New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) (Companion Animals)
Animal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
An entry-level, 19-week full-time or one-year part-time online programme designed to provide fundamental skills and knowledge for working with companion animals. Includes practical work placement experience and prepares students for further animal-related studies or careers in animal care professions.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Online, Online
It will take a total of 19 weeks
This course requires 30 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Demonstrate professional skills when working with companion animals
Develop the ability to apply basic professional standards and communication skills relevant to animal care.
Apply appropriate handling, behaviour, and transportation techniques
Safely handle, assess behaviour, and prepare companion animals for travel or movement with low-stress methods.
Understand animal anatomy, physiology, and preventative health
What You're Signing Up For
This programme provides an introduction to animal care, specifically tailored to companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. Students will learn about health, welfare, husbandry, anatomy, physiology, and handling, and complete a 40-hour work placement. The course is an entry point for those wishing to pursue animal care professions including SPCA, pet shops, or kennels and is suited for students considering further study in animal and veterinary nursing fields.
Course Content
- Introduction to Professional Skills When Working With Companion Animals
- Introduction to Behaviour, Handling, and Transportation for Companion Animals
- Introduction to Form, Function and Preventative Health for Companion Animals
- Introduction to Husbandry for Companion Animals
- Companion Animals Practicum
- Health and Safety training
- Online learning modules and regular virtual sessions
- 40-hour work placement in a relevant animal facility
What you need to know first
Open entry
Health declaration and declaration of criminal conviction required
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal Care
Veterinary Services
Animal Welfare
Future employment opportunities might be
SPCA worker
Pet shop employee
Kennel attendant
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.