Animal Care

Browse careers that are in demand now and meet Australia’s future workforce needs.

Kennel Hand

A Kennel Hand manages daily tasks at a boarding kennel, including cleaning, feeding, exercising dogs, and handling grooming while ensuring their welfare.

Avg yearly income $54,600
Skill level Beginner

Wildlife Carer

A Wildlife Carer cares for injured native animals and orphans until they can be released back into the wild, requiring flexibility and patience.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Zoo Keeper

A Zoo Keeper cares for animals, maintains enclosures, provides enrichment, conducts presentations, and ensures welfare in zoos or sanctuaries.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Advanced

Wildlife Rehabilitator

A Wildlife Rehabilitator cares for injured or orphaned wildlife, providing medical treatment and rehabilitation to prepare them for release into their habitats.

Avg yearly income $69,524
Skill level Advanced

Pet Groomer

A pet groomer enhances the appearance of pets through bathing, grooming, and health checks while needing patience, flexibility, and good people skills.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Cattery Attendant

A Cattery Attendant cares for cats, ensuring their needs are met, maintaining enclosures, and managing check-ins and check-outs.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

Animal Welfare Officer

An Animal Welfare Officer ensures humane treatment of animals by investigating abuse, enforcing laws, and promoting proper care and welfare practices.

Avg yearly income $79,300
Skill level Advanced

Animal Attendant

An Animal Attendant cares for animals by providing food, monitoring health, cleaning, and grooming. Patience and observation skills are essential.

Avg yearly income $61,880
Skill level Beginner

Kennel Attendant

A Kennel Attendant cares for dogs in a boarding kennel, ensuring they are fed, exercised, and their environment is clean while liaising with owners.

Avg yearly income $54,600
Skill level Beginner

Animal Technician

An Animal Technician monitors animal health, provides care, follows procedures, and ensures welfare in research or agricultural settings.

Avg yearly income $69,940
Skill level Beginner

Zoologist

A Zoologist researches animal behaviours, habitats, and genetics, conducts fieldwork, collects samples, and helps manage conservation programs.

Avg yearly income $97,500
Skill level Advanced

Ecologist

An Ecologist studies ecosystems and biodiversity, conducts field surveys, analyses data, develops conservation plans, and advises on sustainability.

Avg yearly income $101,140
Skill level Advanced

Livestock Manager

A Livestock Manager oversees the care and management of livestock, ensuring animal health and productivity while complying with welfare regulations.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Wildlife Conservator

A Wildlife Conservator protects wildlife and their habitats by conducting surveys, assessing species health, and collaborating on conservation efforts.

Avg yearly income $74,100
Skill level Advanced
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Courses in animal care

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$0 - $2,875
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Assistant Home Care Nurse Cardiac Nurse
Medical Assistant Community Health Liaison Recovery Nurse Patient Services Assistant Hospital Attendant Allied Health Assistant Ward Assistant Nursing Assistant Patient Care Assistant Operating Theatre Technician Animal Shelter Attendant Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator Kennel Hand Occupational Therapy Assistant Pathology Assistant Acute Care Nurse Laundry Worker Hospital Orderly Biomedical Engineer
+ 19 more
CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support
On Campus
4 - 6 months
$0 - $3,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Aged Care Worker Personal Carer Residential Care Worker
Community Care Worker Home Care Assistance Worker Disability Support Worker Trainee Support Worker Home Carer Care Coordinator Community Support Worker Patient Care Assistant Peer Support Worker Residential Care Officer Senior Support Worker Support Worker Trainee Kennel Hand Animal Shelter Attendant Remedial Yoga Therapist Hospital Orderly NDIS Worker Community Rehabilitation Worker
+ 19 more
AHC50422

Diploma of Horticulture Management
On Campus
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Biologist Water Networks Operator Forestry Supervisor
Geographer Wildlife Management Officer Wildlife Conservator Conservation Researcher Council Maintenance Worker Agricultural Economist Geochemist Palaeontologist Plant Scientist Landscape Manager Greenkeeper Groundsperson Irrigation Assistant Renewable Energy Tradesperson Irrigation Water Supervisor Irrigation Field Officer Agricultural Technician Wildlife Carer Vineyard Manager Winemaker Aquaculture Manager Conservation Manager Planning Officer Horticulturalist Head Gardener Park Manager Irrigation Specialist
+ 27 more
AHC30722

Certificate III in Horticulture
On Campus
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Greenkeeper Irrigation Assistant Irrigation Field Officer
Water Networks Operator Groundsperson Landscape Manager Arborist Trainee Climbing Arborist Arborist Kennel Hand Animal Shelter Attendant Head Gardener Wildlife Carer Waste Management Officer Conservation Manager Winemaker Footpath Sweeper Vineyard Manager Park Manager Nurseryperson Landscape Labourer Garden Labourer Nursery Hand Forestry Manager Plant Scientist Council Maintenance Worker Conservation Researcher Wildlife Conservator Wildlife Management Officer Geographer Agricultural Technician Plant Biologist
+ 29 more
AMP80215

Graduate Diploma of Agribusiness
On Campus
12 months
$25,000
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above relevant to an agrifood industry OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Livestock Manager Agricultural Manager
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above relevant to an agrifood industry OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Livestock Manager Agricultural Manager
AHC40122

Certificate IV in Agriculture
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 30 months
$0 - $16,095
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Farm Manager Station Manager Plant Scientist
Livestock Manager
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Farm Manager Station Manager Plant Scientist Livestock Manager + 1 more
AHC51422

Diploma of Agribusiness Management
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $17,113
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Dairy Farm Manager Agribusiness Manager Station Manager
Farm Manager Livestock Manager
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Dairy Farm Manager Agribusiness Manager Station Manager Farm Manager Livestock Manager + 2 more
AHC50122

Diploma of Agriculture
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 24 months
$0 - $20,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Scientist Livestock Manager Dairy Farm Manager
Agronomist Station Manager Farm Manager Farmer Seed Technician
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Scientist Livestock Manager Dairy Farm Manager Agronomist Station Manager Farm Manager Farmer Seed Technician + 5 more
ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $21,546
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant
Animal Control Officer Assistant Dog Trainer Apprentice Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Shelter Manager Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Rehabilitator Veterinary Technician Veterinarian
+ 9 more
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Assistant Dog Trainer Apprentice Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Shelter Manager Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Rehabilitator Veterinary Technician Veterinarian + 9 more
ACM30219

Certificate III in Animal Technology
On Campus
6 months
$5,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician
AHC32822

Certificate III in Rural Operations
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
$0 - $8,645
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Garden Labourer Landscape Labourer Farmhand
Station Hand Bore Runner Organic Farmer Livestock Manager
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Garden Labourer Landscape Labourer Farmhand Station Hand Bore Runner Organic Farmer Livestock Manager + 4 more
ACM50119

Diploma of Animal Technology
On Campus, Online
12 - 18 months
$0 - $19,595
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer
Wildlife Rehabilitator
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Technician Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Wildlife Rehabilitator + 1 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Cattery Attendant Equine Veterinary Nurse Kennel Hand
Animal Management Officer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Animal Welfare Officer Animal Health Officer Animal Technician
+ 14 more
ACM30321

Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 18 months
$0 - $13,321
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Zoo Keeper Wildlife Carer Wildlife Rehabilitator
Field Assistant
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Zoo Keeper Wildlife Carer Wildlife Rehabilitator Field Assistant + 1 more
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$0 - $7,448
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Wildlife Officer Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer Zoo Keeper Wool Worker Sheep Shearer Apprentice Animal Trainer Animal Control Officer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Equine Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Veterinary Nurse
+ 15 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming)
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pet Groomer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pet Groomer
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Customer Service)
Distance
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Kennel Attendant Animal Attendant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Kennel Attendant Animal Attendant

Bachelor of Science (Animal Biology)
On Campus
3 years
$27,540
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinarian Veterinary Scientist Animal Scientist
Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Rehabilitator Zoologist Sheep Shearer
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Veterinarian Veterinary Scientist Animal Scientist Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Rehabilitator Zoologist Sheep Shearer + 4 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $88,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Management Officer
Animal Shelter Manager Animal Nutritionist Animal Welfare Officer Animal Scientist Animal Health Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian
+ 7 more

Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$0 - $45,426
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biologist Ecologist Geneticist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Biologist Ecologist Geneticist
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Further reading

Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses

12th April 2022)

How to start a career in Dog Training

26th August 2021)

How to start a career in Veterinary Nursing

7th September 2021)

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