Code
Course code: ACM20121
This course is provided by Taronga Training Institute, RTO Code: 91359
This course is provided by Taronga Training Institute, RTO Code: 91359
Certificate II in Animal Care (High School)
Things to know
Duration
8 - 9 months (excluding public school holidays)Locations
Course available to students local to Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast.
Course fees
Course fees vary per state.
Study Animal Care Face-to-face in year 11 and 12
This entry level course provides the skills and qualification needed to start a career in animal care. You’ll learn essential animal handling, feeding, grooming, and health and hygiene practices, with hands on experience across real animal care settings. Suitable for year 11 and 12 school students, this course builds a strong foundation for a rewarding future working with incredible animals.
Study locations
Sydney: Study at Taronga Zoo
Who is this course for: Year 11 & 12 school students
Next intake: February 2027
Applications open: TBA
Format: In-class study, online learning and practical days
Duration: February - September (excluding NSW public school holidays)
Classes: Once a week on Wednesday or Thursday, 9am - 2pm
Practical days: 5 x practical placement days on site during weekends or school holidays.
Facilitated Practical Days: 1 x facilitated on-site day 7am - 3pm
Applications are currently closed. Register your interest to be notified when applications open for the next intake.
Dubbo: Study at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Who is this course for: Year 11 or 12 school students
Next intake: February 2027
Applications: TBA
Format: In-class study, online learning and practical days
Course duration: February - September (excluding NSW public school holidays)
Classes: Thursdays 9.30am - 1.30pm (Week A- Onsite) & 9.30 - 12.30pm (Week B- Online)
Practical days: 5 x practical placement days onsite during weekends and school holidays.
Facilitated practical days: 1 x facilitated on-site day 7am - 3pm
Applications are currently closed. Register your interest to be notified when applications open for the next intake.
Sth QLD: Study at Currumbin Willdife Sanctuary
Who is this course for: Must be in year 11 or 12 or Year 10 turning 16 years old.
Next intake: March 2027
Applications: TBA
Format: In-class study & online learning and practical days
Classes: Fridays 9am - 1pm (Week A- Onsite) & 9 - 12pm (Week B- Online)
Duration: March- October (excluding QLD public school holidays)
Practical days: 2 x practical placement days on-site
Facilitated Practical Days: 1 x facilitated on-site day 7am - 3pm
Applications are currently closed. Register your interest to be notified when applications open for the next intake.Opens in a new tab
Register your interest
Not ready to start studying just yet? Register your interest and let us know when you’d like to begin. We’ll be in touch with more information and next steps when the time is right for you.
Admission information
Subjects at a glance
All 12 units (7 core and 5 elective) must be completed successfully to gain the qualification of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care.
Core Units |
Elective Units |
| ACMWHS201 Participate in Workplace Health Safety processes | ACMGEN309 Provide basic first aid for animals |
| ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry | BSBOPS203 Deliver a service to customers |
| BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills | ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs |
| ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines | ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safety with animals |
| ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals | ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work |
| ACMGEN204 Assist in the health care of animals | |
| ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
Study pathways
Careers
Successful completion of this course prepares you for entry level and support roles in the animal care and management industry, including:
- Animal shelters
- Boarding care facilities
- Animal sanctuaries
- Veterinary clinics
Further study
Further study options are available to continue your career in Animal Care.
Offered by Taronga Training Institute:
ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
Offered at other training organisations:
ACM30219 Certificate III in Animal Technology;
ACM30417 Certificate III in Companion Animal Services;
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
FAQs
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Contact us
Call
(02) 9978 4746Email
