Course Summary

The Certificate III in Animal Care Services equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge for various roles within animal care facilities and services, including boarding/day care centres, animal shelters/holding centres, pet grooming, pet sitting, breeding, and other animal care businesses. Professionals in these positions handle a range of animal care responsibilities under supervision, using discretion and judgement in animal handling, selecting and operating tools and equipment, managing resources, and problem solving. They are accountable for their tasks, ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards, organising procedures, resolving issues, and adhering to schedules.  This qualification is ideal for those pursuing an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway in the animal care industry.

Entry Requirements

Students must 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.

Placement Requirements 

• Prior to admission, students are to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement.
• Important information relating to Vocational Placement can be found in the Host Employer Information Pack.
• During the application process, students must upload a signed and completed copy of the Vocational Placement Agreement found within the Host Employer Information Pack for approval.

Inherent Requirements

• 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

Gaining real world learning experience is a vital factor in successfully completing this qualification and preparing you to work effectively in the animal care industry.

To satisfy the practical requirements for eleven (11) of the seventeen (17) units within the Certificate III in Animal Care Services, it is recommended for students to complete a minimum of 180 hours of placement at an approved Animal Industry Care provider.

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Common occupations for graduates of Certificate III in Animal Care Services 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.