Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyNew Zealand Certificate in Animal Management with Companion Animal Strand
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
This programme is the perfect first step into a career working with companion animals. The programme will equip you with knowledge and skills for a variety of areas including kennel and cattery management, rescue and animal welfare centres, pet sitting, pet stores, day care centres, pet ownership education and working as an animal technician. Due to the practical nature of the programme, you must have a good level of fitness and be able to carry out physical activities when working in an animal facility.
You’ll learn about a range of companion animals (e.g. dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and birds), their health and welfare and how to manage and care for them on a day-to-day basis. This will include animal anatomy and physiology, occupational health and safety, low stress handling of animals, animal behaviour and health, animal first aid, record keeping, legislation and housing design. More advanced topics include nutrition, infection control, care during illness/injury, safe use of medications, designing optimum temporary housing spaces, facility planning, behavioural training and enrichment.
Work-integrated learning is a significant component of the programme, with students needing to complete 120 hours in two different facilities over the year. You’ll have the opportunity to spend some of this time in a work environment that suits the area of companion animal management you’re most interested in, e.g. dog groomers to animal shelters.
Please note: Applications are assessed in the order in which they are received, therefore, we strongly recommend applying as soon as you know you wish to study with us.
Entry criteria
Academic Requirements40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits; or a recognised equivalent;
OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above;
OR a recognised equivalent qualification
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Additional RequirementsIn addition you need to:
All applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme.
- *Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English RequirementsWhat if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic or General
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Selection processes may apply where the number of applications exceed the number of available places.
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