Certificate II in Animal Care
ACM20121
Length
6 Months (full time)
1 Year (part time)
Location
Study Mode
On Campus & Online
Online Classes & Face to face Workshops
Workplace Training & Online Study
Certificate II in Animal Care - ACM20121
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
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. The work activities are routine, performed under supervision and within clearly defined guidelines.
Participants will learn:
- How to assist in the health care of animals
- Animal care hygiene
- How to feed and water animals
- Basic animal first aid
- Workplace health and safety processes
- Communication skills
Recognition of Prior Learning
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Employment outcomes after completing this course include entry-level positions in various animal care settings, including animal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet grooming services, and wildlife care facilities.
Further study
Students wishing to continue with their studies may wish to undertake the:
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Wangaratta - Tone Road
(10 commencing soon)
Open From: 16-Feb-2026 - Traineeship - Part time - On Campus, Online and Workplace
Open From: 16-Feb-2026 - School Based Apprentice or Trainee - Part time - On Campus, Online and Workplace
Open From: 16-Feb-2026 - Workplace - Part time - On Campus, Online and Workplace
Open From: 01-Feb-2027 - Traineeship - Part time - Workplace Training & Online Study
Open From: 01-Feb-2027 - School Based Apprentice or Trainee - Part time - Workplace Training & Online Study
Open From: 01-Feb-2027 - Workplace - Part time - Workplace Training & Online Study
Starts On: 01-Feb-2027 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 25-Jan-2027
Starts On: 04-Feb-2027 - Part time - Thursday - 10.00am - 11.30am - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops - Applications Close: 28-Jan-2027
Starts On: 12-Jul-2027 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 05-Jul-2027
Starts On: 15-Jul-2027 - Part time - Thursday - 10.00am - 11.30am - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops - Applications Close: 08-Jul-2027
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 12 units: 7 core and 5 elective.
Core units
7 unit(s)
- ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
- ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
- ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
- ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
- ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
- ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
- BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
Elective units
9 unit(s)
- ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
- ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
- ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
- ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
- ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
- ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
- ACMVET202 Carry out daily practice routines
- ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
- BSBOPS203 Deliver a service to customers
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 0.5 years course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend on campus two days per week on a Monday and Tuesday 9am to 4pm (7 hours).
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 13 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
General public blended delivery | 1-year course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend two practical workshops on campus (5 days per workshop; 6 hours per day)
- Attend weekly 1.5 hour webinars (Thursday)
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Spend approximately 11-12 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
General public placement
- Placement is organised by the student. Students finding locating practical placement providers difficult, may seek assistance from their trainer.
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- GOTAFE have incorporated a 40-hour practical placement which can be completed in one or more animal care workplaces over the duration of the course. Placement can be structured around workplace requirements and personal commitments. Individual daily hours (start and finish time) will vary, depending on the host requirements.
- Placement hours are recorded in their practical placement booklet, this is to be signed by the enterprise supervisor.
- Students may need to travel to placement (at their own cost).
- GOTAFE uniform/PPE is required to be worn during placement.
- In situations where assessment tasks are unable to be completed in their workplace, students have the option to gain their practical experience and assessments in either the GOTAFE clinic or enter into a practical workplace agreement with another clinic which can provide the resources and opportunities required.
Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Spend approximately 7 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
- Remain employed within the Industry for the duration of their course.
- Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
- Access support as required.
VDSS blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
This course can be delivered as part of GOTAFE’s VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) program. Students interested in undertaking this course need to enrol through their school.
Skills First subsidised funding is not available for VDSS programs. Contact your school for VDSS Fee information.
School based apprenticeship traineeship blended delivery | 2-year course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend monthly regular virtual catch ups with their trainer, timing arranged directly with the trainer.
- Spend approximately 7 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
- Remain employed within the industry for the duration of their course.
- Access support, as required.
Workplace blended delivery | 1 year course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend monthly regular virtual catch ups with their trainer, timing arranged directly with the trainer.
- Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
- Remain employed within the Industry for the duration of their course.
- Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
- Access support, as required.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Projects
- Simulated demonstrations
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Be over 15 years of age at the time the course commences.
It is recommended to have a current Tetanus immunisation before commencing this course.
Workplace students are required to have 15 hours of paid employment in an approved workplace. The Employer's ABN will be required during the enrolment process.
Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students will have their suitability determined by Charles Sturt Unversity (CSU). A minimum ATAR of 70 is required.
Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
Prospective VDSS students are required to apply through their School's VET Coordinator or Careers Advisor.
Inherent requirements
- Working in this industry may involve shift work and working weekends.
- It involves handling a variety of animals which requires a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
Enrolment
How to Apply
- Explore – Review the course details to check the fit for your goals. Our team is here from 8:30 – 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 468 233 if you’d like to talk it through.
- Prepare – Gather any documents you may need, like photo ID, concession or eligibility evidence, residency or visa details, prior study or credit evidence, or your USI (we can help you find or create this).
- Apply – Click Apply Now and complete your application – its quick and easy.
- Skills Check – Some courses include a language and numeracy evaluation so we can tailor the right support before you start.
- Offer – We’ll review your application, contact you if we require anything else, and send you an offer. To secure your place, accept your offer and make any required pre-commencement payment.
- Welcome to GOTAFE – We’ll finalise your enrolment and share everything you need to feel ready. You may be asked to attend an online or in person induction session where we’ll outline the support available to you from day one.
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those with enrolment commencing in 2026 and may change without notice.
- may differ to the fees applicable for those with enrolment commencing in 2027.
Indicative fee information will be shared with you during your application process. If you have questions about fees or funding eligibility, please contact the team member supporting your application or call 1300 468 233.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your English language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Browse other courses
Microchipping Short Course (SA4MCHIP27)
The Microchipping Short Course provides indiviudals with the skills and knowledge required to aseptically perform microchip implantation procedures on cats and dogs, with minimum discomfort to the animal, for identification and traceability purposes.
An Introduction to Dog Grooming (SA3GROOM27)
This short course is designed to give students an introduction to the world of dog grooming. Students will learn about equipment requirements, workplace OHS, animal handling techniques, hair and coat structure, basic wash and dry skills and an introduction to the art of clipping.
Microchipping Short Course (SA4MCHIP26)
This is a post-graduate short course and is for students who have completed any one of the 12 qualifications listed in the entry requirements. Graduates of these qualifications can apply for their microchipping licence in Victoria.
