New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) (Companion Animals)
Animal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain an entry-level qualification in companion animal care. This flexible programme provides foundational knowledge and practical experience for those wishing to pursue a career working with animals in settings such as boarding kennels, catteries, pet shops, or animal shelters.
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
Understand companion animal health and welfare
Gain foundational knowledge of the physical and mental needs of companion animals and how to support their wellbeing.
Develop skills in animal handling and transportation
Learn practical techniques to safely handle, transport and minimise stress for a variety of companion animals.
Apply best practices in animal husbandry
Understand essential husbandry tasks and routines for caring for popular companion animals.
What You're Signing Up For
This programme provides the fundamental skills to begin a career working with companion animals. Students study animal health, welfare, husbandry, anatomy, physiology, and handling techniques for a range of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds. The programme includes a work placement and is delivered online, with regular flexible online sessions. It is designed as an entry point for the animal care sector and provides pathways to higher-level animal qualifications.
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
- Animal health and welfare
- Anatomy and physiology
- Low-stress handling techniques
- Work placement (minimum 40 hours)
What you need to know first
Open entry. Must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction before acceptance.
English language proficiency: IELTS 5.0 (no band lower than 5.0) or equivalent if English or te reo Māori is not a first language.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal Care
Future employment opportunities might be
Animal care assistant
SPCA worker
Kennel assistant
Cattery assistant
Pet shop assistant
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.