ACM30122 - Certificate III in Animal Care Services

Duration
Please refer to Course Structure below.
Location
Online
Next intake
March, 2025
Study mode
Online
Total units
17

Overview

Do you have a passion for animals and a desire to make a positive impact on their care? Get a start in the exciting world of animal care with our Certificate III in Animal Care Services.

The Certificate III in Animal Care Services equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge for various roles within animal care facilities and services, including boarding/day care centres, animal shelters/holding centres, pet grooming, pet sitting, breeding, and other animal care businesses. Professionals in these positions handle a range of animal care responsibilities under supervision, using discretion and judgement in animal handling, selecting and operating tools and equipment, managing resources, and problem solving. They are accountable for their tasks, ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards, organising procedures, resolving issues, and adhering to schedules.  This qualification is ideal for those pursuing an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway in the animal care industry.



This is a nationally recognised accredited course.

QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.

A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.

A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.

A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.

A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.

Study Experience

Career Opportunities

Common occupations for graduates of Certificate III in Animal Care Services include animal attendants, pet shop assistants, animal shelter workers, pet grooming assistants and non-clinical veterinary assistants. The qualification can also lead to further study, such as in veterinary nursing or animal technology.  

Structure & Availability

Online with vocational placement

Duration:
Full Time Duration
18 months

Enrolment must follow the sequence of clusters outlined below.  This allows students to enrol into their unit/s in an optimised way for learning. 

As this course is competency based, and students can study at their own pace, it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.

 


Cluster 1

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMWHS301Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
ACMGEN315Communicate effectively with clients and team members

Cluster 2

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMINF301Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
ACMGEN314Identify Animal Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Care Work

Cluster 3

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMBEH301Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
ACMGEN303Assess the welfare status of an animal
ACMGEN311Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing

Cluster 4

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMGEN312Provide nutritional requirements for animals
ACMBEH302Provide enrichment for animals

Cluster 5

Unit CodeUnit Name
BSBOPS304Deliver and monitor a service to customers
ACMGEN305Provide advice on companion animal selection and general care
ACMGEN205Source and provide information for animal care needs

Cluster 6

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMSPE316Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMSPE317Provide general care of domestic cats
ACMGEN309Provide basic animal first aid

Cluster 7

Unit CodeUnit Name
ACMSUS201Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMGEN304Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces

Online with vocational placement

IntakeLocations
March, 2025Online
July, 2025Online
August, 2025Online

This course has no residential schools.

Gaining real world learning experience is a vital factor in successfully completing this qualification and preparing you to work effectively in the animal care industry.

To satisfy the practical requirements for eleven (11) of the seventeen (17) units within the Certificate III in Animal Care Services, it is recommended for students to complete a minimum of 180 hours of placement at an approved Animal Industry Care provider.

Requirements

Students must complete the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless they have completed an equal or higher level course.

Placement Requirements 

  • Prior to admission, students are to engage with their local area Animal Industry Care providers to find suitable work placement.
  • Important information relating to Vocational Placement can be found in the Host Employer Information Pack.
  • During the application process, students must upload a signed and completed copy of the Vocational Placement Agreement found within the Host Employer Information Pack for approval.

Inherent Requirements

  • Have reasonable reading and writing skills, as well as basic numeracy skills to complete workbooks, assignments, learning activities and assessment tasks.
  • Access a computer / tablet / smartphone with internet access, camera, microphone and speakers.
  • Access Microsoft Teams, to attend weekly Microsoft Teams tutorials.
  • Use Microsoft Teams for online assessment components.
  • Handle live animals and require a reasonable level of physical fitness to be able to complete the practical components of the course.
  • Please note: Students may be exposed to injured/deceased animals in photo and video footage during the online learning and may be required to handle them during their work placement.

Fees & Scholarships

Fee for Service/ Full Fee

Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE. 

Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee

Some government subsidies, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee, will require the individual to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee. Government subsidies are subject to eligibility.

The fee will vary based on the course chosen and the eligibility of the student for a concession rate. The co-contribution fee represents the total cost to the student for tuition. There are other costs that the student may have to pay, including but not limited to uniforms and course resources. This will vary depending on the training. If you are required to pay Co-Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.

At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.

Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements
  2. 2
    Get a Unique Student Identifier

Start Your Application

Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.