New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals)
Animal Care
A course by
UCOL
Gain the core practical skills to care for cats, dogs, rabbits, and other companion animals. This entry-level programme prepares you for work in animal facilities or further study in animal care or veterinary nursing.
NZ$5,392
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Assist in animal care with ethical and legal standards
Apply professional, ethical, and legal principles to support animal care in a range of settings.
Support animal health and welfare
Conduct health checks and day-to-day tasks that support the wellbeing, hygiene, and enrichment of companion animals.
About This Course
The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) at UCOL is ideal for those looking to begin a career in the animal care industry. You'll develop hands-on, practical skills to care for a range of small animals—covering health checks, feeding, handling, behaviour, enrichment and safe working practices. This 20-week full-time programme prepares you for regulatory compliance in the workplace and gives you confidence in day-to-day animal care through blended learning and an industry placement. Graduates are equipped for work in pet stores, animal rescue, grooming, boarding facilities, and other companion animal environments or can staircase to further study.
Course Content
- Introduction to Professional Skills when working with companion animals
- Legislation and Codes of Welfare for animal facilities
- Interpersonal and professional competencies in animal settings
- Behaviour, handling and transportation for companion animals
- Identification of animal breeds and individual animals
- Safe handling, restraint and basic training
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Preventive health and hygiene practices
- Animal husbandry (holistic care, reproduction, neonate care)
- Basic first aid for companion animals
- Companion Animals Practicum (work placement in an animal care facility)
- Health and safety, legal, and welfare practices in facilities
- Feeding, handling and day-to-day husbandry tasks
Entry Requirements
Build towards these roles
Animal Care AssistantAnimal Shelter WorkerPet Grooming AssistantKennel AttendantPet Store Assistant
Build skills in these industries
Animal CareHealthcare
UCOL is a polytechnic built around the kind of learning that actually sticks — hands-on, practical, and grounded in the real world. With campuses across the lower North Island and a programme range that stretches from trades and health to creative arts and IT, it's a strong fit for learners who want a clear path into work without unnecessary detours. Whether you're fresh out of school, changing direction, or building on what you already know, UCOL is set up to meet you where you are.
