Why choose this course?
Start your career in the animal care industry with this qualification. Get a wealth of hands on experience and be job ready to work in a broad range of roles including dog day care, boarding, rescue shelters, pet sitting, dog walking, breeding establishments and other animal businesses.
You will learn the animal related skills to identify behaviours, interact safely, assess the welfare status, provide first aid and comply with infection control policies and procedures. This course also includes skills training to walk, exercise and bath dogs. In addition, you will learn how to provide general care for dogs, rodents, rabbits, birds, fish, and reptiles.
An on-campus animal care facility is available for you to learn in a simulated workplace with a range of animal species including dogs, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, fish, budgerigars, cockatiels, and canaries.
Upon successful completion of this course, you can continue your studies by enrolling into the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Career opportunities
- Animal Carer
- Kennel Hand
- Pet Shop/Aquarium Assistant
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An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.
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Equivalent to Australian Year 11.
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Students must be 17 years of age prior to commencing this course, in order to participate in the work placement.
Your study options
Semester 2, 2024
- Tuition fee: $12,480
- Resources fee: $1,282
- Materials fee: $200
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
There is no workplace requirement for this course, however students are encouraged to undertake a work placement whilst completing this qualification. A work placement will assist students to consolidate their learning and prepare them for employment. South Metropolitan TAFE will support students in obtaining a work placement and it is recommended that students complete 120 hours. This work placement is not mandatory to complete the qualification. Please note - students must be aged 17 years or older to participate in work placement.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 17 units. These 17 are comprised of 7 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
- ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
- ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGEN312 Provide nutritional requirements for animals
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE314 Provide general care of birds
- ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
- ACMSPE318 Provide general care of fish
- ACMSPE321 Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles
- ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to show the student’s knowledge;Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats;Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment; andPresentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to a simulated work environment, Blackboard, videos, documents and links to websites specific to the area of training. Students will also have access to lecturer-developed PowerPoint presentations and handouts, revision tasks and worksheets.
Facilities and equipment may include access to a range of animals housed on campus such dogs, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, fish, budgerigars, cockatiels, and canaries, and all equipment and materials required for the care of these animals.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 1, 2025
- Tuition fee: $12,480
- Resources fee: $1,282
- Materials fee: $200
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
There is no workplace requirement for this course, however students are encouraged to undertake a work placement whilst completing this qualification. A work placement will assist students to consolidate their learning and prepare them for employment. South Metropolitan TAFE will support students in obtaining a work placement and it is recommended that students complete 120 hours. This work placement is not mandatory to complete the qualification. Please note - students must be aged 17 years or older to participate in work placement.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 17 units. These 17 are comprised of 7 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
- ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
- ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGEN312 Provide nutritional requirements for animals
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE314 Provide general care of birds
- ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
- ACMSPE318 Provide general care of fish
- ACMSPE321 Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles
- ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to show the student’s knowledge;Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats;Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment; andPresentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to a simulated work environment, Blackboard, videos, documents and links to websites specific to the area of training. Students will also have access to lecturer-developed PowerPoint presentations and handouts, revision tasks and worksheets.
Facilities and equipment may include access to a range of animals housed on campus such dogs, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, fish, budgerigars, cockatiels, and canaries, and all equipment and materials required for the care of these animals.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 1, 2025
- Tuition fee: $12,480
- Resources fee: $1,000
- Materials fee: $200
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
There is no workplace requirement for this course.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 17 units. These 17 are comprised of 7 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMAIM204 Participate in companion animal rescue
- ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
- ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
- ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
- ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals
- CMSPE316 Provide general care for domestic dogs
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to show the student’s knowledge;Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats;Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment; andPresentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to a simulated work environment, Blackboard, videos, documents and links to websites specific to the area of training. Students will also have access to lecturer-developed PowerPoint presentations and handouts, revision tasks and worksheets.
Facilities and equipment may include access to an animal care facility located on campus with a range of animals housed such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, budgerigars, sheep and chickens and all equipment and materials required for the care of these animals.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 2, 2025
- Tuition fee: $12,480
- Resources fee: $1,282
- Materials fee: $200
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
There is no workplace requirement for this course, however students are encouraged to undertake a work placement whilst completing this qualification. A work placement will assist students to consolidate their learning and prepare them for employment. South Metropolitan TAFE will support students in obtaining a work placement and it is recommended that students complete 120 hours. This work placement is not mandatory to complete the qualification. Please note - students must be aged 17 years or older to participate in work placement.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 17 units. These 17 are comprised of 7 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
- ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
- ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGEN312 Provide nutritional requirements for animals
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE314 Provide general care of birds
- ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
- ACMSPE318 Provide general care of fish
- ACMSPE321 Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles
- ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to show the student’s knowledge;Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats;Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment; andPresentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to a simulated work environment, Blackboard, videos, documents and links to websites specific to the area of training. Students will also have access to lecturer-developed PowerPoint presentations and handouts, revision tasks and worksheets.
Facilities and equipment may include access to a range of animals housed on campus such dogs, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, fish, budgerigars, cockatiels, and canaries, and all equipment and materials required for the care of these animals.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 1, 2026
- Tuition fee: $12,480
- Resources fee: $1,282
- Materials fee: $200
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
There is no workplace requirement for this course, however students are encouraged to undertake a work placement whilst completing this qualification. A work placement will assist students to consolidate their learning and prepare them for employment. South Metropolitan TAFE will support students in obtaining a work placement and it is recommended that students complete 120 hours. This work placement is not mandatory to complete the qualification. Please note - students must be aged 17 years or older to participate in work placement.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 17 units. These 17 are comprised of 7 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
- ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
- ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGEN312 Provide nutritional requirements for animals
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE314 Provide general care of birds
- ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
- ACMSPE318 Provide general care of fish
- ACMSPE321 Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles
- ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to show the student’s knowledge;Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats;Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment; andPresentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to a simulated work environment, Blackboard, videos, documents and links to websites specific to the area of training. Students will also have access to lecturer-developed PowerPoint presentations and handouts, revision tasks and worksheets.
Facilities and equipment may include access to a range of animals housed on campus such dogs, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, fish, budgerigars, cockatiels, and canaries, and all equipment and materials required for the care of these animals.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
Semester 1, 2026
- Tuition fee: $12,480
- Resources fee: $1,000
- Materials fee: $200
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.
Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.
Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.
There is no workplace requirement for this course.
2 semesters
To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 17 units. These 17 are comprised of 7 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.
Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.
- ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
- ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal
- ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- ACMAIM204 Participate in companion animal rescue
- ACMGEN308 Walk and exercise dogs
- ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
- ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
- ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
- ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
- ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
- ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals
- CMSPE316 Provide general care for domestic dogs
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
The methods of assessment used in this course include:
Written questioning assessments to show the student’s knowledge;Projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, for example identifying commonly kept reptiles and animal husbandry techniques associated with keeping reptiles, rabbits and rodents, dogs and cats;Practical demonstration and observation of skills including animal husbandry techniques and handling methods. Students are required to attend scheduled animal roster sessions to care for the resident animals – practical demonstrations will take place in this simulated workplace environment; andPresentations to help demonstrate knowledge and practical skills, for example, animal first aid skills, commercial product knowledge, services and information on diets and feeding.These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.
The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.
Learning resources may include access to a simulated work environment, Blackboard, videos, documents and links to websites specific to the area of training. Students will also have access to lecturer-developed PowerPoint presentations and handouts, revision tasks and worksheets.
Facilities and equipment may include access to an animal care facility located on campus with a range of animals housed such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, budgerigars, sheep and chickens and all equipment and materials required for the care of these animals.
Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.
There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).
For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.
How to apply
Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:
- find a course;
- check entry requirements;
- submit an application;
- accept your offer and pay;
- apply for your student visa; and
- receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.
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Contact us(opens in a new tab)
TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.