As part of the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, your work placement must provide 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.
Animal species requirements for work placement
If you are completing one of our online animal care courses, your work placement must provide access to at least two companion animal species. These may include dogs, cats or other animals that are individually handled and cared for, such as a pony or chickens kept at an educational farm.
The two required life stages can be represented across the two species. For example, you could work with a juvenile cat and an adult pony.
Why are two animal species and life stages required?
Animal care professionals often work in environments where they encounter a wide variety of animals. 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
Does my work placement meet the requirements?
If you’re unsure whether your placement meets the two species and life stage requirements, our Student Support Team can guide you before you begin.
