New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)
Allied Health
A course by
Whitireia & WelTec
Become an Animal Healthcare Assistant with the skills to work in the animal healthcare sector and assist veterinary clinicians in clinical settings.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
It will take a total of 1 year


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Provide animal healthcare assistance
Assist in the provision of animal healthcare for patients, working under supervision in animal care facilities.

Apply clinical and husbandry skills
Demonstrate a range of clinical and husbandry skills required in animal healthcare, including hygiene and infection control.

Understand companion animal behaviour and communication
Apply knowledge of animal behaviour to ensure effective care and safe handling of a variety of companion animals.
What You're Signing Up For
This Level 4 certificate equips you to work as an Animal Healthcare Assistant in the veterinary and animal care industry. You’ll learn key clinical and husbandry skills for companion animals, with practical placements and a blended delivery of face-to-face and online learning. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration on the New Zealand Register of Animal Healthcare Assistants.
Course Content
- Animal communication and behaviour
- Animal husbandry and hygiene
- Animal handling and restraint for companion animals
- Infection control
- Interpersonal relationships and clinical effectiveness
- Companion Animal Professionalism and Infection Control
- Companion Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Companion Animal Husbandry and Behaviour
- Companion Animal Practicum 1 & 2
- Companion Animal Health and Hygiene
- Companion Animal Clinical Assistance
- Companion Animal Preparation for Practice
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, or a recognised equivalent
OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above, or a recognised equivalent
Completed health and criminal declaration form prior to acceptance

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal Healthcare
Veterinary Services
Animal Care

Future employment opportunities might be
Animal Healthcare Assistant in veterinary clinics
Animal care facility assistant (catteries, kennels, rescue shelters, doggy day-care)


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Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details