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.
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.
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.
Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.
Topic 1Nature and Scope of Canine PsychologyTopic 2Canine Senses and CommunicationTopic 3Understanding Natural Canine BehaviourTopic 4Canine Behavioural DevelopmentTopic 5Canine Behavioural DisordersTopic 6Basic Dog Training PrinciplesTopic 7Dog Obedience TrainingTopic 8Controlling a Dog's MovementTopic 9Training Working DogsTopic 10Introduction to Animal CareTopic 11Anatomy and PhysiologyTopic 12Husbandry of DogsTopic 13Husbandry of Other SpeciesTopic 14Common Diseases of DogsTopic 15Common Diseases of Other SpeciesTopic 16First Aid, Accidents and EmergenciesTopic 17Handling and SafetyTopic 18Veterinary Health Care and ProceduresTopic 19Training and BehaviourTopic 20Starting Up & Business Types and StructuresTopic 21Preparing your Business PlanTopic 22Introduction to Accounting & BookkeepingTopic 23Certificate in XeroTopic 1Certificate in Digital Marketing with AIWhat you’ll typically need to get started.
Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.
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 access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours, with industry experts ready to guide you every step of the way.
Access to the Career Centre including latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation support.
Study 100% online at your own pace with 18 months access, fitting learning around work, family, or daily life. No exams, ever.
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.
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.
Optional upgrade includes expert career coaching, a personalised career plan, LinkedIn profile review, and proven strategies for career and job success.
Course endorsed by SPCA New Zealand with expert input from trainers like Sarah Whitehead, connecting learners with the New Zealand animal care industry network.
Optional certificate that unlocks after completing the core modules, covering digital…
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.
A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.
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Last updated: July 2026