Much like humans, pets don’t come with an instruction manual. But all pets need the best care possible to keep them happy and healthy so they can continue to give us joy! This course is ideal for pet owners, handlers, pet sitters, those who work in pet care or anyone with a passion for domesticated animals.
The Certificate of Pet Care is an online professional development program that will give you a sound introduction into caring for a wide variety of different pets, including how to feed, groom, exercise and breed them.
In this pet care course, you will learn about pet care needs, the relevant laws and licenses on pet care, and how charities care for our companion animals.
You will also learn about the breeds and care of a variety of cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, mice, hamsters and guinea pigs.
On completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation in caring for a range of different pets from those with legs and wings to creatures with scales and fins!
Course Structure
Unit - Pet Care
Unit 1 – Introduction to Animal Care
- Laws and licenses
- Animal charities and societies (eg. RSPCA, WSPA, Blue Cross)
- Pet care needs (feeding, watering, shelter, containment, fencing, caging, protection)
- Maintaining health
- Hygiene
Unit 2 – Cats
- Breeds (Lang Haired, Semi Long Haired, Short Haired, Oriental etc)
- Cat selection
- Allergies
- Containment
- Sexing
- Desexing
- Breeding
- Newborn kittens
- Exercise
- Behaviour
- Hygiene
- Feed and nutrition
- Amount of food
- Watering, grooming
- Travelling
- Care for a sick cat (signs of illness, temperature, common ailments, skin disorders, ticks)
- Cats and wildlife
Unit 3 – Dogs
- Dog selection
- Breeds (pure and mixed)
- Varying size and temperament
- Grooming
- Skin care
- Inherited traits (aggression, deafness)
- Containment
- Breeding
- Desexing
- Exercise
- Behaviour
- Feeding
- Canine nutrition
- Bones
- Watering
- Training
- Travelling
- Identifying sickness
Unit 4 – Birds
- Bird selection
- Breeds (eg. Canaries, Finches, Budgerigars, Small Parrots etc)
- Sexing
- Desexing
- Containment (aviaries –selection, design, size, management)
- Feed and feeding
- Watering
- Grooming (wing trim, beak trim, nail rrim)
- Hygiene
- Catching and restraining
- Travelling
- Caring for the sick bird
- Signs of illness
- Temperature
- Supportive therapy
- Common ailments (eg. abscesses, alopecia, apoplexy, aspergillosis, breathlessness, constipation, parasites)
- Safety in the home
Unit 5 – Fish
- Fish selection
- Inside or outside
- Warm or cold water
- Number of fish
- Types of fish (tropical, marine, cold water)
- Costs, size
- Equipment: tanks, ponds, pumps, aquariums, night lights
- Water quality
- Changing water, feed (pelleted, live feed – daphnia, brine shrimp)
- Illnesses (fungal, bacterial, parasites, environmental)
Unit 6 – Rabbits
- Rabbit breeds (large, small and dwarf)
- Selection
- Legality (illegal in some areas)
- Containment (hutch or cage)
- Environment (temperature etc)
- Feeding, nutrition, watering, feed quantities and routine
- Grooming
- Handling
- Moulting
- Transporting
- Sexing, breeding
- Identifying illness (coccidiosis, snuffles, myxomatosisis, sore hocks, pasteurellosis, ear canker, heat stroke, cannibalism, calcivirus disease)
- Care of sick rabbits
Unit 7 – Reptiles and Amphibians
- Types (eg. salamander, frogs, venomous snakes, non-venomous snakes, shingle-backed lizard, tortoises, terrapins, axolotls, etc),
- Selection,
- Legal issues
- Housing
- Environmental requirements (moisture, humidity, warmth, etc),
- Terrariums,
- Problems (eg. dehydration, stress, external and internal parasites, blisters, scale rot, mouth rot or canker, colds/pneumonia, constipation and diarrhoea, cannibalism, incomplete sloughing of the skin -shedding of the skin)
- Feed and feeding
- General care
Unit 8 – Guinea Pigs, Hamsters and Mice
- Varieties, selection
- Containment
- Sexing, breeding
- Grooming
- Feeding, watering
- Illness (eg. skin problems, abscesses, mites, ringworm, fleas, respiratory infection, vitamin C deficiency, otitis, salmonella, stripping etc)
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Easy to follow and understand. Assistance available
L. Fourie, Wynnum, QLD | Certificate of Pet Care
My experience was excellent, tutors were very helpful, quick responses to any questions I had and were very encouraging.
B. Lloyd, Werribee, VIC | Certificate of Pet Care
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Pet Owners
- Pet Shop Retailers
- Dog Groomers
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