Certificate II in Animal Care
- Location
- Online
- 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 Options
- Fee For Service, Payment plan
About the Course
The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care from Melbourne City Institute of Education (MCIE) is a nationally recognised qualification that combines flexible online learning with compulsory, coordinated work placement in an approved animal care environment. Delivered over 12 months with rolling monthly enrolments, the course is structured around 12 units — seven core and five electives — and builds a solid foundation in animal health, welfare and routine care. MCIE arranges work placement through Skiltrak, removing a common barrier for those managing study alongside existing work or personal commitments. Students develop practical competency across animal handling, feeding and watering, hygiene and infection control, basic animal first aid, environmental sustainability, and workplace communication. The 160 hours of work placement is central to the qualification, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate skills in a real animal care setting and build industry-relevant experience before entering the workforce. Assessment combines online tasks with practical evidence collected during placement. The course provides a clear pathway into entry-level animal care roles and onward to further qualifications, including the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services and the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Enquire to learn more about whether this course is the right starting point. Please note: This course is not government funded and is not free TAFE
What can I do after?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you’ll need
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 summary
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 cornerstone of vocational education and training since its establishment in 2008. With a strong focus on student outcomes and quality course content, MCIE is dedicated to providing practical education programs that align seamlessly with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. MCIE offers a diverse range of nationally accredited qualifications across various sectors, including Early Childhood Education, Aged and Disability Care, Hospitality, Business, Leadership and Management, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This commitment to equipping students with essential skills has enabled thousands to realise their career aspirations and secure meaningful employment. MCIE is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO: 22172)
