Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Universal College of LearningNew Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
20 weeks
Next start date
Expected Dec 2026
Campus
Palmerston North Campus
Summary
OverviewThe perfect starting point for anyone dreaming of working with companion animals, you’ll learn the practical, hands‑on skills needed to care for cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other small animals—everything from health checks to feeding and handling, behaviour, enrichment, and safe working practices.
This programme will provide you with the qualification needed to comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice for animal care, respond to normal and abnormal health and behaviour in animals and assist with the day to day care of animals.
Designed for beginners, this programme provides you with plenty of opportunities to build your confidence around animals and understand how to keep them healthy, happy, and thriving.
This programme uses blended delivery – combining in person, online, and in-work learning.
Entry criteria
Domestic Entry RequirementsGeneral admission:
To be admitted to this programme applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open Entry if the delegated authority at the campus/site is satisfied that the applicant has the capability to complete the requirements of the programme.
Additional requirements
- In addition to meeting the requirements for admission 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 delegate authority.
English language requirements
- All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
- International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 5 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.
English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).
Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.
Disclaimer
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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.