Course Overview
This nationally recognised certificate will give you practical skills and ensure you are job-ready to work in animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries or veterinary clinics.
Gain administrative skills related to the animal care industry, learn how to maintain records, and provide reception services and communications.
Through the online course and Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA), you will also learn the critical necessities of animal care – from proper feeding, and correct hygiene practices to emergency response and providing basic first aid to animals.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
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Animal attendant
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Animal carer
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Animal bather/washer
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Pet shop customer service staff
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Pet care customer service staff
What You'll Learn
- How to work with people and animals in the animal care industry
- Animal industry-related administration
- Practical feeding and hygiene skills
- Emergency response and first aid
Recognition

Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
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12 months
Delivery
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Online with Structure Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA)
Entry Requirements
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Students must be 18 years of age or above and have completed VCE or equivalent.
Course Features
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World-class online learning platform designed to keep students engaged and learning effectively
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Study on any device – desktop, tablet or mobile
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Learn through regular trainer-lead online sessions and native content
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Engage with your learning community through online forums and messages
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Balance work, family, social life and study
Work Placement
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This course is delivered online with Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA).
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It contains 15 modules, which have been designed to cover 12 units of competency.
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This course contains an introductory module and 104 hours of Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment.
Assessment
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Online quizzes, including multiple choice and short answer questions
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Portfolio of evidence, written reports & case studies
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Video and audio role plays and demonstrations
Materials
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Latest version of Chrome or Safari
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Microsoft Office (2010 or higher)
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Adobe PDF Reader
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Students using a mobile or tablet will need to upload documents from a laptop or desktop or have a Dropbox account.
Subjects
About Swinburne Open Education
We are focused on helping more and more Australians achieve their career aspirations and ensuring they’re prepared for future workforce needs. We support you to achieve your career goals, from work-integrated learning, to work placement. We’ve partnered with industry experts that need people like you, now.
Swinburne Open Education courses are delivered and assessed by UP Education, one of the largest private education groups in the Asia-Pacific. All qualifications are nationally recognised in Australia and are awarded by Swinburne University of Technology.
Together, UP Education and Swinburne University of Technology have established Swinburne Open Education – a world-class, online native learning platform, to help you reach your career goals, anytime, anywhere.
Swinburne University of Technology is a registered training organisation (RTO 3059)