New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management with Companion Animal Strand
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. Due to the practical nature of the programme, you must have a good level of fitness and be able to carry out physical activities when working in an animal facility.
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 companion animal management you’re most interested in, e.g. dog groomers to animal shelters.
Please note:
- Applications are assessed in the order in which they are received, therefore, we strongly recommend applying as soon as you know you wish to study with us.
- Applications to study in 2025 for this programme are closed but you can apply now to study in 2026.
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
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 moreCareer 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 Zookeeping Strand (delivered online by Unitec) Level 4, or Canine Behaviour and Training Strand Level 4 (delivered online by Unitec, with block courses in Canterbury assisted by Ara), or the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6).
Recommended school subjects
- English
- Maths
- Biology/ Anatomy
New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management with Companion Animal Strand
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 Studylink? | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | NZ2489-STRU |
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional 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.
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 moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 426 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 363 KB
- Animal Science Level 4 Additional Requirements Form PDF, 91 KB
- Animal Science FAQ sheet PDF, 56 KB
Area of Interest
Need some help picking the right course for you?
Send us an enquiry or book a tour and experience Ara for yourself!