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ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care

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Course Description

  • If you love animals and are passionate about promoting their welfare, then a job in animal care could be perfect for you. This course will provide an excellent foundation for your career in animal care.
  • Gain first-hand experience in the animal care industry with 120 hours of structured workplace learning.
  • Learn from Trainers and Assessors who are passionate about the industry and have years of experience.
  • As this is an online course, you can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of being able to fit your study around your schedule.

This course will take you through the fundamentals of animal care. During your study, you will learn how to:

  • Carry out animal care work using ethical and humane practices
  • Prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals
  • Participate in work health and safety processes
  • Communicate effectively in the workplace, identify , gather and convey information
  • Provide assistance when handling animals for assessment and health care treatments
  • Identify both dogs and cats, and their behavioural and physical needs
  • Provide daily care of animals
  • Provide essential / initial response first aid for animals
  • Measure current resource use effectively and carry out improvements
  • Undertake office reception and administration activities
  • Source, and provide information on animal care products and services

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.

Potential career outcomes

  • Animal care attendant in Animal shelter, Boarding facility, Doggy day-care facilities, Veterinary clinics and Sanctuaries
  • Assistant Animal Groomer
  • Cattery Attendant
  • Kennel Hand
  • Pet Shop Attendant

Course Details

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 Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Multiple choice Quiz, Projects, Role plays, Video, Work Placement, Written assignments
Awarded by Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

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:

    • Year 10 or ACSF Level 2
  • 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

Minimum age

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.

Equipment and tools

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Physical Requirements

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

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

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.

Subjects

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.

Module 1

  • Contribute to a productive work environment
  • Recognise and identify animals in the workplace
  • Identify physical, social and behavioural characteristics
  • Incorporate animal needs in conduct of work practices

Module 2

  • Identify communication requirements
  • Communicate using verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  • Draft written communications

Module 3

  • Plan and prepare to work safely  
  • Conduct work safely  
  • Participate in work health and safety activities  
  • Follow emergency response procedures  

Module 4

  • Prepare to work
  • Check animals
  • Clean animal housing
  • Complete hygiene practices for animals
  • Complete post-hygiene care of animals

Module 5

  • Prepare for feeding
  • Feed and water animals
  • Complete the feeding and watering process

Module 6

  • Prepare to work with animals
  • Approach and secure animal under supervision
  • Assist in assessment of animals
  • Assist in treatment of animals

Module 7

  • Identify common dog breeds
  • Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • Handle and restrain dogs
  • Assist with health care needs
  • Feed dogs
  • Maintain records

Module 8

  • Identify common cat breeds
  • Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • Handle and restrain cats
  • Assist with health care needs
  • Feed cats
  • Maintain records

Module 9

  • Assess the situation and plan response
  • Approach, secure and protect animal
  • Provide first aid assistance

Module 10

  • Identify current resource use
  • Comply with environmental regulations
  • Seek opportunities to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental hazards

Module 11

  • Complete reception services
  • Perform routine office activities
  • Provide basic animal care assistance
  • Maintain records

Module 12

  • Identify information requirements
  • Source information on selected animal care products
  • Source information on selected animal care services
  • Provide animal care information to others
  • Locate individual animal information

Payment Options

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.

Trainers

Chantal McKinlay

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. 

Work Placement

The course contains a minimum of 120 hours of work placement

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.

Immunisations

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.

Become an Open Colleges student

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkAnimal care attendant in Animal shelter, Boarding facility, Doggy day-care facilities, Veterinary clinics and Sanctuaries
  • checkAssistant Animal Groomer
  • checkCattery Attendant
  • checkKennel Hand
  • checkPet Shop Attendant
computer

Delivery Method

Online with Work Placement (via OpenSpaceX)

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

Why study with us?

  • Study at your pace
  • Flexible payment options
  • Nationally recognised accreditation
  • World-class learning platform

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkAnimal care attendant in Animal shelter, Boarding facility, Doggy day-care facilities, Veterinary clinics and Sanctuaries
  • checkAssistant Animal Groomer
  • checkCattery Attendant
  • checkKennel Hand
  • checkPet Shop Attendant
computer

Delivery Method

Online with Work Placement (via OpenSpaceX)

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

Become an Open Colleges student

  • If you love animals and are passionate about promoting their welfare, then a job in animal care could be perfect for you. This course will provide an excellent foundation for your career in animal care.
  • Gain first-hand experience in the animal care industry with 120 hours of structured workplace learning.
  • Learn from Trainers and Assessors who are passionate about the industry and have years of experience.
  • As this is an online course, you can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of being able to fit your study around your schedule.

This course will take you through the fundamentals of animal care. During your study, you will learn how to:

  • Carry out animal care work using ethical and humane practices
  • Prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals
  • Participate in work health and safety processes
  • Communicate effectively in the workplace, identify , gather and convey information
  • Provide assistance when handling animals for assessment and health care treatments
  • Identify both dogs and cats, and their behavioural and physical needs
  • Provide daily care of animals
  • Provide essential / initial response first aid for animals
  • Measure current resource use effectively and carry out improvements
  • Undertake office reception and administration activities
  • Source, and provide information on animal care products and services

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.

Potential career outcomes

  • Animal care attendant in Animal shelter, Boarding facility, Doggy day-care facilities, Veterinary clinics and Sanctuaries
  • Assistant Animal Groomer
  • Cattery Attendant
  • Kennel Hand
  • Pet Shop Attendant
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 Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Multiple choice Quiz, Projects, Role plays, Video, Work Placement, Written assignments
Awarded by Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796)

Entry Requirements

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:

    • Year 10 or ACSF Level 2
  • 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

Minimum age

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.

Equipment and tools

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Physical Requirements

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

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

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.

Module 1

  • Contribute to a productive work environment
  • Recognise and identify animals in the workplace
  • Identify physical, social and behavioural characteristics
  • Incorporate animal needs in conduct of work practices

Module 2

  • Identify communication requirements
  • Communicate using verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  • Draft written communications

Module 3

  • Plan and prepare to work safely  
  • Conduct work safely  
  • Participate in work health and safety activities  
  • Follow emergency response procedures  

Module 4

  • Prepare to work
  • Check animals
  • Clean animal housing
  • Complete hygiene practices for animals
  • Complete post-hygiene care of animals

Module 5

  • Prepare for feeding
  • Feed and water animals
  • Complete the feeding and watering process

Module 6

  • Prepare to work with animals
  • Approach and secure animal under supervision
  • Assist in assessment of animals
  • Assist in treatment of animals

Module 7

  • Identify common dog breeds
  • Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • Handle and restrain dogs
  • Assist with health care needs
  • Feed dogs
  • Maintain records

Module 8

  • Identify common cat breeds
  • Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • Handle and restrain cats
  • Assist with health care needs
  • Feed cats
  • Maintain records

Module 9

  • Assess the situation and plan response
  • Approach, secure and protect animal
  • Provide first aid assistance

Module 10

  • Identify current resource use
  • Comply with environmental regulations
  • Seek opportunities to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental hazards

Module 11

  • Complete reception services
  • Perform routine office activities
  • Provide basic animal care assistance
  • Maintain records

Module 12

  • Identify information requirements
  • Source information on selected animal care products
  • Source information on selected animal care services
  • Provide animal care information to others
  • Locate individual animal information

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 McKinlay

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. 

The course contains a minimum of 120 hours of work placement

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.

Immunisations

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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