Animal care courses at TAFE
18 nationally recognised qualifications, delivered by TAFE and other registered training organisations. Each one lists the careers it leads to.
Not sure what to study? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Certificate I
Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways (ACM10121)
Leads to: Dog Walker, Domestic Animal Attendant
Certificate II
Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121)
Leads to: Animal Husbandry Technician, Dog Handler or Trainer, Domestic Animal Attendant, Veterinary Nurse, Dog Walker
Certificate II in Horse Care (ACM20221)
Leads to: Stablehand
Certificate III
Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122)
Leads to: Domestic Animal Attendant, Pet Groomer, Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator, Dog Handler or Trainer, Veterinary Nurse
Certificate III in Animal Technology (ACM30219)
Leads to: Domestic Animal Attendant, Biotechnologist, Life Science Technician
Certificate III in Equine Hoof Care (ACM30921)
Leads to: Farrier
Certificate III in Horse Care (ACM30821)
Leads to: Horse Trainer, Stablehand, Senior Horse Stable or Stud Worker
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30321)
Leads to: Zookeeper
Certificate IV
Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (ACM40322)
Leads to: Dog Handler or Trainer, Circus Performer or Trainer
Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management (ACM40222)
Leads to: Veterinary Practice Manager, Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator, Facilities Manager, Zookeeper, Veterinary Nurse
Certificate IV in Animal Regulation and Management (ACM40122)
Leads to: Council Ranger
Certificate IV in Equine Care (ACM40921)
Leads to: Leather Goods Maker, Senior Horse Stable or Stud Worker, Horse Trainer
Certificate IV in Farriery (ACM40818)
Leads to: Farrier
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418)
Leads to: Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Practice Manager
Diploma
Diploma of Animal Technology (ACM50119)
Leads to: Animal Husbandry Technician, Life Science Technician, Veterinary Nurse
Diploma of Equine Allied Health (ACM50521)
Leads to: Animal Husbandry Technician, Senior Horse Stable or Stud Worker, Veterinary Nurse
Diploma of Equine Management (ACM50421)
Leads to: Horse Breeder, Veterinary Practice Manager, Horse Trainer, Senior Horse Stable or Stud Worker, Stablehand
Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (ACM50219)
Leads to: Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Practice Manager
Prefer university? See Veterinary & Animal Science degrees
Other industries
- Agriculture, horticulture and land management
- Electrical and electronics
- Health
- Creative arts and culture
- Mining, civil construction and resources
- Transport and logistics
- Automotive
- Community services, childcare and aged care
- Engineering and manufacturing trades
- Building, construction and plumbing
- Finance, accounting and insurance
- Defence
TAFE and VET qualifications: Jobs and Skills Australia: Training Occupation Pathways (TOP) dataset (1.0 (March 2026)), CC BY 4.0. Grouped by industry by Peernovo.