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Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care

Level 3

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Gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to maintain the welfare of companion animals with the UCOL Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care.

A student holding a stuffed puppy.
Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

Dates:
Starting: Week of 10 Feb 2025
Finishing: Week ending 31 Oct 2025
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Tuesday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday

Domestic Fees:
Fees-free

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PDF
Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students
Download the Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students.

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. This includes 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. It is 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.

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 form below to apply.
 

Delivered from 9am - 3pm each day.

Palmerston North - Tuesdays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays & Thursdays

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 know what you need to do to pursue a career in Veterinary Science & Animal Technology. If this is for you, you can undertake further tertiary studies in:

Career Pathways

  • Vet Nursing
  • Animal Care
  • Pet Boarding
  • Agriculture

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


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.

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

Please enquire for details

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.

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