NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) (Level 3)

Biology

A course by

EIT

This programme equips students with hands-on skills and knowledge to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of companion animals, preparing them for entry-level employment and further study in veterinary nursing and animal care.

STUDY FREE
NZ$2,100

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing

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Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 3 Certification

Study Level

Entry

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Hawke's Bay Campus, Hawke's Bay

It will take a total of 19 weeks

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Regulatory and Industry Compliance

Comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice for animal care and welfare.

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Ethical Behaviour and Interpersonal Skills

Maintain positive interpersonal relationships and ethical behaviour in the provision of animal care.

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Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge

Apply knowledge of companion animal form and function to identify and respond to variations in health and behaviour.

What You're Signing Up For

Turn your passion for animals into a career with the hands-on NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) Level 3. This programme provides skills and knowledge for animal care ensuring health, safety, and welfare in care facilities. Students train at EIT’s specialised animal facility with practical experience. Career opportunities include roles in veterinary practices, animal welfare agencies, research groups, and grooming. The programme prepares students to comply with regulatory and welfare standards, maintain ethical behaviour, and apply knowledge of companion animal anatomy, physiology, health, and husbandry. Entry requires physical ability to perform practical tasks and good character clearance.

Course Content

  • Professional skills when working with animals
  • Safe handling and transportation of companion animals
  • Anatomy and physiology of animals
  • Care for companion animals

What you need to know first

Minimum age 16 years

Physically able to undertake practical requirements

Good character including a clear Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions Record

English language competency

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Animal Care

  • Veterinary Nursing

  • Animal Welfare

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Animal Care Assistant in veterinary practices, animal laboratories, pet shops, kennels or catteries

  • Roles in animal welfare agencies such as SPCA

  • Employment with animal science research groups

  • Breeding establishments

  • Grooming and pet sitting