New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animal)

Please note: Distance-learning students still need to attend 2 block courses at our Mt. Albert campus.

Whether you’re straight out of school, currently working with animals, or thinking about a career change, the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care is a great place to start your career working with animals!

We cover all aspects of animal care including health, hygiene, behaviour, and handling. We'll give you the applied knowledge and skills to care for a wide range of companion animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and birds, in a variety of settings including your home, pet shops, kennels, and catteries.

Choose from one of three study options that work best with your schedule:

• Part-time study (evening classes): This takes place over one year from February to November. Classes run twice a week, Tuesday and Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm.
• Full-time study (evening classes): This takes place over one semester from July to November. Classes run three times a week, Monday – Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm.
• Distance learning (day classes during block courses): This takes place over one semester from April to September, and September to February. Anyone from across New Zealand is eligible for this programme as the bulk of the programme is online.

Highlights

• Take the first steps towards an animal care-related professional career by gaining a comprehensive understanding of animal husbandry
• Develop essential communication skills and professional capabilities
• Passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields and work closely with industry
• This programme can provide a pathway for further study in a range of animal management programmes Unitec; discover your extensive range of options here!
• Access to Unitec's Behaviour and Husbandry Centre - Te Puna Kararehe - where you'll get a hands-on introduction to animal care through 12 hours on-site practical training and 48 hours of placement experience at an approved external facility.
• A mix of daytime and evening on-campus classes, practicals, and self-directed learning depending on your study option.

Distance Learning

The distance learning option for this programme is full-time, and students must also be able to attend two compulsory block courses, run at Unitec’s Mt. Albert campus.

We expect students studying from a distance to be self-motivated and committed, and have excellent time management skills. You must attend all block courses, exams, practical assessments, work experience, as well as complete your self-directed study (research, reading, revision) and assessment writing.

Students must have consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and appropriate word processing and slide presentation software. This will be provided by Unitec and downloadable once you‘re enrolled.