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.

STUDY FREE
$ENQUIRE

Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & 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 (70 Credits)

Study Level

Entry

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10

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.

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Demonstrate animal identification and handling skills

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

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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.

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Animal care and welfare

  • Companion animal services

  • Veterinary support

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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