Duration
2 Years½ Day/Week
Location
East GeelongWerribee
Placement
RecommendedScored
No
Entry requirements
- Attending a secondary school.
- Applicants are required to be aged 15 years and over.
- Literacy and numeracy level equivalent to the successful completion of Year 9.
- Students selecting this course are required to attend full day excursions/incursions.
- Review the personal learning requirements essential to this course and discuss with your school VET Coordinator before you apply.
You will learn
- Apply animal care industry practices, including animal hygiene, feeding, and watering routines.
- Assist with basic animal health care and wellbeing activities under supervision.
- Follow workplace procedures and environmentally sustainable work practices.
- Develop foundational skills and knowledge for entry into the animal care and management industry or further training pathways.
Course outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, you will receive:
- Recognition of up to two VCE VET units at Units 1 and 2 level, and a VCE VET Units 3 and 4 sequence.
- ATAR contribution: if you receive a VCE VET Units 3 and 4 sequence you may be eligible for an increment towards your ATAR.
- Certificate II in Animal Care qualification.
Dress code and course materials
- Pen
- Laptop
- Appropriate clothing for practical assessments, including closed-toed shoes, potentially long sleeves and pants
Assessment is based on
- Questioning
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Product (reports, projects, role plays etc.)
Further study options
- Certificate III in Animal Care Services
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
- Diploma of Veterinary Nursing
- Bachelor of Science
= Guaranteed Gordon pathway course
Applications and attendance
How to apply
You must first speak to your school about VETDSS before proceeding with the below application.
- Watch our how to apply video.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit VDSS - How to apply.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 VET Full Year East Geelong Campus |
Open: 6 Aug 2026 Close: 15 Mar 2027 |
Class Day | Part Time | Intake Only for Gordon VCE Student | Apply |
| 2027 VET Full Year East Geelong Campus |
Open: 6 Aug 2026 Close: 15 Mar 2027 |
Class Day | Part Time | Delivered East Geelong Campus | Apply |
| 2027 VET Full Year Werribee |
Open: 6 Aug 2026 Close: 15 Mar 2027 |
Class Day | Part Time | Delivered Manor Lake P-12 College | Apply |
Unfortunately we cannot always guarantee you will secure a place in your selected course. We recommend you apply early.
Units
| Year 1 Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Apply communication skills | BSBCMM211 | 40 |
| Complete animal care hygiene routines | ACMGEN202 | 30 |
| Feed and water animals | ACMGEN203 | 40 |
| Participate in workplace health and safety processes | ACMWHS201 | 40 |
| Work in the animal care industry | ACMGEN201 | 30 |
| Year 1 Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Provide general care of domestic dogs | ACMSPE316 | 40 |
| Year 2 Core Units | Code | Hours |
| Assist in health care of animals | ACMGEN204 | 40 |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | ACMSUS201 | 20 |
| Year 2 Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Provide basic animal first aid | ACMGEN309 | 40 |
| Provide general care of mammals | ACMSPE320 | 40 |
| Provide reception services for an animal care facility | ACMGEN310 | 30 |
| Source and provide information for animal care needs | ACMGEN205 | 40 |
Please note that the electives listed are those delivered by the Gordon but you may not be required to complete all of these to successfully complete this qualification. In order to clarify what is required to complete this qualification, please check https://training.gov.au/Home/Tga