New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) (Level 3)
Biology
A course by
SIT
Gain the skills and knowledge required to assist in the care and husbandry of companion animals within animal facilities or further your animal care training with the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) (Level 3), delivered online via SIT2LRN Distance Learning.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
SIT2LRN Distance Learning, Online
It will take a total of 1 year


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Understand animal welfare and facility requirements
Identify legislation, codes of welfare, and professional competencies required in a companion animal facility.

Demonstrate animal identification and handling skills
Identify a range of companion animal breeds, apply safe handling, restraint, training, and transportation techniques.

Apply preventative health and hygiene measures
Recognise anatomical structures, describe functions, and maintain companion animal health through hygiene practices.
What You're Signing Up For
This qualification provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to care for animals within welfare standards and practices in a non-production context, such as animal rescue centres, boarding facilities, and pet daycares. Graduates will gain practical and theoretical understanding related to companion animal welfare, husbandry, preventative health, and professional behaviours necessary for animal care roles.
Course Content
- Introduction to professional skills when working with companion animals
- Companion animal facility welfare legislation and codes
- Identification, behaviour, handling, and transportation of companion animals
- Anatomy, function, and preventative health of companion animals
- Hygiene and wellness management in animal care
- Holistic husbandry practices
- Basic reproduction and neonatal care in companion animals
- Basic first aid for companion animals
- Day-to-day feeding, handling, and health routines in companion animal facilities
- Application of health and safety requirements in animal care facilities
- 40-hour practicum (work placement) in companion animal setting
What you need to know first
Open entry subject to discretion of delegated authority and sufficient capability to complete the course.
Health and tetanus declaration required.
Current criminal conviction history required.
International applicants: minimum IELTS 5.0 (no band lower than 5.0) or equivalent as per NZQA rules.
Computer access and ability to use electronic documents.

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal care and welfare
Companion animal services
Veterinary support

Future employment opportunities might be
Animal care assistant
Pet store assistant
Animal rescue centre staff
Pet grooming assistant
Kennel/cattery staff
Animal daycare assistant
Companion animal facility support roles


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
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