New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3)
with strand in Companion Animals
NZ2487
Course details
-
Jul 2025Feb 2026
- One semester
- Full-time
- $4,358*
- You may qualify for fee-free study under Fees Free Policy
- Level 3
- Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
- Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Please note places on this programme are limited.
- Semester 2 2025 applications close 25 April 2025.
- Semester 1 2026 applications close 26 September 2025.
We apply a selection process, which may include an interview. Please view the application process here. We recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, within the closing dates above.
Summary
This programme is a starting point for those interested in caring for animals in environments such as pet stores, animal rescue centres, and boarding or day-care facilities.
This is a practical programme including 40 hours of work placement at Wintec Animal House. Work placement during the semester assists students in gaining confidence, and builds their industry networks for future employment.
Alongside the practical elements of the programme, students will also attend classes where they will learn animal care theory. Students will be in class four days a week from 8am-3pm, and will also be required to undertake self-directed study.
Study topics include:
- Animal biology
- Animal hygiene and health
- Routine animal care
- Animal welfare and ethics
Students will get daily opportunities for care and experience in the handling of companion animals at the Wintec Animal House, a purpose-built facility that houses commonly kept companion animals in New Zealand.
View programme modules
Companion Animals Strand
| Module Code | Module Title | Level | Credits | Co-Requisites | Pre-Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANML3101 | Introduction to Professional Skills when working with companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3102 | Introduction to Behaviour, handling and transportation for companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3103 | Introduction to form, function and preventative health for companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3104 | Introduction to Husbandry for companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3105 | Companion Animals Practicum | 3 | 10 |
Application process
- Apply online or download and complete an Application to Enrol Form.
- Complete the online self-disclosure form. If you have applied in hard copy, you will also need to complete a Self-Disclosure Form, if you have applied online this form is included as part of the online application process.
- If applying in hard copy, and if you are unsure that you meet the entry criteria, complete the online Additional Information Form. This will enable us to assess your application further.
- If you have them, provide us with certified copies of your prior academic transcripts. Find out more about supporting material for enrolment here.
- We may also need to verify your identity (your legal name and date of birth) as well as your residency status. If you are a domestic student we may be able to do this through your National Student Number (NSN); if we can not, we will need you to provide
evidence of this by supplying verified copies of your birth certificate or passport.
Career/further opportunities
Graduates may be employed as assistants in pet stores, animal rescue centres, pet grooming, animal daycare, animal training, and boarding facilities.
Graduates may progress on to further animal technology study in either the Veterinary Nurse Assistant or Rural Animal Technician programmes.
Events
No events.
Disclaimers
Entry criteria
General admission
There is open entry to this programme although you must demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.
Additional requirements
In addition to the above, you must complete a health declaration prior to acceptance into the programme.
Note: 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 delegate authority.
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an academic International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 5 (general or academic), with no individual band score lower than 5; or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
- Where the number of applications for a programme exceeds the number of available places, ākonga are offered the opportunity to be placed on a waitlist.
- Programme selection prioritisation is the order in which the applications are received.
Pathways
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Your first day
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Semester 1 2025
Whānau sessions
Date: Tuesday 4 February 2025
Time: 12pm-1pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
Date: Wednesday 5 February 2025
Time: 5.30pm-6.30pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
Date: Wednesday 5 February 2025
Time: From 6.30pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Induction
Date: Monday 10 February 2025
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
As a new student, we welcome you to attend one of our whānau sessions. At this relaxed event, we help you prepare for induction and your first weeks of the semester. We encourage you to bring your whānau and friends along to support you. At induction, you will spend your first day getting to know each other, the tutors, and the Rotokauri Campus, as well as receiving your resources and spending time in the classroom. This will include module outlines, timetables, and information packs on what to expect throughout the year.
Prospectus (course guide)
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus
Portfolio
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