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This course will take you through the fundamentals of animal care. During your study, you will learn how to:
If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.
| Course number | E1399 |
| Qualification name | ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care |
| Course duration | Self paced - maximum of 12 months |
| Delivery Method | Online with Work Placement (via OpenSpaceX) |
| Recognition | Nationally Recognised  |
| Assessments | Multiple choice Quiz, Projects, Role plays, Video, Work Placement, Written assignments |
| Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
There are no mandated education entry requirements for this qualification as per the ACM - Animal Care and Management Training Package.
To successfully complete this course, it is recommended that students:
Be over 16 years of age (note students under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian to enrol)
Have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to work independently and use own familiar support resources, communicate effectively via email, and identify relevant information from a range of written texts. These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully complete:
Have access to a modern computer with video / audio playback capabilities and high-speed internet
Have access to Microsoft Office or equivalent · Have basic computing skills, including ability to make a short video ·
Have access to a digital video recording device to save and upload video/image files to OpenSpace, e.g., mobile phone/smartphone
You will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian or require guardian/parental consent.
This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.
You will need to have the requisite physical fitness to undertake work placement in an Animal Care Facility. This may involve heavy lifting up to 10kg without assistance
Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.
Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.
| ACMGEN201 | Work in the animal care industry |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| ACMWHS201 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| ACMGEN202 | Complete animal care hygiene routines |
| ACMGEN203 | Feed and water animals |
| ACMGEN204 | Assist in health care of animals |
| ACMSPE316 | Provide general care of domestic dogs |
| ACMSPE317 | Provide general care of domestic cats |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid |
| ACMSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
| ACMGEN310 | Provide reception services for an animal care facility |
| ACMGEN205 | Source and provide information for animal care needs |
Pay in Full
You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo
You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan. When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Payment Plan
You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.
BPAY®
With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more.
BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.
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Chantal has worked in the Animal Care Industry since 1997 with experience and qualifications in Animal Studies, Grooming and Veterinary Nursing and continues to work in the industry. Chantal has been sharing her knowledge with students for over 10 years as a Trainer and Assessor, she is passionate about students gaining the fundamental knowledge and skills to set them up for a fulfilling career in the animal care field of their dreams and being advocates for the well-being of the animals in their care.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of work placement. This may be completed as a block or part time, dependant on organisation requirements.
Work placement block can only be commenced after successful completion of Modules 1 – 12. You will not be able to achieve competencies until you have completed some of your work placement hours.
The workplace will need to provide Animal Care services and have access to a range of animal species, at a minimum housing dogs and cats. Examples of suitable workplaces include Veterinary Clinics/Hospitals, Boarding Kennels, Catteries, Doggy Day-care & Pets Shops where animals are housed. The specific requirements of the workplace are outlined in the Workplace Assessment Guide, which can be found in OpenSpaceX.
Open Colleges will need to ascertain whether the workplace you have chosen is appropriate before you commence your work placement hours. In some cases, you may be required to complete your hours at more than one host organisation if they do not provide all of the required services.
Please note that your host organisation may require you to provide an up to date immunisation history prior to the commencement of your work placement. Open Colleges has no control over this requirement so if you are unable to provide this, you will need to discuss it with your intended Host Organisation.
It should also be noted that some immunisations, such as Hepatitis B and COVID-19, need multiple injections to be administered over a specific time period before you are deemed immune. It is important that you consult with your GP as soon as possible to avoid delays in starting your work placement.
Course at a Glance
Online with Work Placement (via OpenSpaceX)
Flexible payment options available
Nationally recognised
Course at a Glance
Online with Work Placement (via OpenSpaceX)
Flexible payment options available
Nationally recognised
This course will take you through the fundamentals of animal care. During your study, you will learn how to:
If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.
| Course number | E1399 |
| Qualification name | ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care |
| Course duration | Self paced - maximum of 12 months |
| Delivery Method | Online with Work Placement (via OpenSpaceX) |
| Recognition | Nationally Recognised |
| Assessments | Multiple choice Quiz, Projects, Role plays, Video, Work Placement, Written assignments |
| Awarded by | Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796) |
There are no mandated education entry requirements for this qualification as per the ACM - Animal Care and Management Training Package.
To successfully complete this course, it is recommended that students:
Be over 16 years of age (note students under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian to enrol)
Have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to work independently and use own familiar support resources, communicate effectively via email, and identify relevant information from a range of written texts. These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully complete:
Have access to a modern computer with video / audio playback capabilities and high-speed internet
Have access to Microsoft Office or equivalent · Have basic computing skills, including ability to make a short video ·
Have access to a digital video recording device to save and upload video/image files to OpenSpace, e.g., mobile phone/smartphone
You will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian or require guardian/parental consent.
This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.
You will need to have the requisite physical fitness to undertake work placement in an Animal Care Facility. This may involve heavy lifting up to 10kg without assistance
Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.
Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.
| ACMGEN201 | Work in the animal care industry |
| BSBCMM211 | Apply communication skills |
| ACMWHS201 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| ACMGEN202 | Complete animal care hygiene routines |
| ACMGEN203 | Feed and water animals |
| ACMGEN204 | Assist in health care of animals |
| ACMSPE316 | Provide general care of domestic dogs |
| ACMSPE317 | Provide general care of domestic cats |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid |
| ACMSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
| ACMGEN310 | Provide reception services for an animal care facility |
| ACMGEN205 | Source and provide information for animal care needs |
Pay in Full
You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo
You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan. When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Payment Plan
You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.
BPAY®
With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more.
BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.
Chantal has worked in the Animal Care Industry since 1997 with experience and qualifications in Animal Studies, Grooming and Veterinary Nursing and continues to work in the industry. Chantal has been sharing her knowledge with students for over 10 years as a Trainer and Assessor, she is passionate about students gaining the fundamental knowledge and skills to set them up for a fulfilling career in the animal care field of their dreams and being advocates for the well-being of the animals in their care.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of work placement. This may be completed as a block or part time, dependant on organisation requirements.
Work placement block can only be commenced after successful completion of Modules 1 – 12. You will not be able to achieve competencies until you have completed some of your work placement hours.
The workplace will need to provide Animal Care services and have access to a range of animal species, at a minimum housing dogs and cats. Examples of suitable workplaces include Veterinary Clinics/Hospitals, Boarding Kennels, Catteries, Doggy Day-care & Pets Shops where animals are housed. The specific requirements of the workplace are outlined in the Workplace Assessment Guide, which can be found in OpenSpaceX.
Open Colleges will need to ascertain whether the workplace you have chosen is appropriate before you commence your work placement hours. In some cases, you may be required to complete your hours at more than one host organisation if they do not provide all of the required services.
Please note that your host organisation may require you to provide an up to date immunisation history prior to the commencement of your work placement. Open Colleges has no control over this requirement so if you are unable to provide this, you will need to discuss it with your intended Host Organisation.
It should also be noted that some immunisations, such as Hepatitis B and COVID-19, need multiple injections to be administered over a specific time period before you are deemed immune. It is important that you consult with your GP as soon as possible to avoid delays in starting your work placement.
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