Animal Care and Dog Psychology Pathway

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.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
18 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
24
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Animal Care and Dog Psychology Pathway

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.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
18 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
24
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

ICOES And CPD-Endorsed Certificate Of Achievement Included

SPCA New Zealand-Endorsed Content Across ~400 Hours

100% Online, Self-Paced With 18 Months Access And No Exams

Skills & Applications

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 AssistantSupports the day-to-day welfare, feeding, and handling of animals in shelters, kennels, or veterinary settings.
Dog Trainer (Junior)Assists lead trainers in running obedience and behaviour classes for dogs and their owners.
Kennel TechnicianManages the care, housing, and wellbeing of dogs in boarding or rescue facilities.
Shelter Support WorkerProvides hands-on care and behavioural support to animals awaiting rehoming in shelter environments.
Pet Shop AssistantAdvises customers on animal welfare, feeds and cares for in-store animals, and supports daily operations.
Veterinary ReceptionistManages appointments, client communication, and front-of-house operations at a veterinary practice.
Behavioural Support Assistant (Canine)Assists qualified behaviourists in assessing and supporting dogs with complex or challenging behaviour.
Canine Enrichment CoordinatorDesigns and runs enrichment programmes to support the mental and physical wellbeing of dogs in care.
Dog Daycare CoordinatorOversees the daily supervision, safety, and activities of dogs in a daycare environment.
Assistance Dog Trainer (Entry Level)Supports the training and socialisation of assistance dogs under the supervision of qualified trainers.

Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.

What You’ll Learn

24 Units · 23 Core, 1 Electives

Core Units · 23 units
  • Topic 1Nature and Scope of Canine Psychology
  • Topic 2Canine Senses and Communication
  • Topic 3Understanding Natural Canine Behaviour
  • Topic 4Canine Behavioural Development
  • Topic 5Canine Behavioural Disorders
  • Topic 6Basic Dog Training Principles
  • Topic 7Dog Obedience Training
  • Topic 8Controlling a Dog's Movement
  • Topic 9Training Working Dogs
  • Topic 10Introduction to Animal Care
  • Topic 11Anatomy and Physiology
  • Topic 12Husbandry of Dogs
  • Topic 13Husbandry of Other Species
  • Topic 14Common Diseases of Dogs
  • Topic 15Common Diseases of Other Species
  • Topic 16First Aid, Accidents and Emergencies
  • Topic 17Handling and Safety
  • Topic 18Veterinary Health Care and Procedures
  • Topic 19Training and Behaviour
  • Topic 20Starting Up & Business Types and Structures
  • Topic 21Preparing your Business Plan
  • Topic 22Introduction to Accounting & Bookkeeping
  • Topic 23Certificate in Xero
Elective Units · 1 units
  • Topic 1Certificate in Digital Marketing with AI
Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

No previous animal care or dog training experience required

No access to live animals required

Comfortable learning theory without live animal handling

Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.

What’s Included

Everything That Comes With Your Enrolment

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.

Free bonus courses included

Certificate in Digital Marketing with AI

Optional certificate that unlocks after completing the core modules, covering digital…

CAN
Your Provider

The Career Academy NZ

The Career Academy offers an online Career Centre providing career coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Students have access to a Career Success Hub, Business Hub, and Self Service Resource Hub. The centre includes one-to-one coaching from dedicated career support staff and is available to all students during and after their studies.

Fees & Funding

Flexible Ways To Pay

From $29/Week
on an interest-free payment plan
EASY WAYS TO PAY
Pay upfrontWeekly payment plan
Enquire to confirm the exact fees and payment options for your situation. We don’t list a set price here because it varies by your circumstances.
Getting Started

Your Path To Enrolment

A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.

1
Click 'Enrol Now' or 'Pay'
2
Choose upfront or payment plan option
3
Complete enrolment form
4
Gain instant access to the course and Career Centre
Why Students Choose The

What Students Say

★★★★★

Hiromi found the perfect work-life balance after enrolling in The Career Academy's Certificate in Bookkeeping. As a busy mum, the flexibility of online study allowed her to pursue her dream career while caring for her family. Upon completing her course, she secured a role with The Back Office Company and began her journey in a new profession.

HHiromi
★★★★★

Cameron Young transformed his passion for dogs into a successful mobile dog grooming service. With everything from a full grooming table to a hydro-bath, he brings the salon directly to his client's homes. Cameron's journey started with The Career Academy's Diploma in Dog Grooming, which equipped him with the skills and confidence to launch his business.

CYCameron Young
★★★★★

Janet followed her passion for dogs and landed her dream role in a grooming salon, thanks to the Advanced Certificate in Dog Grooming from The Career Academy. Her studies gave her the knowledge to expand her expertise, and she's already planning to launch her own mobile grooming service.

JJanet
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
A weekly payment plan may be available for this course. Submit an enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This course prepares students for entry-level roles in the animal care sector, including positions such as animal care assistant, kennel technician, shelter support worker, and dog daycare coordinator. Career outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Access to a Career Centre with CV templates, a personalised CV review, and interview preparation is included.
As a professional development course, credit toward formal qualifications is arranged through the provider's RPL or credit process. Submit an enquiry to confirm what this course may count toward and how to apply.
About This Course

Animal Care and Dog Psychology Pathway

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.

Ready When You Are

Take The Next Step Into Education & Teaching

Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.

Helping students across New Zealand find the right course since 2013 · 1M+ enquiries

100% OnlineFrom $29/Week

Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. 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.

Last updated: July 2026