The Gordon
Certificate II in Animal Care
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)This course is the ideal starting point if you’ve always dreamed of working with animals. You will learn how to care for animals in a range of environments and gain an understanding of the animal care industry, its products and services.
Delivery mode
The Gordon offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- 2 Fenwick Street, Geelong
- 24 Watton Street, Werribee
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
- Applicants must be aged 16 or over at the time of course commencement
- Any student under the age of 17 must provide a Transition from School form prior to undertaking this course.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2
- Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment.
Additional requirements may apply.Course fees
- VIC Subsidised Training This training may be subsidised by the VIC Government for eligible individuals. Places are limited.
Career opportunities
The Certificate II in Animal Care will prepare you for the following roles.
Animal Attendant
An Animal Attendant works with animals to ensure their needs are met while in their care. You’ll make sure animals have proper nutrition and fresh...
Kennel Attendant
A career as a Kennel Attendant can be a lot of fun but it’s also hard work. You’ll look after pet dogs staying in a boarding kennel while their own...
Wildlife Carer
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...
Zoo Keeper
A Zoo Keeper cares for animals in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, nature parks and aquariums. You might work with a particular kind of animal or you mi...
Equine Veterinary Nurse
An Equine Veterinary Nurse works in a veterinary facility but specialises in the care of horses. Your role will be varied but could involve assisti...
Veterinary Nurse
A Veterinary Nurse assists with many of the daily operations at a veterinary surgery. You might have to help veterinarians while they treat an anim...
Cattery Attendant
A Cattery Attendant works in a cattery facility looking after domestic cats while their owners are away. Your daily duties will involve feeding and...
Animal Control Officer
An Animal Control Officer helps to enforce laws relating to the treatment of animals. You might have to help capture animals that are lost or have...
Apprentice Animal Trainer
An Apprentice Animal Trainer works with dogs and other animals to modify their behaviour or teach them to follow commands. You might work with one...
Assistant Dog Trainer
An Assistant Dog Trainer uses a range of training strategies to get dogs to follow commands or do specific duties. You might also work with dogs to...
Sheep Shearer
A Sheep Shearer removes wool from sheep. You might use machine shears or hand held blades and you may be responsible for maintaining your shearing...
Wool Worker
A Wool Worker carries out various duties in a shearing shed to make sure operations are running smoothly. You may have to get sheep ready for shear...
Animal Shelter Manager
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...
Animal Management Officer
An Animal Management Officer works with animals that have been lost, abandoned or mistreated. You’ll usually work for a local council and you may h...
Animal Trainer
An Animal Trainer teaches animals to follow commands and show expected behaviours when required. You might be training working dogs, assistance ani...
Animal Welfare Officer
An Animal Welfare Officer ensures the humane treatment and welfare of animals. You might work in animal shelters, government agencies, or animal we...
Animal Nutritionist
An Animal Nutritionist develops and implements dietary plans to ensure the health and well-being of animals. You might work in veterinary clinics,...
Wildlife Officer
A Wildlife Officer protects and manages wildlife and their habitats. You might work in national parks, conservation areas, or wildlife reserves. Wi...
About The Gordon
As one of the largest TAFEs in Victoria, The Gordon has been helping people gain real skills for over 130 years. We pride ourselves on delivering a great range of study options in vocational ‘hands-on’ training.
