Animal Care

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National Certificate in Animal Care Level 2

Image of vet nurse Ashley Stevens at work
Meet our students and graduates »

Do you want to work in a boarding kennel or pet shop, or maybe at a wildlife park or with a horse trainer? This course of study includes regular off-campus work placements that will help you decide where you want to take your career in the animal and veterinary industry. This course is the perfect stepping stone to further study as a vet nurse.

Boost your chances of employment with this programme which includes courses in animal ethics, anatomy, physiology, breeding, animal nursing, first aid for cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, guinea pigs and a range of other animal related learning. Graduates may apply to enter the Certificate in Animal Handling Level 3 or apply for the National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing Level 5.

Content Details

You’ll enjoy a mix of classroom theory, animal handling, laboratory work, field visits and off-campus training in a variety of animal care industries. Areas you study include:

  • Anatomy and physiology of animals
  • Safe working practices and maintaining animal facility hygiene
  • Providing emergency first aid to companion animals
  • Ethics and legislation as they apply to the care and handling of animals
  • Monitoring health and providing husbandry for cats, dogs, rabbits and rodents
  • Problems of behaviour in companion animals
  • Communication and stress management

Work Experience
To assist you in making an informed decision of the area you wish to specialise in, you will experience six, one day off-campus work placements. They will include animal industries such  as boarding kennels, pet shops, horse trainers, dog groomers, veterinary clinics and wildlife parks, and include organisations like the SPCA, Animal Control and Riding for the Disabled.

Entry

It is desirable that applicants be 17 years of age or older with:

  • 4 years secondary education with an emphasis on maths, sciences and English
  • A genuine empathy with animals and a desire to pursue a career in animal care or veterinary nursing

English Language Requirements

If you are an overseas student or a new resident and English is not your first language, please note that study at tertiary level requires both written and oral participation.

You will be required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL score of 500.

Indicative Fees

  • $2,588 incl. course related costs

The standard published fee is applicable for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only.

An international fee is payable for non New Zealand citizens/permanent residents.

Qualifications Gained

  • National Certificate in Animal Care Level 2

Career Opportunities

Pet shop assistant, vet clinic assistant, further study.

Study Pathways

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Pathways