Certificate in Animal Care

Build a Career Working with Animals

This certificate covers practical animal care skills across 140 hours of self-paced online study, preparing you for entry-level roles in the animal care sector.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
6 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Certificate in Animal Care

Build a Career Working with Animals

This certificate covers practical animal care skills across 140 hours of self-paced online study, preparing you for entry-level roles in the animal care sector.

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

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

140 Hours Of Practical Animal Care Content Online

ICOES-Endorsed With CPD Points On Completion

SEEK Pass Verified Credential To Share With Employers

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 daily care, feeding, and welfare monitoring of animals in shelters, clinics, or care facilities.
Kennel HandHandles the day-to-day care of dogs in boarding kennels, including feeding, exercise, and kennel hygiene.
Animal Shelter AssistantAssists with intake, feeding, cleaning, and rehoming processes at an animal rescue or shelter.
Veterinary ReceptionistManages front-desk duties at a veterinary clinic, including client communication, bookings, and basic…
Zoo Support WorkerProvides hands-on assistance with animal feeding, enclosure maintenance, and visitor education at zoological…
Farm HandAssists with the daily care and management of livestock and animals on working farms.
Pet Store AssistantAdvises customers on animal care products, handles in-store animals, and supports day-to-day store operations.
Animal Welfare OfficerSupports animal welfare organisations by assisting with inspections, community education, and care operations at…
Wildlife Rehabilitation AssistantHelps care for injured or orphaned native wildlife at rehabilitation centres under the supervision of trained…

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

What You’ll Learn

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

Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

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 Qualification

Courses are accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and The Career Academy is a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council (IARC).

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited access to tutor support during business hours via phone and email from industry expert tutors.

Learn at Your Own Pace

100% online course with 6 months access, study whenever suits you with no exams.

Career Centre Access

Upon enrolment, receive instant access to the Career Centre including latest job opportunities, CV templates, free personalised CV review, job tips, interview preparation, and industry connections.

Career Success Bundle Upgrade

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

Free Student ID Card

Receive a free virtual Student ID card providing access to over 150,000 discounts on food, entertainment, travel, and more in New Zealand and globally.

FREE CCH eBook Library Access

Get free access to over 50 eBook titles to enhance learning and knowledge.

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

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

Free bonus courses included

CCH eBook Library Access

Free access to over 50 eBook titles to enhance learning and knowledge.

Career Centre Access

Free CV and LinkedIn profile reviews, interview coaching, personalised career planning…

Student ID Card

Free virtual Student ID card providing access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and…

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
Get Started / Enrol online
2
Receive instant access to 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 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

This course is designed to be accessible to beginners with no prior animal care experience required. A passion for working with animals and basic computer literacy for online study are all you need. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current entry requirements.
A weekly payment plan may be available to help spread the cost. Submit an enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.
Students have 6 months access to complete the course. The coursework is approximately 140 hours in total. Because study is fully self-paced, you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.
The course is 100% online and self-paced, delivered by The Career Academy NZ. There are no exams and no set class times. Unlimited tutor support from industry-experienced tutors is available during business hours by phone and email.
This course does not include a formal work placement. The learning is knowledge-based and delivered entirely online. If hands-on experience is a priority for you, submit an enquiry to explore your options.
Graduates receive a certificate endorsed by ICOES and earn CPD Points recognised by the CPD Standards Office. A SEEK Pass verified credential is also available to share on your SEEK profile. This course is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, but the endorsements it carries are recognised markers of professional development.
As a professional development course, any credit toward formal qualifications is arranged through the provider's RPL or credit recognition process. Submit an enquiry to confirm what this certificate may count toward and which pathways are available.
This certificate prepares students for entry-level roles across a range of animal care settings, including shelters, kennels, pet stores, farms, and veterinary clinics. Graduates also gain access to the Career Centre, which includes job listings, CV templates, a personalised CV review, and interview preparation resources. Further study in animal care, veterinary nursing support, or related fields may also be a natural next step.
About This Course

Certificate in Animal Care

This certificate covers the fundamentals of animal care, including animal behaviour, health and husbandry, nutrition, and safe handling. Students build practical knowledge suited to a range of animal care environments, from shelters and kennels to farms and pet retail. The course runs entirely online and is delivered by The Career Academy NZ.

Study is self-paced with 6 months access and around 140 hours of coursework. There are no exams, and unlimited tutor support is available during business hours. Students can study around work or other commitments at a pace that suits them.

On completion, students receive an ICOES-endorsed credential and CPD Points recognised by the CPD Standards Office. A SEEK Pass verified credential is also available, letting graduates share their qualification directly on SEEK.

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.

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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