Program Overview

Introduction to Animal Management and Welfare Program

The Animal Management and Welfare program is designed to provide students with industry-specific skills for a career working with animals. The program covers various aspects of animal management, including animal advocacy, health, welfare, and behaviour, as well as captive animal management.

Program Details

The program offers hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to handle and care for animals in different settings. This practical approach enables students to develop their skills in a supervised environment and recognize the signs of good and ill health in various animals.

Programmes and Study Path

The program offers several study paths, including:

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and Biodiversity Management)
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management Canine Behaviour and Training
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management Zookeeping
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care Companion Animals

Programme Levels and Durations

The programme levels and durations are as follows:

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare): 7, full-time for three years or part-time options available
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and Biodiversity Management): 7, full-time for three years or part-time options available
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management Canine Behaviour and Training: 4, full-time for one year with blended learning
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management Zookeeping: 4, full-time for one year with blended learning
• New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care Companion Animals: 3, full-time for 19 weeks or part-time over one year

Career Options

The program prepares students for various career options, including:

• Animal behaviour and/or welfare consultant
• Animal handler
• Animal welfare inspector
• Animal welfare scientific officer
• Welfare education officer
• Animal facility manager
• Biodiversity analyst or advisor
• Biosecurity analyst or advisor
• Conservation Manager for DoC or Iwi
• Ecologist
• Geographic information systems (GIS) analyst
• Park ranger (Council or DoC)
• Animal carer in a wildlife park or animal sanctuary
• Zookeeper
• Animal minder in a range of animal facilities
• Boarding kennel or cattery attendant
• Facility assistant for SPCA
• Pet shop assistant
• Pet supply sales representative
• Wildlife rehabilitation aide

Start Dates

The program start dates are:

• February
• July
• June (full-time, with online and block courses)
• September (on-campus and North Tec - Whangrei - online and block courses)