About New Zealand Certificate In Animal Care (companion Animal) in Unitec Institute of Technology

Programme overview

Whether you’re straight out of school, currently working with animals, or thinking about a career change, the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care is a great place to start your career working with animals!

We cover all aspects of animal care including health, hygiene, behaviour, and handling. We'll give you the applied knowledge and skills to care for a wide range of companion animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and birds, in a variety of settings including your home, pet shops, kennels, and catteries.

Choose from one of three study options that work best with your schedule:

• Part-time study (evening classes): This takes place over one year from February to November. Classes run twice a week, Tuesday and Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm.
• Full-time study (evening classes): This takes place over one semester from July to November. Classes run three times a week, Monday – Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm.
• Distance learning (day classes during block courses): This takes place over one semester from April to September, and September to February. Anyone from across New Zealand is eligible for this programme as the bulk of the programme is online.

Highlights

• Take the first steps towards an animal care-related professional career by gaining a comprehensive understanding of animal husbandry
• Develop essential communication skills and professional capabilities
• Passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields and work closely with industry
• This programme can provide a pathway for further study in a range of animal management programmes Unitec; discover your extensive range of options here!
• Access to Unitec's Behaviour and Husbandry Centre - Te Puna Kararehe - where you'll get a hands-on introduction to animal care through 12 hours on-site practical training and 48 hours of placement experience at an approved external facility.
• A mix of daytime and evening on-campus classes, practicals, and self-directed learning depending on your study option.

Career Options

• Animal minder in a range of animal facilities
• Boarding kennel or cattery attendant
• Pet shop assistant
• Wildlife rehabilitation aide
• Facility assistant for SPCA
• Pet supply sales representative
• Entry into further study at certificate or diploma level.

Academic qualification equivalents

• A minimum of 3 years secondary education

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS     :       5.5 with no band score lower than 5
• TOEFL    :       Score of 46 (writing 14)
• PTE         :       42 with no score lowerthan 36

Unitec Institute of Technology Tuition Fees

New Zealand Living Expenses

In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment. No matter what your tuition or course fee is, the average living expense will be same for everyone. Please note that these amounts are just recommendations, Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year plus return airfare or additional $2,000.