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New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management with Companion Animal Strand

Close Date: 31 October
International Close Date: Please enquire

Match your passion for animals with the skills and knowledge to work in the diverse and rewarding field of animal care.

This programme is the perfect first step into a career working with companion animals. The programme will equip you with knowledge and skills for a variety of areas including kennel and cattery management, rescue and animal welfare centres, pet sitting, pet stores, day care centres, pet ownership education and working as an animal technician.

You’ll learn about a range of companion animals (e.g. dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and birds), their health and welfare and how to manage and care for them on a day-to-day basis. This will include animal anatomy and physiology, occupational health and safety, low stress handling of animals, animal behaviour and health, animal first aid, record keeping, legislation and housing design. More advanced topics include nutrition, infection control, care during illness/injury, safe use of medications, designing optimum temporary housing spaces, facility planning, behavioural training and enrichment.

Work-integrated learning is a significant component of the programme, with students needing to complete 120 hours in two different facilities over the year. You’ll have the opportunity to spend some of this time in a work environment that suits the area of animal management you’re most interested in.

Due to the practical nature of the programme, you must have a good level of fitness to be able to carry out the physical activities.

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$6,768 - $7,627 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits; or a recognised equivalent;

OR a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above;

OR a recognised equivalent qualification

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

In addition you need to:

All applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme.

  • *Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic or General

  • 5.0 Listening
  • 5.0 Reading
  • 5.0 Writing
  • 5.0 Speaking

Selection processes may apply where the number of applications exceed the number of available places.

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

With this qualification you’ll have the skills to competently manage the day-to-day care of animals in a variety of situations such as kennels, catteries and animal welfare centres, or as a pet sitter. Depending on your interests, you could also find employment as an animal welfare worker, pet shop assistant, animal lab technician, facility manager, pet supplies sales representative or in the animal education industry. Other options include studying for an animal physiology or zoology degree, or branching into other science-based study.

Study pathways

After completing this programme, you can continue to build on your knowledge and skills in this area with the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management Captive Wildlife Strand Level 4, or the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology with strands in Rural Animal Technician and Veterinary Nursing Assistant Level 5.

Recommended school subjects

  • English
  • Biology/ Anatomy

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management with Companion Animal Strand

FULL-TIME - 1 Year

Match your passion for animals with the skills and knowledge to work in the diverse and rewarding field of animal care.

Information
Type Certificate
Code NZ2489
Application close date 31 October
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date Please enquire
Credits 120
Level 4
Additional Equipment/Fees Approximately $200 for text books and fuel for work placements
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference NZ2489-STRU

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$6,768 - $7,627 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this programme, but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated from COVID-19 before allowing you to complete work at their organisation.

Enquire Now

With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Additional Entry Requirements

In addition you need to:

All applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the programme.

  • *Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegated authority.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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