Course details

NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) (Level 3)
NZQF Level 3

About the course

Turn your passion for animals into a career with the hands-on NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) [Level 3]. This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of animals in care facilities.

You'll spend the majority of your time at the EIT specialised animal facility with a purpose-built reception, live-animal housing, isolation unit and laboratory facilities and have access to the comprehensive library and computer facilities on campus.

Programme Outline

During the NZ Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) [Level 3] you will learn about:

  • Professional skills when working with animals
  • Safe handling and transportation of companion animals
  • Anatomy and physiology of animals
  • How to care for companion animals

As a graduate you will be able to:

  • Comply with all regulatory requirements and relevant industry codes of practice for animal care and welfare
  • Maintain positive interpersonal relationships and ethical behaviour in the provision of animal care
  • Apply knowledge of companion animal form and function to identify and respond to individual variations in normal health and behaviour
  • Apply knowledge of companion animal health, behaviour, handling, and husbandry to assist with day-to-day care and transportation

You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff, either in person or by phone, and also to visit at any time to view our facilities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements


General Requirements

To be admitted to this programme, an applicant must be:

  • At least 16 years old at the time the programme commences, and be
  • Physically able to undertake the practical requirements of the programme.

Practical Requirements

  • Applicants must be able to carry out physical activities within the EIT Animal Facility and while on work placement in animal care facilities to fulfil the requirements of the programme.
  • Applicants must also have no objection to working with animals, dissection of animal body parts, body fluids and cadavers. EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s physical ability or inability to work in this environment prevent them carrying out practical activities required to fulfil the requirements of the programme. These practical requirements will be discussed and confirmed during orientation.

Good Character Requirements

  • ALL applicants are required to provide a completed Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions Record (copy of form is attached). EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s police record be such that they would be considered unsuitable for veterinary nursing work. Applicants with convictions for dishonesty or drug offences will likely be considered unsuitable. A criminal declaration will be required every year of enrolment in the programme.

A Health and Privacy Declaration will need to be completed on acceptance to the programme.

Entry with Credit

You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work. If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

  • CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
  • RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.

You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.

You must apply prior to enrolment. CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course.

Overall RPL Credit Limit 50%. The programmes maintain the ability to partially credit courses where evidence of current competence is presented.

For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact, Sarah Subritzky, Programme Coordinator, on 06 830 1583.

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) offers you over 160 qualifications from certificate and diploma, to degree and postgraduate level at campuses in Hawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) and Auckland. Or learn at one of our Regional Learning Centres situated in Hastings, Maraenui, Ruatoria, Waipukurau and Wairoa. EIT Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's most attractive campuses with superb architecture and shaded outdoor areas for study on warm days. EIT Tairāwhiti two campuses are located in the heart of Gisborne, near the Taruheru River, and you can get more central than EIT Auckland location on Queen Street! When you choose to study at EIT you'll get the kind of experiences that will help you gain the knowledge and skills to get ahead, whether you want to break into your chosen career or change direction in life.

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