GOTAFE
Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)This course provides in-depth training and practical experience, preparing students for a range of specialised roles in various animal care settings, including veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet grooming salons, and wildlife care facilities.
The qualification allows for specialisation in Animal Care or Pet Grooming. Pet Grooming specialisation is only delivered at GOTAFE's Wallan Campus and Animal Care is delivered at Wangaratta Tone Road Campus.
Delivery mode
GOTAFE offers this course through the following delivery modes:
Blended
Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.
Work Placement
Complete mandatory hands-on training in a workplace setting.
- 218 Tone Road, Wangaratta
- 57 High Street, Wallan
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
Be over 15 years of age at the time the course commences.
Attend an induction, face to face, via Zoom/Teams or phone.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of animal care. This can be evidenced through various forms of experience, including:
- Previous employment or practical placement in an animal care facility
- Ownership and care of animals
- Experience with handling animals in a personal or professional capacity
These requirements ensure that students possess the necessary background to succeed in the course and fully engage with the curriculum. Please note the above requirements do not apply to the Pet Grooming Specialisation.
Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
Workplace-based applicants are required to have a minimum of 15 hours of paid employment in an approved vet clinic, grooming, or companion animal workplace.
Additional requirements may apply.Course fees
For more information about this course and payment options please enquire now.
Career opportunities
The Certificate III in Animal Care Services will prepare you for the following roles.
Animal Attendant
An Animal Attendant works with animals to ensure their needs are met while in their care. You’ll make sure animals have proper nutrition and fresh...
Kennel Attendant
A career as a Kennel Attendant can be a lot of fun but it’s also hard work. You’ll look after pet dogs staying in a boarding kennel while their own...
Kennel Hand
A Kennel Hand attends to the daily duties involved in operating a boarding kennel. Your role might involve cleaning enclosures for dogs to stay in,...
Equine Veterinary Nurse
An Equine Veterinary Nurse works in a veterinary facility but specialises in the care of horses. Your role will be varied but could involve assisti...
Cattery Attendant
A Cattery Attendant works in a cattery facility looking after domestic cats while their owners are away. Your daily duties will involve feeding and...
Animal Control Officer
An Animal Control Officer helps to enforce laws relating to the treatment of animals. You might have to help capture animals that are lost or have...
Apprentice Animal Trainer
An Apprentice Animal Trainer works with dogs and other animals to modify their behaviour or teach them to follow commands. You might work with one...
Assistant Dog Trainer
An Assistant Dog Trainer uses a range of training strategies to get dogs to follow commands or do specific duties. You might also work with dogs to...
Sheep Shearer
A Sheep Shearer removes wool from sheep. You might use machine shears or hand held blades and you may be responsible for maintaining your shearing...
Wool Worker
A Wool Worker carries out various duties in a shearing shed to make sure operations are running smoothly. You may have to get sheep ready for shear...
Animal Shelter Manager
An Animal Shelter Manager oversees the daily operations at a facility for animals that are in need of care. You’ll care for animals until permanent...
Animal Management Officer
An Animal Management Officer works with animals that have been lost, abandoned or mistreated. You’ll usually work for a local council and you may h...
Animal Trainer
An Animal Trainer teaches animals to follow commands and show expected behaviours when required. You might be training working dogs, assistance ani...
Veterinary Emergency Nurse
A Veterinary Emergency Nurse assists with the treatment of animals in emergency situations such as an accident or a life threatening medical condit...
Animal Welfare Officer
An Animal Welfare Officer ensures the humane treatment and welfare of animals. You might work in animal shelters, government agencies, or animal we...
Animal Health Officer
An Animal Health Officer monitors and promotes the health and well-being of animals. You might work in government agencies, agricultural facilities...
Animal Technician
An Animal Technician cares for animals used in facilities such as research laboratories or agricultural facilities. You might monitor animal health...
Veterinary Surgeon
A Veterinary Surgeon diagnoses and treats medical conditions in animals. You might work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters. Veter...
About GOTAFE
GOTAFE is the largest vocational education provider in regional Victoria. Offering over 130 courses across eight campuses, GOTAFE services 11 local government areas with an estimated resident population of over 240,000 people. We service more than 9,000 students per year on average, employ over 500 staff, and we are an intrinsic part of the communities that we serve.
