New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Companion Animals) (Level 4)
Animal Care
A course by
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Prepare for a career as an animal technician or supervisor with a certificate in animal management focused on companion animals. Gain practical skills in animal healthcare, husbandry, and welfare with work-integrated learning.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Windermere Campus, Tauranga
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Supervise and care for companion animals
Ability to work as a supervisor or technician involved with the daily care and welfare of animals.
Manage animal welfare and healthcare
Apply knowledge of healthcare, husbandry, animal behaviour, and welfare to ensure the well-being of companion animals.
Operate safely in animal care workplaces
Implement occupational health and safety practices in animal management environments.
What You're Signing Up For
This course is designed for those passionate about working with companion animals, equipping students with essential skills in care, management, anatomy, physiology, and occupational health and safety. It includes both on-campus and real-world practical experience, requiring 60 hours per semester of placement at an external facility. Graduates will be qualified to supervise or work in various companion animal care settings, including animal centres, sanctuaries, kennels, catteries, doggie daycares, and more.
Course Content
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Companion Animal Husbandry A
- Companion Animal Husbandry B
- Companion Animal Healthcare
- Companion Animal Behaviour
- Companion Animal Welfare
- Companion Animal Practicum A
- Companion Animal Practicum B
- Occupational health and safety
- Work-integrated learning
- Day-to-day care and management of companion animals
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 completed New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3)
Declaration Record of Criminal History when enrolling
Signed off-campus student learning contract
Health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction prior to acceptance
Applicants over 20 who do not meet academic requirements may be considered for special admission
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal care
Veterinary services
Animal welfare
Future employment opportunities might be
Animal centre worker
Animal sanctuary worker
Supervisor of kennels
Supervisor of cattery
Supervisor of doggie daycare
Animal rehabilitation worker
Animal breeding facility worker
Animal quarantine facility worker
Known for hands-on, industry-aligned education, Toi Ohomai focuses on giving learners real skills that lead to real outcomes. With strong employer connections, supportive teaching, and clear pathways across certificates, diplomas, and degrees, it’s a place where learning stays relevant and confidence grows over time. Programmes span trades, construction, business, health, creative industries, technology, and primary industries, helping learners build experience and momentum for whatever comes next.