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ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care

Kick start your career in the animal care industry and get qualified to work as an assistant dog groomer, veterinary assistant, or animal shelter attendant.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Wide Bay Burnett North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY TAFE at School International
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
TAFE at School Subsidised Fee
$6
TAFE at School Full Fee
$7
International
$9
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in the animal care industry with this entry-level course. This qualification will qualify you to provide care for animals in kennels, catteries, animal shelters, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics. 

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as animal attendants and trainers is expected to grow strongly in the future. There are likely to be around 12,000 job openings in this growing occupation over the next five years. 

This course will give you an introduction to the animal care industry and teach you how to conduct animal care work practices in an ethical and humane manner. Learn how to complete animal care hygiene routines, feed and water animals, provide basic first aid, and assist in the health care of animals. You'll also gain essential workplace skills in effective workplace communication, workplace health and safety, and environmentally sustainable work practices. 

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to seek work as an assistant dog groomer, veterinary assistant, or animal shelter attendant. You'll also be well positioned to continue with further studies in this area. 

What can I do?

  • Assistant Dog Groomer
  • Animal Shelter Attendant
  • Veterinary Assistant

Course outcome:

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

Strong industry partnerships

As part of your course, you get valuable experience in real workplaces. Our strong partnerships mean you will use the skills you are learning to care for animals in different settings within your community, while also getting to know potential future employers.

Upgrade to a dual award

Got a taste for something bigger? Use this course to pathway to to a dual award in Animal Studies. Why not take advantage of our dual award offering and get two qualifications instead of one. By completing additional units you may be eligible to also receive the Certificate III in Animal  Care Services. Save time, enhance your job prospects, and add to your skill set with this dual award.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units listed below.  You will also be required to undertake 6 days of work experience in an approved setting.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN203
    Feed and water animals
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN203
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals according to animal dietary requirements.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Feed and water animals

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN204
    Assist in health care of animals
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN204
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to experienced staff in the handling and securing of animals for assessment and the preparation, application and documentation of health care treatments and first aid.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist in health care of animals

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN201
    Work in the animal care industry
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN201
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out animal care work, using ethical and humane practices and contributing to a productive work environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work in the animal care industry

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMWHS201
    Participate in workplace health and safety processes
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMWHS201
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work safely and participate in work health and safety processes in an animal care environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in workplace health and safety processes

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBCMM211
    Apply communication skills
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBCMM211
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply basic communication skills in the workplace, including identifying, gathering and conveying information along with completing assigned written information.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply communication skills

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMGEN202
    Complete animal care hygiene routines
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMGEN202
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide daily care of animals, including the cleaning of animal housing, and grooming or cleaning of animals.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Complete animal care hygiene routines

  • UNIT CODE
  • ACMSUS201
    Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    ACMSUS201
    Unit description :

    This unit of competency covers the process required to measure current resource use effectively and to carry out improvements, including those that will reduce the negative environment impacts of work practices.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Ways to study

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Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121)

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Certificate II in Animal Care

COURSE CODE: ACM20121
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

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Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations. You are welcome to bring own laptops to class.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

Clothing requirements:
You must purchase a TAFE Queensland polo shirt which is to be worn on work experience as per industry requirements. You will be required to wear dark long pants e.g. black or dark denim (no holey denim), closed in comfortable shoes, minimal jewellery to all practical classes e.g. watch and one pair of stud earrings with long hair tied up.

Placement

You will be required to undertake 6 days of work experience in an approved setting and will be required to make your own way to and from the work experience site.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Prior Experience

I already have an experience, can i get credit?

Fastrack your way to formal education by earning credit for the things you already know.

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