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ACM20121
Kick start your career in the animal care industry and get qualified to work as an assistant dog groomer, veterinary assistant, or animal shelter attendant.
This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.
Kick start your career in the animal care industry with this entry-level course. This qualification will qualify you to provide care for animals in kennels, catteries, animal shelters, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as animal attendants and trainers is expected to grow strongly in the future. There are likely to be around 12,000 job openings in this growing occupation over the next five years.
This course will give you an introduction to the animal care industry and teach you how to conduct animal care work practices in an ethical and humane manner. Learn how to complete animal care hygiene routines, feed and water animals, provide basic first aid, and assist in the health care of animals. You'll also gain essential workplace skills in effective workplace communication, workplace health and safety, and environmentally sustainable work practices.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to seek work as an assistant dog groomer, veterinary assistant, or animal shelter attendant. You'll also be well positioned to continue with further studies in this area.
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
As part of your course, you get valuable experience in real workplaces. Our strong partnerships mean you will use the skills you are learning to care for animals in different settings within your community, while also getting to know potential future employers.
Got a taste for something bigger? Use this course to pathway to to a dual award in Animal Studies. Why not take advantage of our dual award offering and get two qualifications instead of one. By completing additional units you may be eligible to also receive the Certificate III in Animal Care Services. Save time, enhance your job prospects, and add to your skill set with this dual award.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units listed below.
Greater Brisbane only
You will also be required to undertake 5 days of work experience in an approved setting.
You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart
You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart
| CAMPUS | STUDY MODE | START DATE | DURATION | WORKLOAD | WHAT YOU'LL PAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grovely
|
On Campus
|
14 Jul 2025
|
4 terms
|
Part time 1 day per week
|
|
GrovelyOn Campus
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
14 Jul 2025
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
4 terms
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
|
|||||
|
Loganlea
|
On Campus
|
14 Jul 2025
|
4 terms
|
Part time 1 day per week
|
|
LoganleaOn Campus
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
14 Jul 2025
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
4 terms
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
|
|||||
|
Mt Gravatt
|
On Campus
|
14 Jul 2025
|
4 terms
|
Part time 1 day per week
|
|
Mt GravattOn Campus
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
14 Jul 2025
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
4 terms
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
|
|||||
| CAMPUS | STUDY MODE | START DATE | DURATION | WORKLOAD | WHAT YOU'LL PAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Toowoomba
|
On Campus
|
02 Feb 2026
|
4 terms
|
Part time 1 day per week
|
|
ToowoombaOn Campus
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
02 Feb 2026
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
4 terms
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Part time 1 day per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
|
|||||
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Learn moreThis may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Learn moreYou will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.
The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 2 in English, 2 in Maths and 2 in Digital Technology.
Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.
Read the Skills Check FAQs.
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations. You are welcome to bring own laptops to class.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
You may be required to purchase a TAFE Queensland polo shirt to be worn on work experience. You will be required to wear dark long pants e.g. black or dark denim (no holey denim), closed in comfortable shoes, minimal jewellery to all practical classes e.g. watch and one pair of stud earrings with long hair tied up.
Greater Brisbane only
You will be required to undertake 5 days of work experience in an approved setting and will be required to make your own way to and from the work experience site.
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about University Pathways
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
