If you enjoy working with animals, a qualification in this area can turn your passion into a career. Whether you plan to work as an animal trainer, pet groomer, wildlife carer or animal behaviourist, a course in animal studies can give you the skills you need to improve your job opportunities. You might be employed in a veterinary practice, a zoo, an animal shelter or a training facility. If you’re not sure which qualification to choose, here are some of the most popular courses in animal welfare and veterinary care.
Certificate II in Animal Care
A Certificate II in Animal Care is an excellent entry-level course for anyone interested in a career working with animals. This qualification covers a range of subjects including animal feeding, basic health care, animal first aid and animal grooming. You’ll be prepared to work in roles such as animal attendant, kennel or cattery attendant or pet groomer. The Certificate II in Animal Care also provides opportunities to gain real world experience as part of your course.
Certificate III in Animal Care Services
The Certificate III in Animal Care Services can further your knowledge and skills in working with animals. This course explores topics such as animal health, animal nutrition, hygiene, workplace safety and communication. You’ll be ready for employment in a range of roles including animal attendant, animal control officer, animal shelter attendant, kennel or cattery attendant, pet groomer and apprentice animal trainer. The Certificate III in Animal Care Services also allows you to specialise in an area of interest such as veterinary nursing, wildlife rescue or animal behaviour and training.
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
If you’ve always wanted to work in a zoo or wildlife facility, a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care could be the qualification you need. This course will prepare you to work as a wildlife carer or zoo keeper in a range of animal parks and facilities. You’ll cover a range of topics such as rescuing animals, applying first aid, rehabilitating native wildlife and caring for young animals. The Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care will also give you the knowledge and skills to assist with animal feeding and play activities.
Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management
A Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management is an ideal choice if you plan to work with pet animals in an animal shelter or pet store. You might be employed as an animal shelter manager, animal behaviourist or animal trainer. This course covers various aspects of pet care, companionship and training, but also addresses retail operations and business skills. The Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management will give you the skills to work with dogs, cats, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
A Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a great way to get started in a career as a veterinary nurse. You may be employed as a veterinary nurse in a regular veterinary practice or specialise your skills with a role such as an equine veterinary nurse. You’ll learn a range of skills such as assisting a vet during animal surgery, preparing animals for anaesthesia and nursing and monitoring animals during recovery. The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing also looks at clinic routines, infection controls, veterinary drugs and poisons and animal nutrition and wellbeing.