ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care

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.

Apply now

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Darling Downs and South West

WAYS TO STUDY TAFE at School

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY Start date: 03 Feb 2025 Duration: 4 terms View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

TAFE at School Subsidised Fee

TAFE at School Full Fee

$3,600

Course overview

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.

What can I do?

Animal Shelter Attendant
Assistant Dog Groomer
Veterinary Assistant

Course outcome:

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

Strong industry partnerships

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.

Upgrade to a dual award

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.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units listed below. You will also be required to undertake 6 days of work experience in an approved setting.

Note: No work experience required for Darling Downs and South West students.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN201

Work in the animal care industry

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN201

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out animal care work, using ethical and humane practices and contributing to a productive work environment.
UNIT NAME
Work in the animal care industry

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN202

Complete animal care hygiene routines

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN202

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide daily care of animals, including the cleaning of animal housing, and grooming or cleaning of animals.
UNIT NAME
Complete animal care hygiene routines

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN203

Feed and water animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN203

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, present and distribute food and water for animals according to animal dietary requirements.
UNIT NAME
Feed and water animals

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN204

Assist in health care of animals

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN204

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to experienced staff in the handling and securing of animals for assessment and the preparation, application and documentation of health care treatments and first aid.
UNIT NAME
Assist in health care of animals

UNIT CODE
ACMSUS201

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE :
ACMSUS201

Unit description :

This unit of competency covers the process required to measure current resource use effectively and to carry out improvements, including those that will reduce the negative environment impacts of work practices.
UNIT NAME
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

UNIT CODE
ACMWHS201

Participate in workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE :
ACMWHS201

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work safely and participate in work health and safety processes in an animal care environment.
UNIT NAME
Participate in workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE
BSBCMM211

Apply communication skills

UNIT CODE :
BSBCMM211

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply basic communication skills in the workplace, including identifying, gathering and conveying information along with completing assigned written information.
UNIT NAME
Apply communication skills

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
ACMGEN205

Source and provide information for animal care needs

UNIT CODE :
ACMGEN205

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to source, interpret and provide information on animal care products and services to complete workplace tasks and to provide information to others.
UNIT NAME
Source and provide information for animal care needs

UNIT CODE
ACMINF201

Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines

UNIT CODE :
ACMINF201

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely handle companion animals and maintain clean and hygienic conditions for effective infection control in a range of environments where companion animals are cared for on a temporary basis. The unit focuses on dogs and cats. It may cover other companion animals such as birds, fish, rabbits and reptiles.
UNIT NAME
Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines

UNIT CODE
BSBOPS203

Deliver a service to customers

UNIT CODE :
BSBOPS203

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to deliver aspects of customer service at an introductory level.
UNIT NAME
Deliver a service to customers

UNIT CODE
BSBPEF202

Plan and apply time management

UNIT CODE :
BSBPEF202

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement time management processes to organise and complete work tasks. It also addresses skills and knowledge to seek and review feedback for performance improvement regarding time management and use technology appropriate to the task.
UNIT NAME
Plan and apply time management

UNIT CODE
BSBTWK201

Work effectively with others

UNIT CODE :
BSBTWK201

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work cooperatively with others and deal effectively with issues, problems and conflict.
UNIT NAME
Work effectively with others

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

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

On Campus

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	03 Feb 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Grovely On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 03 Feb 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Redcliffe	On Campus	03 Feb 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Redcliffe On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 03 Feb 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Mt Gravatt	On Campus	03 Feb 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Mt Gravatt On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 03 Feb 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Loganlea	On Campus	03 Feb 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Loganlea On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 03 Feb 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Grovely	On Campus	14 Jul 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Grovely On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 14 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Mt Gravatt	On Campus	14 Jul 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Mt Gravatt On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 14 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Loganlea	On Campus	14 Jul 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Loganlea On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 14 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Toowoomba	On Campus	03 Feb 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Toowoomba On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 03 Feb 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,600 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university.
TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more

You must be a Year 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school, in some instances Year 10 students may be considered. In addition, the duration of your TAFE at School course cannot be longer than your remaining high school studies. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.

Course placements are subject to availability.

QCE points: up to 4

Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor, or visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.

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Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121)

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Certificate II in Animal Care

COURSE CODE: ACM20121

Payment Options

How can I pay for this 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.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Resources required

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.

Placement

You will be required to undertake 6 days of work experience in an approved setting and will be required to make your own way to and from the work experience site.

Note: No work experience required for Darling Downs and South West students.

Assessment methods

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.

Pathways

University pathways

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

How to apply

Direct application

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.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees 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.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

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.

Learn more

Related courses

Certificate III in Animal Care Services

Kick start your career with animals with this entry-level course that will give you the skills to work as an animal attendant or trainer.

Careers

Animal Control and Regulation Assistant
Animal Health Officer
Animal Technician
Animal Trainer
Kennel or Shelter Attendant

Next Start : 28 Jan 2025

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Certificate II in Animal Care

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Strong industry partnerships

Upgrade to a dual award

Core units

Elective units

Grovely

Redcliffe

Mt Gravatt

Loganlea

Grovely

Mt Gravatt

Loganlea

Toowoomba

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate II in Animal Care

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Resources required

Placement

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate III in Animal Care Services

Careers