The Certificate III in Animal Care Services will replace the Certificate III in Pet Grooming and the Certificate III in Companion Animal Services with a broad industry qualification.
Students will be able to specialise in animal care or pet grooming in the course.
GOTAFE services and natural environment director Andrew McGranahan said the course was designed to provide students with comprehensive skills to work in boarding, breeding, shelters, pet grooming, pet sitting and other facilities and services.
“We’re excited to deliver the new animal care services qualification, which has been specifically developed to address the changing needs of the sector,” Mr McGranahan said.
GOTAFE graduate Rachel Trusler said studying pet grooming prepared her for her job at a dog grooming salon in Melbourne.
She said she learnt practical skills like brushing, clipping, hydro-bathing, drying and trimming nails.
“My dream job is to look after rescue animals and animals that are recovering from injuries,” she said.
“I liked studying at GOTAFE because everyone is so nice, friendly and helpful.”
Mr McGranahan said the course subject matter was developed for the changing needs of the animal welfare sector.
“Students will learn practical skills such as how to assess the welfare status of an animal, provide advice on general animal care, basic animal first aid, workplace health and safety, communication skills and promoting wellbeing in the workplace,” he said.
“These are important skills that will help support the growing workforce in the animal care industry, which is facing increased demand, as people are looking for a broader range of options to keep their pets healthy and happy.”
The course was available at GOTAFE’s Wallan and Wangaratta Tone Rd campuses, with the first cohort starting on August 10.
For more information, call 1800 468 233 or visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/study/land-animals/animal-sciences/certificate-iii-in-animal-care-services
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