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Build a Career in Animal Care and Dog Psychology

Study animal care and canine behaviour online, earn an ICOES and CPD-endorsed Certificate of Achievement, and step into roles across the animal care sector.

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18 MonthsCourse Duration
OnlineDelivery
AvailablePayment Plans
Self PacedStudy Mode
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What You Get

Everything That Comes With This Course

Industry-Accredited Certificate of Achievement

Upon successfully completing your course, you'll be awarded a Certificate of Achievement from The Career Academy, accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours, with industry experts ready to guide you every step of the way.

Career Support Services

Access to the Career Centre including latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation support.

100% Online, Self-Paced Study

Study 100% online at your own pace with 18 months access, fitting learning around work, family, or daily life. No exams, ever.

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

Verify your qualification from The Career Academy with SEEK Pass upon completion, so you can share it on SEEK and stand out to employers as a qualified, job-ready candidate.

Free Student ID Card & Discounts

Upon enrolment, receive a free Virtual Student ID card giving access to over 150,000 discounts on food, entertainment, travel and more in New Zealand and around the world.

Career Success Bundle (Upgrade Available)

Optional upgrade includes expert career coaching, a personalised career plan, LinkedIn profile review, and proven strategies for career and job success.

Industry Endorsements & Expert Network

Course endorsed by SPCA New Zealand with expert input from trainers like Sarah Whitehead, connecting learners with the New Zealand animal care industry network.

Certificate in Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training

Additional certification issued alongside the course.

SPCA New Zealand-endorsed content across ~400 hours
Skills & Applications

The Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

Animal Care AssistantDog Trainer (Junior)Kennel TechnicianShelter Support WorkerPet Shop AssistantVeterinary ReceptionistBehavioural Support Assistant (Canine)Canine Enrichment CoordinatorAssistance Dog Trainer (Entry Level)Dog Daycare Coordinator

No specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed.

What You'll Learn

The 24 Modules Inside The Course

The modules that make up the course, as published by the provider.

24Total Units
23Core Units
1Electives

Core Units

Nature and Scope of Canine Psychology
Canine Senses and Communication
Understanding Natural Canine Behaviour
Canine Behavioural Development
Canine Behavioural Disorders
Basic Dog Training Principles
Dog Obedience Training
Controlling a Dog's Movement
Training Working Dogs
Introduction to Animal Care
Anatomy and Physiology
Husbandry of Dogs

 

Husbandry of Other Species
Common Diseases of Dogs
Common Diseases of Other Species
First Aid, Accidents and Emergencies
Handling and Safety
Veterinary Health Care and Procedures
Training and Behaviour
Starting Up & Business Types and Structures
Preparing your Business Plan
Introduction to Accounting & Bookkeeping
Certificate in Xero

Elective Units

Certificate in Digital Marketing with AI
Before You Enquire

Eligibility And The First Steps

Before You Apply

No previous animal care or dog training experience required
No access to live animals required
Comfortable learning theory without live animal handling

How It Starts

01
Click 'Enrol Now' or 'Pay $29 / Week'
02
Choose upfront or payment plan option
03
Complete enrolment form
04
Gain instant access to the course and Career Centre
The Money Part

Ways To Pay For It

$29 / week

Payment Plan, $29 per week. No deposit, no credit check. 10-day money back guarantee.

Pay Upfront

Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

Exact fees, plans and any funding eligibility are confirmed by the provider when you enquire. No payment is made through Get Course.

Before You Ask

Questions People Ask First

What are the entry requirements for this course?

There are no formal entry requirements listed for this course. It is designed to be accessible to people starting out in the animal care sector, regardless of prior experience. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current prerequisites.

How much does the course cost and are payment plans available?

A weekly payment plan may be available for this course. Submit an enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.

How long does the course take to complete?

Students have 18 months access to complete the course. The estimated study load is around 400 hours, which most students fit around existing work or family commitments. The self-paced format means you set your own schedule.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered 100% online and is fully self-paced through The Career Academy NZ. There are no set class times and no exams. Unlimited tutor support is available via phone and email during business hours.

Is there a work placement component?

This course does not include a formal work placement component. Students gain theoretical and applied knowledge through the online course content. Submit an enquiry if you want guidance on finding voluntary experience in the animal care sector.

What credential will I earn and is it officially recognised?

Graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, verifiable via SEEK Pass. The course is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). It is industry-endorsed professional development training, valued by employers who recognise CPD credentials.

About This Course

What This Course Is Really About

This course covers animal welfare, canine behaviour, and dog psychology across around 400 hours of self-paced online study. Students learn how dogs think, how to read their behaviour, and how to apply positive, science-based approaches to training and enrichment. The content is endorsed by SPCA New Zealand, with expert input from canine behaviourist Sarah Whitehead.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course suits people who want to work with animals and are looking for practical, flexible training they can fit around work or family life. No exams, no set class times, and 18 months access to all course materials and tutor support.

Graduates earn a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, verifiable via SEEK Pass. A virtual Student ID card with access to over 150,000 discounts is included on enrolment.

The College Behind It

Delivered By A Training Establishment

TC
The Career Academy NZ
In-house career services: job search, resume and interview preparation
Dedicated career support team offering coaching guidance and advice every step of the way, including after course completion. 24/7 access to career resources. One-to-one coaching available through Career Success Hub and Business Hub.
No Pressure, Just Answers

The Enquiry Is The Eligibility Check

You don't need to have decided to get the answers. One short form, and the provider comes back with your fees and a realistic study plan.

Enquire Now →
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Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on 28 July 2026. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.