Animal Handling Courses

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

Pay for animal care roles varies by state, experience and setting, so there's no single highest-paying job across the board. Roles such as veterinary nurse tend to offer higher rates than entry-level animal attendant positions, though this depends on qualifications and employer. An animal control officer typically earns around AU$27 an hour according to PayScale Australia, with senior or specialist roles paying more.

What can I study that has to do with animals?

Animal care courses available to study in Australia range from Certificate II to Certificate IV, covering areas like animal handling, welfare and basic veterinary support. You can study through blended or online delivery with RTOs and TAFEs, usually over one to two years. Graduates commonly move into animal care, veterinary and veterinary nurse roles, depending on the qualification level chosen.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal welfare officer?

There's no single fixed pathway, but a Certificate III in Animal Care Services is a common entry point for animal welfare work. Some people build on this with further study, since aggregated animal care courses also include Certificate II and Certificate IV options. Requirements can vary by employer and state, so it's worth checking specific role expectations alongside your chosen qualification.

How long does it take to complete an animal care course?

Most animal care courses take between one and two years to complete, depending on the qualification level and study mode. A Certificate II or III can often be finished faster than a Certificate IV, especially with full-time study. Blended and online delivery through RTOs and TAFEs can also affect how quickly you finish, since part-time study usually takes longer.

Are animal care courses government-funded?

Government funding depends on the provider and the state you're in. Some animal care courses are government-funded or subsidised, while others aren't, so eligibility isn't guaranteed across the board. You can check funding details listed against each animal care course on this page, or enquire directly with the provider to confirm your eligibility.