Course Summary

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge required to work in a broad range of roles in animal care facilities and services, including boarding/day care, breeding, shelters/holding centres, pet grooming, pet sitting and other animal businesses. Individuals in these roles perform a range of animal care tasks under broad direction which involves discretion and judgement in handling animals, selecting and operating tools and equipment, coordinating resources and problem solving. They are required to take responsibility for their own work including, carrying out assigned tasks, compliance with animal welfare, organising processes, solving problems and working to schedules. The qualification allows for specialisation in animal care, pet grooming and customer service. This qualification is suitable to be undertaken as an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway.

Entry Requirements

CQUniversity entry requirements:

• Prior to admission, students are to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement.
• As part of the application process, students must upload a copy of the signed Vocational Placement Agreement.

Students are also required to:

• Complete the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless they have completed an equal or higher level course.
• Have reasonable reading and writing skills, as well as basic numeracy skills to complete workbooks, assignments, learning activities and assessment tasks.
• Access a computer / tablet / smartphone with internet access, camera, microphone and speakers.
• Access Microsoft Teams, to attend weekly Microsoft Teams tutorials.
• Use Microsoft Teams for online assessment components.
• Handle live animals and require a reasonable level of physical fitness to be able to complete the practical components of the course.
• Please note: Students may be exposed to injured/deceased animals in photo and video footage during the online learning and may be required to handle them during their work placement.

Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

On the job training is a vital factor in successfully completing this qualification.  Gaining placement with a host employer is part of the CQUniversity pre-requisite requirements for admission into this course.  Students must attend vocational placement in order to satisfy the practical assessment requirements for each of the units of competency within this qualification. It is a mandatory requirement for students to attend a suitable workplace, under the supervision of a CQUniversity approved and qualified Subject Matter Expert (SME) over the duration of the course, in order to gain the skills and knowledge as outlined in each of the units of competency.

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

The Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) provides students with practical skills and knowledge to work in the animal care industry. It covers animal handling, feeding, grooming, hygiene, basic treatments, workplace safety, and animal behaviour. Common occupations for graduates include animal attendants, pet shop assistants, animal shelter workers, pet grooming assistants, and non-clinical veterinary assistants. The qualification can also lead to further study, such as in veterinary nursing or animal technology.