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Do you love animals and want to follow your calling to work with cats, canines and all creatures? If your dream is to work day-to-day with animals, this course will give you job ready skills to be employed in a broad range of roles in the animal care industry, including dog daycare, boarding, rescue shelters, pet sitting, dog walking, breeding establishments and other animal businesses.
Learn from our expert team of lecturers who are specialists in animal care and passionate about teaching and maintaining the highest standards of grooming, health, feeding and welfare for animals. You’ll gain skills in interacting safely, providing animal first-aid, walking and bathing dogs, as well as grooming crossbreed dogs and companion animals according to breed and coat. Build your knowledge of how to provide care to a wide range of animal species including dogs, rodents, rabbits, birds, fish, and reptiles.
This course is ideal if you wish to begin working in animal care, and if you’re already employed or volunteering in the industry, the course will give you a formal qualification to further develop your skillset and help advance further in your current workplace.
Turn your passion into your profession and start your career in animal care with this entry-level course.
Study in specialist facilities
SM TAFE is the only TAFE to offer a live veterinary clinic based at our Bentley campus which is open to the general public, staff and students to make bookings for consults and surgeries. Students can gain on-the-job skills in animal care with a range of species including dogs, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, lizards, fish, along with an aviary housing various birdlife. The clinic allows development of skills in a safe and supported environment.
Our Murdoch campus has a dedicated dog day-care training facility and pet grooming clinic where students can develop hands-on animal care skills in a real-world setting.
- identify animal behaviours
- interact safely with animals
- assess the welfare status of animals
- comply with infection control policies/procedures
- provide animal first aid
- walk and exercise dogs
- bath, dry and brush dogs
- provide general care for dogs, rodents, rabbits, birds, fish, and reptiles
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
There are no entry requirements for this qualification
Attendance in class
You will be expected to attend campus three days per week for two semesters.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately three hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and Wi-Fi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
Work placement or industry employment is not mandatory for this qualification however it is encouraged, and you will be supported if you wish to complete a placement to help consolidate your learning.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery, and wear enclosed non-slip footwear.
The following uniform is required to be worn at all practical classes, while on visits, and when handling animals:
- non-slip enclosed shoes
- knee length shorts or full-length pants
- scrub shirt (see below)
You will be required to purchase a scrub shirt. These can be ordered at orientation or within the first few weeks of class at an approximate cost of $48 (subject to change).
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
Work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you which will involve your attendance at a workplace.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2024
Bentley - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 1, 2024 |
| Where | Bentley |
| How | On Campus |
Murdoch - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 1, 2024 |
| Where | Murdoch |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2023
Bentley - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Bentley |
| How | On Campus |
Murdoch - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Murdoch |
| How | On Campus |