New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) with strand in Companion Animals
Farming
A course by
Wintec
A practical, entry-level certificate for those interested in caring for companion animals, preparing students for roles in pet stores, animal rescue, day-care and boarding facilities, and further animal technology study.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Rotokauri Campus, Hamilton


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Demonstrate foundational understanding of animal biology and health
Understand the structure, function, and preventative health measures relevant to companion animals.

Apply safe and ethical handling and husbandry skills
Handle, care for, and transport companion animals in ways that ensure their wellbeing, applying industry-standard welfare and ethics.

Perform routine animal care tasks
Carry out day-to-day animal care duties, including hygiene, feeding, and monitoring basic health in a practical workplace setting.
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3), with a strand in Companion Animals, is designed as a foundational programme for individuals interested in animal care industries. It provides theoretical and hands-on training, including a compulsory 40-hour work placement at the Wintec Animal House. Students will learn animal biology, hygiene, health, welfare, and daily routine care for a variety of companion animals through classroom teaching and practical sessions.
Course Content
- Animal biology
- Animal hygiene and health
- Routine animal care
- Animal welfare and ethics
- Professional skills for working with companion animals
- Behaviour, handling, and transport of companion animals
- Form, function, and preventative health for companion animals
- Husbandry for companion animals
- Companion animals practicum (work placement)
What you need to know first
Open entry; applicants must demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.
Completion of a health declaration prior to acceptance.
English language requirement (if applicable): Academic IELTS 5.0 with no band below 5, or equivalent.

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal Care
Pet Industry
Animal Rescue

Future employment opportunities might be
Pet store assistant
Animal rescue centre assistant
Pet grooming
Animal daycare/boarding assistant
Animal training support


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More details