Course details

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care – Companion Animals
NZQF Level 3

About the course

Ready to kick-start your professional career working with animals? You might be straight out of school, already working with animals, or thinking about a career change.

This programme covers all aspects of animal care, including their health, hygiene, behaviour, and handling. You'll develop the practical knowledge and skills to care for a wide range of companion animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and birds, in various settings, including your home, pet shops, kennels, and catteries.

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.


Domestic students

Academic requirements

Open Entry – There are no academic requirements for this programme.​

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

  • Applicants 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. Or
  • 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.

Additional requirements

Non-academic requirements

Fill in the following forms:

  • Health and tetanus declaration
  • Provide a copy of your current criminal conviction history

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 280 KB)

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.

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External links