Certificate II in
Animal Care

Upon successsful completion you will receive certification from Box Hill Institute.

Part time: 2 years

VDSS courses follow the same term structure as Secondary Schools

Wednesday 9:00am to 12:30pm - Box Hill or Lilydale
Wednesday 1:30pm to 5:00pm – Box Hill, City or Lilydale
Friday          9:00am to 12:30pm - Box Hill (Year 1 only)

City campus students will be required to attend the Box Hill campus 6 times over the year to complete practical assessments.

All students will attend 2 full day practical sessions off site.

Applications for VDSS courses are to be submitted directly to your secondary school.  The school will then enrol you in the course.  

This course can only be completed as part of your secondary school studies in years 10, 11 and 12. For secondary school students, please speak to your school’s VET coordinator or Careers Counsellor to apply for this course. If you are home schooling, please submit an enquiry online to learn how to apply for this course.

A tetanus vaccination is required for entry into the course. This course involves both practical and written assessments and students will be required to complete work at home between classes. Students must have the physical ability to be able to safely handle small and larger animals, clean animal enclosures and prepare food. A suitable laptop or tablet device is required for all classes as many written assessments will be completed in class.

You may wish to apply for entry into courses such as:

• Certificate III in Animals Care (ACM30122)
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418)
• Diploma of Animal Technology (ACM50119)

This course may provide you with entry level employment in animal rescue centres, pet retail shops, welfare organisations and veterinary clinics, etc.

On successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for:

• recognition of up to two units at Units 1 and 2 level and a Units 3 and 4 sequence.
• Students who receive a Units 3 and 4 sequence for Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121) will be eligible for an increment towards their ATAR. (10% of the lowest study score of the primary four).
• The increment is awarded by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).
• Further information on the ATAR can be found on the VTAC website

The VCAA strongly recommends 80 hours of structured workplace learning (SWL) placement over the duration of the program.

Please contact your secondary school regarding fees for this program

Closed toe shoes must be worn when working with animals.