Animal Shelter Manager Courses
An Animal Shelter Manager oversees shelter operations, leads staff, organises training, and ensures animal care while maintaining good communication.
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 Animal Shelter Manager
Get qualified to work as a Animal Shelter Manager 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...
Career opportunities
Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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Estimated fee
From $22,200
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology covers fundamental sciences, including chemistry, biochemistry, and mathematics, alongside animal handling, care, welfare, and behaviour. The course delves into applied and clinical nutrition, animal disease mechanisms, and diagnostic techniques. It also includes studies in small and large animal health, therapeutics, surgical and medical nursing principles, and veterinary practice management. This degree equips students with both theoretical and practical skills nece...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $22,200
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Estimated fee
From $26,850
The Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) offers an understanding of the societal and ethical contexts of conservation biology, animal behaviour, and animal welfare. This degree provides training in retrieving, analysing, and evaluating information pertinent to animal behaviour. It also focuses on effectively communicating this information to diverse audiences. This course is ideal for those seeking to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in animal behaviour within the broader framework of conservatio...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $26,850
Find a provider
Estimated fee
From $26,850
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) provides an in-depth understanding of animal behaviour, health, welfare, nutrition, production, reproduction, and human-animal interactions. Students gain hands-on experience with diverse animal facilities, from reptiles and native mammals to sheep and cattle, and collaboration with wildlife parks, zoos, and farms. As human-animal interactions grow, especially in companionship and food production, graduates are poised for diverse careers including animal welfare of...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $26,850
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Animal Shelter Manager.
Common questions

How much does an Animal Shelter Manager earn?
In Australia, a full time Animal Shelter Manager generally earns $1,733 per week ($90,116 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 an Animal Shelter Manager?
There are currently 16,500 animal attendants in Australia and many of them work in an animal shelter. This industry is expected to see an increase in employment numbers in coming years. Animal Shelter Managers usually work in larger cities and towns where animal shelter facilities are located.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections

How do I become an Animal Shelter Manager?
If you’re planning a career as an Animal Shelter Manager, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this career with topics such as caring for animals and basic training techniques.
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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
An Animal Shelter Manager oversees the daily operations at a facility for animals that are in need of care. You’ll care for animals until permanent care can be found. Animal Shelter Managers lead a team of workers so you might have to organise rosters, training and staff recruitment. You might also be involved with duties such as feeding, watering and exercising animals and cleaning their enclosures.
Animal Shelter Managers need to have good leadership skills and be able to communicate well with a team of staff. You’ll need to be organised and have good administration skills. You need to be skilled at working with animals and be able to liaise with potential new animal owners.
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