Animal Care

Certificate II in Animal Care

ACM20121

4.5(196+)

Career Outcomes

Animal Carer

Assistant Dog Groomer

Pet Shop Assistant

View All

Study Mode

Online

Awarded by

Melbourne City Institute of Education (RTO: 22172)

Qualification

Certificate II

Course Fee

Price may vary

Duration

12 Months

Start Date

Enquire now for upcoming start dates

Payment Option

Fee For Service

Payment plan

On this page:

In a nutshell

What you'll need to get it

Subject breakdown

Why MCIE ?

Where will this course take you?

Career outcomes

Let's talk price

This course meets the Nationally Recognised Training standards. It is listed on the Australian government's National Register for Vocational Education and Training (VET). Studying this course leads to a qualification that's recognised throughout Australia, and lets employers know that you have the right skills for the job.

In a Nutshell

The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education (MCIE), is a nationally recognised, entry-level qualification designed for those who want to build practical skills and knowledge for work in animal care environments. Theory is studied online at a flexible pace, with practical competency built through 160 hours of compulsory work placement in an approved animal care workplace. MCIE coordinates placement through Skiltrak, so students do not need to find their own host — making it a manageable pathway into the industry for those balancing other commitments.

Across 12 units — seven core and five electives chosen by MCIE for this delivery model — students develop skills in animal handling, feeding and watering, hygiene and infection control, basic animal first aid, and supporting the health care of animals under supervision. The course also builds workplace readiness through units in communication, work health and safety, and environmentally sustainable work practices. Assessment is competency-based, combining online tasks with practical evidence collected during placement.

This qualification suits those with a genuine interest in animal welfare who are ready to take a hands-on first step into the industry. It also provides a pathway to further study, including the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services. Enquire to learn more.

Please note: This course is not government funded and is not free TAFE

What You'll Need to Get In

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Before enrolment, MCIE completes a pre-training review. Suitability considerations include language, literacy and numeracy, digital capability, ability to study online, ability to complete compulsory work placement and travel to an approved placement host, ability to participate safely and physically with animals, and access to technology.

Subject Breakdown

In this ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care course, the subjects you may study include:

Core units:

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

Elective units:

ACMINF201 – Handle companion animals safely and follow infection control guidelines
ACMBEH302 – Provide enrichment for animals
ACMGEN309 – Provide basic animal first aid
ACMSPE316 – Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMGEN205 – Source and provide information for animal care needs

Why MCIE ?

MCIE has been a trusted provider of vocational education and training since 2008. With a strong focus on student outcomes and high-quality course content, MCIE is dedicated to designing practical education programs that lead to meaningful job placements, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry.

MCIE is committed to empowering students to achieve their career goals, having successfully supported thousands in securing employment. Offering nationally accredited qualifications across a variety of sectors, including Early Childhood Education, Aged and Disability Care, Hospitality, Business, Leadership and Management, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), MCIE provides a wealth of opportunities for individuals looking to advance their careers.

MCIE is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO: 22172)

Where will this course take you?

Upon successful completion of this course you will receive an ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care from MCIE.

The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care provides a practical foundation in animal health, welfare and routine care. Graduates develop competency in animal handling, feeding and watering, hygiene and infection control, basic animal first aid, and supporting the health care of animals under supervision. Assessment is competency-based, combining online tasks with practical evidence collected during work placement.

Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as animal care attendant, kennel or cattery attendant, animal shelter assistant, pet-care assistant, and animal care support roles in veterinary environments. This qualification also provides a pathway to further study, including the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services and the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, noting that entry into the Certificate IV is subject to that qualification’s own entry requirements.

Please note: this qualification does not qualify a graduate as a veterinary nurse and does not authorise diagnosis, treatment or veterinary procedures on animals. Employment is not guaranteed and employer requirements vary.