New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care ( Companion Animals, and Lifestyle Block Animals) (Level 3)

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals, and Lifestyle Block Animals) (Level 3)

Strategic Purpose Statement

The purpose of this qualification is to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge and attributes to maintain the welfare of animals in the companion, recreation, or lifestyle block animal sectors.

This qualification is targeted at individuals who are or are intending to be, caring for animals in non-production contexts, for example: pet stores, animal rescue centres, pet groomers, boarding and training facilities, lifestyle blocks, and animal recreation businesses.

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Graduate Profile

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

  • Comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice for animal care.
  • Respond to normal and abnormal health and behaviour in animals.
  • Assist with the day to day care of animals.

Education Pathways

Graduates may progress on to the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) with strands in Canine Behaviour and Training, Captive Wild Animals, and Companion Animals. Or New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) with strands in Rural Animal Technician and Veterinary Nursing Assistant.

Employment Pathway

Graduates of this qualification may work in various sectors of the animal care and handling industry. Sectors might include veterinary practices, animal laboratories, pet shops, kennels and catteries, animal welfare agencies such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), zoological and wildlife parks, and search and rescue services.

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Entry Criteria

Physical - must have the physical capability to cope with the practical demands of the qualification including a willingness to work hands-on with animals and have an understanding that there may be times that students witness or are involved with injured or dead animals and the handling of body parts or fluids.

Youth Guarantee criteria may apply. Fees free for eligible students, contact us for eligibility criteria and course fees, if applicable.

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