Certificate II in Animal Care

The Certificate II in Animal Care is a general, pre-vocational qualification aimed as an entry point into the industry. This course is designed to provide students with basic skills and knowledge to become an animal carer while studying at a secondary school level. It will also assist them in making an informed decision as to whether or not they would like to pursue a career within the animal industry.

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Enrolment Type VE1

Waitlist only

Consider this course if.....

Enjoy caring for animals
Are interested in the science of animals
Enjoy working in a small team
Like to understand how things work
Are caring and compassionate

Additional Requirements/Information

Students attending the City Campus will have to travel to the Elgar Campus for six practical classes throughout the year. All students will attend 2 full-day practical sessions off-site.

Box Hill Institute students are required to have a current tetanus vaccination. A copy of their tetanus vaccination will also need to be supplied to SAS.VETDSS@boxhill.edu.au before the commencement of the course.

This course involves both practical and written assessments and students will be required to complete work at home between classes. Students must have the physical ability to be able to safely handle small and larger animals, clean animal enclosures and prepare food. A suitable laptop or tablet device is required as many written assessments will be completed in class.

Program Content

Sample competencies covered in Units 1 & 2 include:

Work in the animal care industry
Complete animal care hygiene routines
Feed and water animals

Sample competencies covered in Units 3 & 4 include:

Provide enrichment for animals
Provide basic first aid for animals
Provide information on companion animals, products and services

Career opportunities

Veterinary Nurse
Pet Groomer
Shelter Worker
Kennel/Cattery Attendant
Animal Attendant
Pet Shop Worker
Community Animal Care or Farm Worker

Work placement

Box Hill Institute students are strongly recommended to undertake 80 hours of work placement over the two years.

Contribution to VCE/VCAL/Vocational Major

VCE/VCAL/VM: Students may be eligible to receive recognition of up to four units of credit: two units at the Units 1 & 2 level, and a VCE VET Units 3 & 4 sequence.

ATAR: This subject does not have a study score and therefore cannot contribute towards the student’s primary four. Students who receive a Units 3 & 4 sequence may be eligible for a 10% increment towards their ATAR (10% of the lowest result of your primary four scaled studies).

Please note the student must already have English and three other fully scored VCE/VET subjects to create the primary four. VCAL and the VCE Vocational Major do not contribute towards an ATAR.