New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals)
Animal Care
A course by
UCOL
Gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to maintain the welfare of companion animals such as cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits, and work in the animal care industry or prepare for further animal-related study.
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
UCOL Manawatū, Palmerston North
It will take a total of 20 weeks
This course requires 42 hours per week
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Apply professional and ethical animal care practices
Demonstrate the ability to provide care for companion animals in an ethical, legal, and professional manner according to relevant codes and legislation.
Identify and handle a range of companion animals
Recognise breeds, apply safe handling, and carry out effective methods for restraint, training, and transportation of various companion animals.
Support the health and wellbeing of animals
Use knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and preventative health care to maintain animal health and prevent disease.
What You're Signing Up For
Harness your love for animals and join the rewarding animal care industry with the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) Level 3. This programme will equip you with the qualification needed to comply with regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice. You'll learn to respond to normal and abnormal health and behaviour in animals and assist with their day-to-day care. The course blends face-to-face classes, online learning, and work placement experience.
Course Content
- Professional skills and ethics in animal care
- Legislation and codes of welfare for companion animals
- Interpersonal and professional competencies for animal care facilities
- Identification and handling of companion animals
- Safe handling, restraint, and basic training techniques
- Animal transportation techniques
- Anatomy and physiology of companion animals
- Preventative health and hygiene measures
- Animal husbandry and welfare
- Reproduction and care of neonates
- Basic first aid for animals
- Work placement in animal care facilities (companion animals practicum)
- Health and safety in animal care environments
What you need to know first
Open Entry if the delegated authority is satisfied that the applicant can complete the programme.
All applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction.
English language proficiency: IELTS 5 (no band lower than 5), or equivalent, for non-native speakers.
Find these employment opportunities
Pet store assistantAnimal rescue centre workerPet groomerBoarding and training facility assistantAnimal recreation business staffGeneral pet care roles
Unlock these industries
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.
