ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is a nationally recognised qualification that provides foundational skills and knowledge for working in the animal care industry. It prepares learners for entry-level roles in diverse settings such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, kennels, catteries, and pet shops. The qualification focuses on essential competencies including animal hygiene, basic health care, first aid, communication, and safe workplace practices, ensuring learners can support animal welfare and care under supervision.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, learners will be able to:

Participate in workplace health and safety processes.
Work effectively in the animal care industry environment.
Apply communication skills relevant to animal care settings.
Feed and water animals and assist with their general care.
Complete animal care hygiene routines.
Provide enrichment to enhance animal welfare.
Undertake basic first aid for animals.
Source and provide information related to animal care needs.
Provide reception services in an animal care facility.
Support health care activities for animals under supervision.
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.

To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in:
12 units of competency:

  • 7 core units plus
  • 75 elective units.

Elective units must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. The electives are to be chosen as follows:

  • 3 units from Group A
  • 2 units from the remaining electives in Groups A or Group B, or from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
  • ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
  • ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
  • ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
  • ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
  • ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
  • BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills

Select THREE from the following (Group A):

  • ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
  • ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
  • ACMGEN301 Prepare and present information to the public
  • ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
  • ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
  • ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs

Plus any TWO of the following:

  • ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
  • ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
  • ACMSPE318 Provide general care of fish
  • ACMSPE319 Provide general care of invertebrates
  • ACMSPE320 Provide general care of mammals
  • ACMSPE321 Provide general care of non-venomous reptiles
  • ACMSPE322 Provide general care of rodents or rabbits

Training and Education Pathways

Completion of this qualification is a pathway to the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418).
It supports progression to Certificate III qualifications in Animal Care Services or Animal Studies.
Provides a foundation for specialisations in veterinary nursing, animal breeding, grooming, or shelter management.
The qualification can be undertaken as a VET in Schools program or part-time study, often including practical work placements in animal care facilities.

Possible Careers

Animal care or pet shop attendant
Kennel or cattery attendant
Veterinary assistant
Animal shelter worker
Assistant dog groomer
Receptionist or support staff in animal care facilities

This qualification equips learners with practical and theoretical skills to commence work in animal care roles or to pursue further education in veterinary and animal health-related careers.