Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Learn how to care for companion animals in this entry-level qualification. It’s a great stepping stone towards higher-level, animal-related study and work.
This course can open you up to a world of animal care and help you take the first steps towards a fulfilling career working with and helping a range of companion animals.
If you have a love of animals and want to follow your passion into a career, or even just want to learn to take care of the animals in your home and community, then this is the course for you.
What You Will Learn
This programme is an entry-level course that covers a wide range of animal care standards and practices, including health, hygiene, behaviour, and handling. It can help you step into a role in settings like rescue centres, pet shops, groomers, kennels, catteries, and animal training and breeding facilities. Or it will give you the skills you need to become a responsible and skilled pet owner.
You’ll develop knowledge and skills to care for companion animals including, dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and birds.
This course can also give you a strong foundation in animal care and a pathway to higher-level study such as Zookeeping or Veterinary Nursing.
How Will You Learn
This course is run in conjunction with Unitec.
The course will be delivered via blended learning, online, block courses and work experience are all undertaken. This will consist of:
- Online course work taught by Unitec
- 2 compulsory 5-day block courses in Whangārei at the NorthTec campus
- A minimum of 40 hours of work experience in an approved external facility
This is a full-time course which runs for one semester from June to November.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Access to a computer and internet is required.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Delivered online with two compulsory block course at NorthTec Whangārei campus.
Enrolments are taken via Unitec.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
