Animal Care VET Certificate II & III

This program supports students who are undertaking Animal Care VET Certificate II or III. It explores the skills, knowledge and ethical frameworks that underpin professional animal care, with a focus on safety, welfare and best practice. Through real-world examples from Zoos Victoria, students investigate how decisions about nutrition, enrichment, training and healthcare are made in a professional setting.

Students will learn

• Five Domains of Animal Welfare used in zoo animal care 
• Role of enrichment in supporting welfare and natural behaviours 
• How species-specific diet plans are informed   
• Workplace safety across zoo operations 

Core Competencies

Certificate II

• Work in the animal care industry 
• Feed and water animals 
• Assist in health care of animals 
• Participate in workplace health and safety processes

Certificate III

• Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals 
• Assess the welfare status of an animal
• Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

Electives

• Provide enrichment for animals 

Support for teachers

• Great day at the zoo - access to trails and scheduled keeper talks 
• Teacher resources with classroom and excursion activities
• Pre-visit information to support planning and preparation
• Opportunity to celebrate learning and become a Fighting Extinction School

Choose your zoo experience

This program is delivered at Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo, with each offering a different focus and experience.