skills across different animal types
- Learn to recognise and respond to varying behaviour, health, and welfare needs
- Develop safe handling techniques for animals of different ages and temperaments
- Increase your confidence and employability across a range of animal care settings
Need help?
If you’re unsure whether your placement meets the two species and life stage requirement, our Student Support Team can guide you before you begin.
