New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
Overview
The 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 requirements
Domestic Entry Requirements
General 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.
International Entry Requirements
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.
About the provider
UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.
When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.
At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.
Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.
As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.
Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.
UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking for. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.
Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.