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.
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.
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 1Introduction to Animal CareTopic 2Anatomy and PhysiologyTopic 3Husbandry of DogsTopic 4Husbandry of Other SpeciesTopic 5Common Diseases of DogsTopic 6Common Diseases of Other SpeciesTopic 7First Aid, Accidents and EmergenciesTopic 8Handling and SafetyTopic 9Veterinary Health Care and ProceduresTopic 10Training and BehaviourTopic 11Introduction to Animal ScienceTopic 12Cellular Structure and FunctionTopic 13Tissues and Organ SystemsTopic 14Skeletal SystemTopic 15Muscular SystemTopic 16Circulatory SystemTopic 17Respiratory SystemTopic 18Digestive SystemTopic 19Nervous SystemTopic 20Reproduction in AnimalsTopic 21Embarking on Animal HealthTopic 22Common Diseases in AnimalsTopic 23Nutrition and Diet for AnimalsTopic 24Preventive Care and Vaccinations in AnimalsTopic 25Parasite Control and ManagementTopic 26Animal Behaviour & Stress ManagementTopic 27Reproductive Health in AnimalsTopic 28Emergency First Aid for AnimalsTopic 29Specialised Care of AnimalsTopic 30Health and SafetyTopic 31Advances in Veterinary SurgeriesTopic 32Medical InterventionsTopic 33Foundations of Animal Health and DiseaseTopic 34Detecting DiseaseTopic 35Categorising Animal AilmentsTopic 36Unveiling Disease OriginsTopic 37Navigating Treatment StrategiesTopic 38Dynamics of InflammationTopic 39Fever's Role in Animal ImmunityTopic 40Journey of Healing Care and RecoveryTopic 41Decoding Cellular TransformationsTopic 42Natural Approaches to Animal WellnessTopic 43Recognising Symptoms of DiscomfortTopic 44Health through Natural NutritionTopic 45Holistic Health CareTopic 46Addressing Health IssuesTopic 47Common AilmentsTopic 48Managing Health ChallengesTopic 49Introduction to Animal WelfareTopic 50Animal PsychologyTopic 51Strategies for ManagementTopic 52Welfare and Protection ServicesTopic 53Welfare and Rescue ServicesTopic 54Promoting Animal WelfareTopic 55Welfare needs in AnimalsTopic 56Improving Animal WelfareTopic 57Balancing Animal Welfare NeedsWhat 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. Lead tutor Rachel H has over 20 years' experience in the animal industry.
Study whenever suits you with 12 months access. No fixed class times and no exams, ever.
Instant access to Career Centre upon enrolment including latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation resources.
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.
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.
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.
Virtual Student ID Card providing access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and…
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.
“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.”
“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 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.
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