ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
Next intake
February 2025Location
East Geelong CampusWerribee Princes Campus
Werribee Princes Campus
Course description
This course is the ideal starting point if you’ve always dreamed of working with animals. You will learn how to care for animals in a range of environments and gain an understanding of the animal care industry, its products and services.
Gordon VCE / VCE VM Students
If you are studying your full VCE or VCE-VM program at The Gordon you can include a VETDSS course as part of your VCE program. Apply for a VETDSS course.
Important Information:
- Your entry requirements and assessments will differ as you will be studying your VCE with The Gordon.
- Fees APPLY for this course – see the Fees section below.
- This course may be delivered under VETDSS as a partial qualification.
Possible career outcomes
- Animal care attendant
- Animal shelter attendant
- Kennel hand
- Animal boarding assistant
- Pet shop attendant
- Assistant dog groomer
- Animal shelter/sanctuary assistant
Wondering if this industry will suit you?
We have created a very short course quiz to help you gain a little more understanding of what is required and whether you might enjoy a role in this industry. Take the quiz here.
Applications & attendance
How to apply
- Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 February East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Day | Part Time Tuesdays 9am to 4pm | Apply |
| 2025 February Werribee Princes Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Day | Part Time Mondays 9 am to 4 pm | Apply |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 16 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Any student under the age of 17 must provide an Exemption from School form prior to undertaking the course.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Apply communication skills | BSBCMM211 | 40 |
| Assist in health care of animals | ACMGEN204 | 40 |
| Complete animal care hygiene routines | ACMGEN202 | 30 |
| Feed and water animals | ACMGEN203 | 40 |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | ACMSUS201 | 20 |
| Participate in workplace health and safety processes | ACMWHS201 | 40 |
| Work in the animal care industry | ACMGEN201 | 30 |
| Electives | Code | Hours |
| Provide enrichment for animals | ACMBEH302 | 40 |
| Provide general care of domestic cats | ACMSPE317 | 40 |
| Provide general care of domestic dogs | ACMSPE316 | 40 |
| Provide reception services for an animal care facility | ACMGEN310 | 30 |
| Source and provide information for animal care needs | ACMGEN205 | 40 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Hands-on projects
- Written assignments
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.80 | per hour | 430 | AUD $344.00 | AUD $3,655.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $3.98 | per hour | 430 | AUD $1,711.00 | AUD $3,655.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $12.15 | per hour | 430 | AUD $5,224.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | AUD $240.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Resources | AUD $240.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $64.50 | Charged at enrolment | |||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.