If you love animals, then why not make a living out of it? This occupation is perfect for any animal lover who wants nothing more than to nurse and care for all sorts of animals, great and small. If you want to get started on this fun and rewarding career path, then take part in one of the many animal care courses available.
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Animal Care Courses found:
Online Animal Care courses also available
Job Outlook
In New Zealand, jobs in animal care are increasingly made available, though the industry is not large. Many animal care attendants work in animal shelters, veterinary practices, kennels and pet shops. However, as most are typically part- time, and some volunteer, the average animal care worker earning up to $19 per hour. From 2016, becoming a registered Veterinary Nurse will require a two- year Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Alternatively, a Certificate IV in Animal Technology can allow students to become a Veterinary Nursing Assistant.
Skills and Knowledge
- Treatment of animals
- Observe animal behaviour
- A solid understanding of the Animal Welfare Act (NZ)
- Feeding, bathing and grooming practices
Animal Care Courses Online
No matter what area of animal care you’re interested in, there are many different study fields to choose from. Some of these animal care courses available in New Zealand are correspondence or distance learning alternatives. These are perfect for those who can’t travel or are stuck for time.
- Short Courses
A short course is a great way to learn the basics of the rewarding animal care industry. There are a number of different animal care short courses you can choose from, such as basic animal health care as well as animal psychology and training. These animal care courses provide information about nutrition, administering first aid, identifying problems and symptoms as well as understanding behaviour.
- Certificate
After a more comprehensive course in animal care? A National Certificate in Animal Care, such as the IV in Veterinary Nursing are for those who have a love of animals and see themselves in veterinary practices or animal hospitals. Perfect for those wishing to build on pre- existing knowledge, it offers a great deal of theoretical knowledge about clinical procedures as well as offering experience through work placement. There is also a range of Certificates to cover many different areas of animal care, such as a Certificate IV in Animal Technology.
- Diploma
To become a registered Veterinary Nurse requires a Diploma qualification from 2016 onwards. Alternatively, if this isn’t for you, there are many other Diplomas in animal care which can offer fun career alternatives, including the Diploma of Dog Grooming which is also available in an interactive online format.
Career Outcomes
- Veterinary Nurse
- Animal Care Attendant
- Animal Trainer
- Pet Shop Assistant
- Dog Groomer