Certificate III in Companion Animal Services 
 

 
Traineeship
National Code
: 
RUV30304 
Short Course Guide
CRICOS Code:  
Centre:
Biotechnology and Animal Sciences
Location:
Elgar Campus
Study Area: Animal Studies; 
Study Area Sub Category: Companion Animals 
Career Card:
Animal Attendant 
Jump to:
Units of Competency

What does this course involve?

Please note: This course will transition into a new training package in 2012. The course structure, unit codes, titles and nominal hours may change.

You will gain the skills and knowledge required to work within companion animal organisations such as dog grooming salons, animal shelters, boarding kennels, catteries and pet shops. You will learn to provide daily care for animals through feeding, maintaining hygiene, preparing health monitoring.

You will also gain essential communication skills, learn to provide information on products and services, and follow Occupational Health and Safety procedures in an animal care environment.

During this course you will learn the skills required to perform a defined range of tasks within a set routine as well as the use of judgement in limited circumstances. Applications may involve some responsibility for others. Participation in teams, including group or team coordination may be involved.
You will also undertake a two week work placement, either within the companion animal industry, or training in a simulated pet grooming salon (depending on your choice of electives).

What employment opportunities will I have?

This course will provide you with the opportunity to be employed in pet retail shops, pet grooming facilities, pet boarding facilities, retail aquariums, animal rescue centres, animal training facilities or welfare organisations. The course will also provide the employability skills required in other animal related industries e.g. animal technology, veterinary nursing, and captive animals.

As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

Accreditation

This course is government accredited and has national recognition

What further study options will I have?

On completion of this course you may be eligible to continue on and study the Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services or the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (if employed in a veterinary clinic).

Can I apply?

You must:

  • be 16 years or over (or mature age)
  • have successfully completed Year 10, or equivalent
  • supply evidence of a current tetanus vaccination.

Those with relevant experience, either paid or voluntary, in the animal care industry will be given preference, evidence of placement must be provided.

 

How do I apply?

Direct entry - September/October. Contact 03 8892 2051 in September for more information and to obtain an application form.

If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

How will I be selected for this course?

Individual interview

Length of course

Part time - 1 year (2 days per week)

Where will I study?

Elgar Campus

What costs and other fees should I expect?

For this course, there are two fee structures. Visit the Government Subsidised Place Eligibility page to see if you are eligible for a Government subsidised place.

Government Subsidised Fees

  1. Tuition Fee - $2.17 per hour (max $1,250.00)
  2. Concession Tuition Fee - $187.50
  3. Service and Amenities Fee - $65.00 or 90.00
  4. Material Fees - contact the Institute
Fee For Service Fees

Fee for Service - this course will cost $10,000.00 if you aren't eligible for government subsidised training.

If you are an employer seeking training for groups of employees, contact the Institute for a customised package.

How will I be assessed?

  • Oral presentation
  • Written assessment
  • Practical assessment
  • Project work
  • Workplace assessment

Will my previous experience or study count?

Advanced Standing is approved recognition of prior learning that is displayed as an Exemption (EX) on the student’s academic record. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.

 
Units of Competency

Core
RUV2101A
Work In The Animal Care Industry
20.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the process of working on an individual basis and with others in the animal care industry. It requires the ability to follow work schedules and recognise animals commonly found in the workplace.

RUV2102A
Follow OHS Procedures In An Animal Care Environment
40.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the process of following organisational occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures in an animal care environment. It requires the ability to follow workplace procedures in hazard identification and risk control, observe safe practices during work operations and participate in arrangements for maintaining the health and safety of the workplace. Following OHS policies and procedures requires knowledge of employee and employer responsibilities under the OHS Act; organisational procedures relating to hazards, fires, emergencies, accidents, evacuations and risk control; and OHS signs and symbols relevant to an area of work.

RUV2103A
Assist With General Animal Care
80.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the process of working with others in the animal care and management industry to assist in providing general animal care. It requires the ability to handle animals using appropriate handling techniques, check the general condition and health of animals and clean animal housing, including fixtures and fittings, using appropriate workplace cleaning agents. It requires knowledge of appropriate animal handling techniques and workplace hygiene standards. Working with animals at this level is likely to be carried out under direct and close supervision according to organisational policies and procedures.

RUV2104A
Provide Food And Water For Animals
30.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the process of preparing and providing food and water for animals. It requires the application of knowledge and skills to provide food and water and report and maintain records. In addition, it requires an awareness of animal welfare and behaviour, and safe workplace and sustainable environmental practices associated with animal care. Working with animals at this level is likely to be carried out under direct and close supervision according to organisational policies and procedures.

RUV2105A
Participate In Workplace Communications
20.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the process of effectively participating in workplace communications. It requires the ability to follow simple spoken messages, perform routine workplace duties, follow simple written notices, obtain and provide information in response to workplace requirements, complete relevant work-related documents, and participate in workplace meetings and discussions. Participating in workplace communications requires an understanding of different modes of communication, basic mathematical processes, and knowledge of communication procedures, and systems and technology relevant to the organisation and the individual's work responsibilities.

RUV2107A
Provide Basic First Aid For Animals
30.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the process of providing essential first aid for animals by recognising and responding to an emergency using basic life support measures. The first aider is not expected to deal with complex casualties or incidents, but to provide an initial response where first aid is required. Providing basic first aid for animals requires the ability to respond positively to emergencies in line with practised actions and demonstrate basic first aid casualty management principles. It also requires knowledge of the use of safe work practices, the animal emergency network, and first aid casualty management principles and zoonotic diseases.

RUV3101A
Carry Out Workplace OHS Procedures
50.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of carrying out organisational occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures. The unit is also concerned with the OHS responsibilities of employees with supervisory responsibilities. It requires the ability to work in accordance with workplace procedures in hazard identification and risk control, carry out safe practices during work operations and participate in arrangements for maintaining the health and safety of all people in the workplace. Carrying out OHS policies and procedures requires knowledge of responsibilities under the OHS Act, OHS signs and symbols relevant to the area of work and organisational procedures relating to hazards, fires, emergencies, accidents and risk control.
RUV3503A
Work Effectively In The Companion Animal Industry
40.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of working effectively on an individual basis and with others within the companion animal industry. The industry which may include pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries; companion animal training, grooming and/or and/or breeding establishments, and and mobile animal facilities. Working effectively in the companion animal industry requires the ability to organise, prioritise and complete daily work activities, work ethically with animals, communicate effectively with clients and keep accurate records. It requires knowledge of relevant legislative and organisational requirements, animal welfare practices, occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures, and and organisational record-keeping systems.
RUV3504A
Monitor And Maintain Health Of Companion Animals
60.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of monitoring the general health and well being of companion animals, including young animals and those with special needs. Special needs may include aged, sick or injured animals.
Electives - mandatory
RUV3501A
Provide Advice On Companion Animal Selection And General Care
50.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of providing advice to customers on the appropriate selection of companion animals, and on their housing, nutritional and other general care requirements. Companion animals can include animals from the six major animal groups (amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and mammals).
RUV3505A
Provide Enrichment For Companion Animals
30.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of providing enrichment activities for companion animals in pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries, and in dog and cat breeding establishments in accordance with organisational policies and strategies. It involves observing and recording animal behaviour, implementing enrichment strategies for a range of animals and recording information. It requires knowledge of animal behaviour as well as a range of animal enrichment strategies.
RUV3506A
Capture, Handle And Transport Companion Animals
30.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of capturing, handling and transporting companion animals to and from pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries or, companion animal training, grooming and breeding establishments, mobile animal facilities and client residences. It is important that animals are handled in a safe and humane manner with a minimum of stress to the animal.
RUV3507A
Carry Out Companion Animal Breeding Procedures
50.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process preparing animals for breeding and implementing routine breeding procedures in accordance with the breeding plan. Work is performed in accordance with the breeding program and the organisation’s standard operating procedures.
RUV3508A
Prepare Companion Animal Diets And Monitor Feeding
40.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of preparing and presenting food to companion animals. It includes types of foods, maintenance of food quality, the preparation of food animals and the impact of toxic plants and substances on animals.
Electives - select two from the following
RUV4203A
Identify And Respond To Animal Behaviour
50.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of identifying animals and their behaviour in the context of an animal control and regulation environment during day-to-day activities. It requires an ability to recognise and identify animals and assess, interpret, anticipate and respond to the behaviour of an animal. It requires an appreciation of the owner – animal – environment triangle of effect that influences behavioural expressions. Working within animal control and regulation also requires knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
RUV4509A
Provide Professional Companion Animal Grooming Services
120.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of providing professional grooming services for companion animals at their home or at a companion animal facility. The unit requires an assessment of the health and condition of the animal’s coat and determining the animal’s grooming needs with the client (owner). It requires skills and knowledge to undertake industry-recognised grooming procedures in accordance with client requirements.
RUV4510A
Provide Companion Animal Hydro-Bathing Services
80.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of operating a mobile hydro-bathing service for companion animals. It requires assessing the health and condition of animals’ coats and determining animals’ bathing needs with clients. It requires the ability to set up the mobile hydro-bath, handle animals and carry out industry-recognised bathing procedures. It requires skills and knowledge to assess animals’ coats, provide advice to clients on coat and other maintenance regimes and to bathe animals in a calm and safe environment.
RUV4511A
Provide Training Advice To Companion Animal Owners
60.00 hr
This unit of competency covers the process of developing, monitoring and reviewing the training plans and programs of companion animals and their owners. Training may be conducted in one-on-one sessions with animals and their owners (clients) and may take place in public open spaces, in private residences or at agreed alternative venues. Training animals and their owners requires knowledge of different animals and breeds, different training equipment and its use as well as a variety of training methods. It also requires communication skills to determine clients’ needs and to provide advice and assistance as required.
All fees quoted are indicative fees and are correct at the time of publishing. In subsequent calendar years, fees may be subject to a small increase in line with annual Institute fee pricing reviews. This qualification may have prerequisites, co-requisite or bridging units from lower or higher level qualifications. An offer of a place is always subject to places being available. The Institute reserves the right to close applications when the course is full. Where minimum course numbers are not met, the course may be cancelled at short notice. In such instances and only when possible, an alternative option may be suggested for accredited courses. For further clarification please seek advice from the Institute.

Course Enquiries

Local Students
1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445)

International Students
+61 3 9286 9425

Please click here to see the list of courses offered to International students