New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Level 4) (Pet Grooming)

About this programme

As well as learning how to groom dogs and cats, you’ll learn about their health, welfare, behaviour and husbandry, anatomy, physiology, low-stress handling techniques which are integral to being an effective dog groomer. 

You’ll need to organise access to a pet groomer so you can do a 240-hour work placement, which can be started after completion of the first course in the programme.

You will graduate with the technical knowledge and skills you need to perform this job under broad supervision, as well as effective teamwork and communication skills.

This qualification provides the skills for an entry-level dog and cat groomer. Following completion of this qualification you could work towards becoming a master dog groomer.  

Block courses

Our block courses are offered at our Dunedin Campus. 

How you'll learn

This programme is delivered through what we call a ‘flexible facilitated’ format, which is a combination of online and in-person teaching, combined with a work placement.

You will study online and attend compulsory block courses. 

This flexible approach means you will enjoy a varied course of learning and be supported by our staff both remotely and in person.

Entry

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• You must have one of the following:
  • 40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, or
  • A recognised equivalent, or
  • A relevant Level 2 qualification, or
  • A recognised equivalent.
• If you're over 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you are eligible for special admission, and we'll work through that with you.
• If you're under 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for discretionary admission, and we'll work through that with you.

English Language requirements

• If English is not your first language, IELTS 5.5 (no band score lower than 5.0) from one test completed in the last two years, or equivalent.

Additional requirements

All applicants must complete a health declaration and declare any criminal convictions to ensure fitness to practice prior to being accepted into the programme. 

Please note: Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude you from being able to study. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis. 

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have the skills and work experience as a pet groomer, you could gain this qualification through our Assessment of Prior Learning Pathway (APL). With this option, you will develop a portfolio of evidence. It will show how you meet the requirements of the qualification.

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