U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care

This programme will provide you with the qualification you’ll need to comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice for animal care, including knowing how to respond to normal and abnormal health and behaviour in animals and being able to assist with the day-to-day care of animals.

Designed for people who want to care for animals in contexts such as pet stores, animal rescue centres, pet groomers, boarding and training facilities and animal recreation businesses, you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to study in the animal care environment, meet experienced tutors, and try out practical skills that real animal carers use every day.

From learning the basics of animal handling and behaviour to understanding how to keep animals healthy, safe, and comfortable, this programme gives you a real‑world peek into the industry.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for this programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school. Once you've talked to everyone required, you can use the application form at the top of the page to apply.

Delivered from 9am - 3pm each day.

Tuesday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday.

This programme comprises 70 credits including 23 NCEA Credits.

Unit Standard 5180 (Version 7) (Level 3 (6 Credits)

Describe companion animal anatomy, cells, body tissues and systems

Unit Standard 5189 (Version 7) (Level 3) (4 Credits)

Apply health and safety and hazard control when working in an animal facility.

Unit Standard 31501 (Version 3) (Level 3) (5 Credits)

Describe cat feeding, health, and housing, and carry out routine health procedures.

Unit Standard 31502 (Version 3) (Level 3) (5 Credits)

Describe dog feeding, health, and housing, and carry out routine health procedures.

Unit Standard 31504 (Version 2) (Level 3) (3 Credits)

Describe and apply the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to a work role in an animal facility.

Introduction to Professional Skills when working with companion animals (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to assist in animal care in an ethical, legal and professional manner

• Identify the impact of legislation and Codes of Welfare on companion animal facilities.

• Describe the interpersonal skills and professional competencies required in a companion animal facility.

Introduction to behaviour, handling and transportation for companion animals (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to identify companion animals and appropriate handling techniques.

• Identify a range of companion animal breeds, and methods for identifying individual animals in an animal care context.

• Describe safe handling, restraint, basic training, and transportation techniques for a range of companion animals in an animal care context.

Introduction to form, function and preventative health for companion animals (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to companion animal anatomy and physiology to support animal health practices and disease prevention.

• Identify anatomical structures and their basic functions in companion animals.

• Describe preventative health and hygiene measures to maintain the health and wellbeing of companion animals in an animal care context.

Introduction to Husbandry for companion animals (15 credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to husbandry of companion animals.

• Describe a holistic approach to companion animal husbandry which supports optimal health and welfare in an animal care context.

• Explain basic reproduction, parturition and care of neonates in companion animals in an animal care context.

• Explain how to apply basic first aid to companion animals in a range of emergency situations in a companion animal context.

Companion Animals Practicum (10 credits)

The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to assist in a companion animal care facility.

• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour in a team environment in companion animal facilities.

• Provide day-to-day feeding, husbandry, handling and routine health procedures to maintain the welfare of animals in a companion animal facility.

• Apply health and safety, legal, and welfare practices to working in companion animal facilities.

For year 12 - 13 secondary school learners (NZ Citizens, permanent residents or learners with an applicable visa allowing them to be enrolled in a secondary school), aged 16 years or over.

Applications are to be received from participating schools.

Successful completion of the UCOL Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care programme is the first step in a journey. Equipped with new skills and a taste for the industry, you will be equipped to work within:

• Pet stores

• Animal rescue centres

• Pet groomers

• Boarding and training facilities

• General pet owners

• Animal recreation businesses

• Or staircase to further study in:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing Level 6 (Companion Animal Veterinary Nursing)

  • New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Companion Animal Healthcare)

This programme is part of a suite of Academy 2 Day programmes offered by UCOL to secondary learners seeking to explore their career options while still in school. Gain practical experience and 27 NCEA Credits.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for the UCOL Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school.

Cost

Fees-free when criteria are met.

Transport

Transport assistance is available if you meet the criteria.

Attendance expectations

Learners must maintain appropriate attendance at both secondary school and Academy to remain enrolled in the Academy Programme.