ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care

ADULT STUDENT. The Certificate II in Animal Care offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals passionate about providing attentive and compassionate care to animals. Through a balanced blend of theoretical exploration and hands-on practice, students delve into the multifaceted realm of animal welfare, health, and behavior.

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Course Details

Course code
ACM20121
Locations offered
  • Casey Campus
  • Peninsula Campus
Course Length
1 - 2 Years
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Overview

This course listing is for ADULT LEARNERS.
For VETDSS, please visit our Animal Care VETDSS course listing.

Learn about animal care as your education is our Fur-ocus, under the guidance of our experts on animal care.
Discover the Paw-stive animal care pathway to working with animals and providing care assistance through our entry level pathway course. This course is suitable for those who care about the health and wellbeing of animals big and small, from furry to scaled. Throughout the course, students acquire essential skills in proper animal handling techniques, grasp fundamental knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, and learn to develop tailored nutrition plans to ensure the optimal health of domestic animals.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to cover an extensive array of subjects, ranging from foundational animal husbandry practices to preventative measures against diseases and basic veterinary care. Moreover, students delve into the crucial aspects of environmental enrichment and behavioral management, essential for nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of animals under human care.

Emphasis is also placed on ethical considerations surrounding animal care and the legal frameworks governing their treatment across various settings. By the course’s conclusion, graduates emerge equipped not only with practical competencies but also with a profound understanding of their responsibilities toward the animals they care for.

By completing this course, you will learn to:
  • Provide care to a range of animals
  • Practice hygiene and infection control
  • Understand what is required in running a small companion animal business
  • Monitor and maintain animal health
  • Respond to expectations of pet owners

What you will be provided with on completion:
  • A nationally recognised qualification at Certificate II level
  • The pre-requisite course to undertake a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
  • A strong foundation to continue your studies

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
RTO Code: 3977

More information

Code Name Elective
ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry Core
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills Core
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines Core
ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals Core
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices Core
ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes Core
ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals Core
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid Elective
ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs Elective
BSBOPS203 Deliver a Service to Customers Elective
ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals Elective
ACMSPE321 Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles Elective

ASSESSMENT TYPES

Learners are assessed via a range of assessment types.

These include: observations, questioning, reports, projects & quizzes.


INCURSIONS & EXCURSIONS

To support students’ opportunities for learning, this course includes a range of incursions and excursions.
Students will be provided with a schedule of activities upon class commencement, including timings and transport requirements.

Students will be required to dress appropriately for any incursions and excursions, which may include steel-cap boots or gumboots and wet weather gear.
Where applicable, students will be provided with a FLC VET Education scrub top to wear as required.


ANIMAL INTERACTIONS

Students will be required to handle and interact with a range of domestic animals, farm animals and reptiles as part of this program.


PRE-TRAINING REVIEW

ADULT LEARNERS

All prospective adult students are subject to a pre-enrolment interview to determine suitability for the course and eligibility for a funded place.

 

ADULT LEARNERS
Part time, 12 months duration.

Casey Campus Intake: Please contact us for intake dates.
Peninsula Campus Intake: Please contact us for intake dates.

 

Students completing this course can continue on to ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies, ACM30217 Certificate III in Animal Technology or ACM40412 Certificate VI in Veterinary Nursing, or undertake work within the animal care industry.

This general qualification is designed to get you ready to work under supervision in:

  • Animal Shelters
  • Kennels & Catteries
  • Sanctuaries
  • Veterinary Clinics
  • Animal Product Retailers

Adult Learners
All prospective students are subject to a pre-enrolment interview to determine suitability for the course and eligibility for a funded place.

 

Adult Learner

Full FeeFunded StandardFunded Concession
Tuition$4945$1,290$258
Materials$575$575$575
Resources$50$50$50
Total Student Payment$5,570$1915$883
Nominal Course Hours440440440

Fees are correct as of September 2025 and apply to Adult Learners.
The delivery mode for all courses at Foundation Learning Centre is via face-to-face and a mix of flexible remote or online learning. Face-to-face is delivered onsite at Foundation Learning Centre campuses. Student tuition and materials fees as published are subject to change given an individuals circumstances at enrolment. To be eligible for a concession amount, a valid concession card must be produced at the time of enrolment. FLC’s online service standards are located on our website.

This program is subsidized by Skills First Funding.


For Adult Education enrolment, please contact us on 03 9704 7388 or via the enquiry form.

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