Browse Courses
Diploma in Veterinary Assistant & Animal Welfare

Build Skills in Animal Care and Veterinary Assistance

This diploma covers veterinary assisting and animal welfare over 12 months of self-paced online study, earning an ICOES and CPD-accredited Certificate of Achievement.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
Enquire now
12 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
57
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Diploma in Veterinary Assistant & Animal Welfare

Build Skills in Animal Care and Veterinary Assistance

This diploma covers veterinary assisting and animal welfare over 12 months of self-paced online study, earning an ICOES and CPD-accredited Certificate of Achievement.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
12 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
57
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

ICOES And CPD-Accredited Certificate Of Achievement On Completion

360 Hours Of Content, 12 Months Access, Fully Self-Paced

Unlimited Tutor Support From A Trainer With 20+ Years In The Industry

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.

Veterinary ReceptionistGreets clients, manages appointments, and handles front-of-clinic administration in a veterinary practice.
Animal Care TechnicianMonitors the health and welfare of animals in shelter, research, or clinical environments and maintains care…
Kennel HandFeeds, exercises, and cares for animals in boarding kennels or veterinary clinic kennels.
Shelter Veterinary AssistantAssists with intake, welfare checks, and basic care for animals housed in rescue or shelter facilities.
Veterinary Practice Support OfficerProvides administrative and operational support to keep a veterinary clinic running day to day.
Clinic Surgery AssistantPrepares surgical areas, sterilises equipment, and assists clinical staff before and after procedures under…
Animal Welfare OfficerInvestigates welfare concerns, educates the public, and supports animals in distress in community or…

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

57 Units

Core Units · 57 units
  • Topic 1Introduction to Animal Care
  • Topic 2Anatomy and Physiology
  • Topic 3Husbandry of Dogs
  • Topic 4Husbandry of Other Species
  • Topic 5Common Diseases of Dogs
  • Topic 6Common Diseases of Other Species
  • Topic 7First Aid, Accidents and Emergencies
  • Topic 8Handling and Safety
  • Topic 9Veterinary Health Care and Procedures
  • Topic 10Training and Behaviour
  • Topic 11Introduction to Animal Science
  • Topic 12Cellular Structure and Function
  • Topic 13Tissues and Organ Systems
  • Topic 14Skeletal System
  • Topic 15Muscular System
  • Topic 16Circulatory System
  • Topic 17Respiratory System
  • Topic 18Digestive System
  • Topic 19Nervous System
  • Topic 20Reproduction in Animals
  • Topic 21Embarking on Animal Health
  • Topic 22Common Diseases in Animals
  • Topic 23Nutrition and Diet for Animals
  • Topic 24Preventive Care and Vaccinations in Animals
  • Topic 25Parasite Control and Management
  • Topic 26Animal Behaviour & Stress Management
  • Topic 27Reproductive Health in Animals
  • Topic 28Emergency First Aid for Animals
  • Topic 29Specialised Care of Animals
  • Topic 30Health and Safety
  • Topic 31Advances in Veterinary Surgeries
  • Topic 32Medical Interventions
  • Topic 33Foundations of Animal Health and Disease
  • Topic 34Detecting Disease
  • Topic 35Categorising Animal Ailments
  • Topic 36Unveiling Disease Origins
  • Topic 37Navigating Treatment Strategies
  • Topic 38Dynamics of Inflammation
  • Topic 39Fever's Role in Animal Immunity
  • Topic 40Journey of Healing Care and Recovery
  • Topic 41Decoding Cellular Transformations
  • Topic 42Natural Approaches to Animal Wellness
  • Topic 43Recognising Symptoms of Discomfort
  • Topic 44Health through Natural Nutrition
  • Topic 45Holistic Health Care
  • Topic 46Addressing Health Issues
  • Topic 47Common Ailments
  • Topic 48Managing Health Challenges
  • Topic 49Introduction to Animal Welfare
  • Topic 50Animal Psychology
  • Topic 51Strategies for Management
  • Topic 52Welfare and Protection Services
  • Topic 53Welfare and Rescue Services
  • Topic 54Promoting Animal Welfare
  • Topic 55Welfare needs in Animals
  • Topic 56Improving Animal Welfare
  • Topic 57Balancing Animal Welfare Needs
Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

No previous animal care study or veterinary experience required

No requirement to have worked in a clinic, shelter, or rescue

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. Lead tutor Rachel H has over 20 years' experience in the animal industry.

100% Online, Study at Your Own Pace

Study whenever suits you with 12 months access. No fixed class times and no exams, ever.

Career Centre Access

Instant access to Career Centre upon enrolment including latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation resources.

Free Student ID Card

Receive a Virtual Student ID Card giving access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and around the world on food, entertainment, travel, and more.

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.

Industry Network & Expert Connections

Gain access to a network of professionals and industry experts, with endorsements from organisations like SPCA New Zealand and expert input from trainers like Sarah Whitehead.

Free bonus courses included

Free Student ID Card

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
Click Enrol Now or get the Course Guide
2
Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)
3
Complete enrolment form
4
Receive instant access to course and Career Centre
Why Students Choose The

What Students Say

★★★★★

“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, making it easier for those with limited time or mobility. 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 academic entry requirements listed for this diploma. It is designed to be accessible to motivated learners with an interest in animal care and veterinary assistance. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current requirements before enrolling.
A weekly payment plan may be available to help spread the cost of this course. Submit a Get Course enquiry to get up-to-date pricing details and confirm current payment options.
Students receive 12 months of access and the course involves around 360 hours of study material. Because it is fully self-paced, the time to complete will vary depending on how many hours per week you study.
The course is delivered entirely online by The Career Academy NZ. There are no fixed class times and no exams. Students can log in and study whenever suits them within their 12-month access period.
This course does not include a formal work placement component. Practical industry context is built into the course content, with endorsements from SPCA New Zealand and expert input from industry trainers. Submit an enquiry if you have questions about how to complement the course with voluntary or work experience.
This course carries endorsement from ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement along with a SEEK Pass verified credential. It is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The credential is recognised by employers as evidence of professional development and relevant skills in animal care and veterinary assistance.
As a professional development course, any credit recognition toward formal qualifications is subject to the receiving institution's own RPL or credit transfer process. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm what pathways may be available to you based on your circumstances.
This diploma prepares students for support and assistant roles in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and animal care facilities. Roles include veterinary receptionist, animal care technician, clinic surgery assistant, and kennel hand. These are entry-level and support positions; roles requiring government registration are outside the scope of this course.
Keep Looking

Compare Similar Courses

Certificate in Child Psychological DevelopmentCertificate · Online · 6 monthsCompare →Diploma in HorticultureDiploma · Online · 12 monthsCompare →Landscape & Garden DesignMicro-credential · Online · 6 monthsCompare →
About This Course

Diploma in Veterinary Assistant & Animal Welfare

This diploma covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to support animal care professionals in veterinary and animal welfare settings. Students learn animal behaviour, welfare principles, clinic procedures, and the day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary assistant. Around 360 hours of study material is included, with 12 months of access to work through at your own pace.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course suits people who are passionate about animals and want to move into a support role in the veterinary or animal welfare sector. There are no fixed class times and no exams. Unlimited tutor support is available via phone and email during business hours, led by Rachel H, who brings over 20 years of experience in the animal industry.

On completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, along with a SEEK Pass verified credential to share with employers. Industry endorsements from organisations including SPCA New Zealand and input from expert trainers add real-world context to the programme.

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