Program Overview

Overview of the Certificate II in Animal Care

The Certificate II in Animal Care is an ideal entry point into the animal care and management industry. This qualification describes the skills and knowledge for entry-level and support roles in the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, boarding/day care facilities, sanctuaries, and veterinary clinics.

Career Opportunities

Students completing the Certificate II in Animal Care can enter the workforce in a supervised role as a Kennel Hand, Pet Shop Assistant, Animal Attendant, or similar role.

Structure and Availability

The course structure includes four clusters:

• Cluster One: Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment
• Cluster Two: Introduction to Animal Husbandry
• Cluster Three: Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability
• Cluster Four: Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid

Cluster One - Introduction to the Animal Care Work Environment

• BSBCMM211: Apply communication skills
• ACMWHS201: Participate in workplace health and safety processes
• ACMGEN201: Work in the animal care industry

Cluster Two - Introduction to Animal Husbandry

• ACMGEN202: Complete animal care hygiene routines
• ACMGEN203: Feed and water animals
• ACMGEN204: Assist in health care of animals

Cluster Three - Introduction to Customer Experience and Sustainability

• ACMGEN205: Source and provide information for animal care needs
• BSBOPS203: Deliver a service to customers
• ACMSUS201: Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Cluster Four - Intermediate Animal Knowledge and First Aid

• ACMBEH301: Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
• ACMSPE320: Provide general care of mammals
• ACMGEN309: Provide basic animal first aid

Requirements

• Complete the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy assessment prior to enrolment unless they have completed an equal or higher-level course.
• Prior to admission, students are to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement.
• Evidence of a local provider's confirmation to support placement is required to submit an application.

Fees and Scholarships

• Course tuition fees are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
• Subsidies reduce the cost of tuition fees for TAFE courses, reducing the amount of money you need to pay.
• Eligibility and conditions apply.
• Check your eligibility for subsidised training.

Fees

• See what you might pay to complete this course based on your situation and eligibility for subsidised training.
• Course fee: $0$4,020 (2026 indicative range)

Subsidy and Funding Information

• Subsidies reduce the cost of tuition fees for TAFE courses.
• Eligibility and conditions apply.
• Check your eligibility for subsidised training.

How to Apply

• Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
• Choose when you want to study.
• Your application options:
  • Australian/New Zealand Applicant
  • Start TAFE Now
  • Apprenticeships and Traineeships
  • Recognition of Prior Learning

Follow These Steps

1. Check you meet the course requirements.
2. Get a Unique Student Identifier.
3. Prepare your eligibility documentation.
4. Submit your application.
5. Complete your bksb testing.

Related Courses

• Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122)