Wildlife Carer Courses
A Wildlife Carer cares for injured native animals and orphans until they can be released back into the wild, requiring flexibility and patience.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Wildlife Carer
Get qualified to work as a Wildlife Carer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
ACM20121
Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Get started as an animal carer with the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care. This nationally recognised training course qualifies you for support roles at animal shelters, kennels, pet shops, and wildlife centres. The course covers: feeding and watering animals, cleaning pens and enclosures, assisting with animal health care, communicating with co-workers, keeping safe at work, assisting with animal enrichment and welfare, providing animal first aid, basic grooming, and much more. Enquire now for the f...
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Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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ACM30321
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Want to work at the zoo or wildlife sanctuary? The Certificate ACM30321 III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care is a pathway to professional and volunteer work as a zoo keeper. Your course begins with an introduction to the safety and biosecurity requirements when working with wild animals. You’ll then learn how to feed and care for the animals, including enrichment activities, capture, restraint, transfer, and monitoring. Enquire now for the full list of zookeeping career competencies and available cou...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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ACM30317
Imagine studying with some of Australia’s most experienced zookeepers? The Certificate III in Captive Animals (ACM30317) is for anyone who ever wanted to work at the zoo or nature park. During 9 months of hands-on training you will learn how to rescue animals and apply first aid, rehabilitate native wildlife, care for young animals — plus help with their feeding and playtime. Sound like fun?
Enquire now for the list of study units and your nearest training centre.
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Related career opportunities
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Common questions
How much does a Wildlife Carer earn?
In Australia, a full time Wildlife Carer generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Wildlife Carer?
The number of people working in this industry has remained stable in recent years. There are currently 16,500 people employed as an animal attendant in Australia and many of them work as Wildlife Carers. Wildlife Carers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Wildlife Carer?
If you’re interested in becoming a Wildlife Carer, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Captive Animals. This course covers a range of topics including rescuing animals, applying first aid, rehabilitating native wildlife and caring for very young animals.
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Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
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Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
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These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
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These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
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More information
A Wildlife Carer looks after injured or sick native animals until they can be returned to their natural habitat. You might be employed by an animal care facility or zoo or you might care for animals in your own home. Wildlife Carers may also look after baby animals who have been orphaned or separated from their parents until they are ready to be released into the wild.
Wildlife Carers need to be passionate about native animals and have excellent animal handling skills. You should be able to follow the directions of veterinary staff or animal care professionals. You’ll need to be flexible with your time and you’ll often have to work irregular hours or on weekends and public holidays. Wildlife Carers should be patient and able to deal with the unpredictable nature of wild animals.
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