• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Finance
      • MYOB
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Dog Training
      • Horse Breeding & Equine Studies
      • Veterinary
      • Arts
      • Fashion Design
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • Web Design
      • Building & Construction
      • Real Estate
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Change Management
      • Human Resources
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • PMBOK
      • PRINCE2®
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Small Business
      • Aged Care
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Language
      • Agriculture
      • Conservation & Land Management
      • Horticulture
      • Science
      • Beauty & Hairdressing
      • Eyebrow Specialist
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Health
      • Herbal Medicines
      • Life Coaching
      • Massage
      • Mental Health
      • Natural Therapies
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Nutritional Medicine
      • Pharmacy
      • Psychology
      • Celebrancy
      • Culinary Arts
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Tourism
      • Travel
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • Cyber Security
      • IT
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Software
      • Web Development
      • Criminal Justice & Psychology
      • Legal
      • Security
      • Work Health & Safety
      • Journalism
      • Sales
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • Short
    • Certificate
    • Certificate I
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Diploma
    • Undergraduate Certificate
  • Education Providers
  • Contact us
  • Blog
  • About us
  • Affiliates
 
2 Sep 2023

9 Best Online Animal Care Courses


Avatar photo Michael Yi

Animal care is a dream industry for people who love furry, scaly, and feathery friends.

It offers limitless opportunities to grow as a professional, and make a real difference to the lives of animals. Within this exciting industry are a variety of jobs, all of which play a slightly different role in looking after animals. 

Animal care work can include pet grooming and training, zookeeping, animal welfare, and wildlife conservation — just to name a few. 

This article compares courses in:

  • Pet grooming and training
  • Veterinary work
  • Zoology and wildlife conservation
  • Animal welfare

What are the benefits of studying an animal care course?

In order to enter these roles with confidence, a strong and capable skillset, and demonstrated passion, you’ll want to complete a course relevant to the field you’d like to work in. 

Not only will a course give you the right technical knowledge and skills, it will help you stand out to employers. Having these qualifications on your resume demonstrates your passion and commitment to this industry. Animal care can be challenging, but with the right training, you’ll have the capability to help animals, and give them the best quality of life.

With so many different avenues in animal care, finding the right course can be confusing and tedious. To make the right choice for your future, you need to be able to compare various courses and select one that fulfils your needs. 

Ready to start comparing and find your perfect course?

Animal grooming and training courses

Dog Grooming Certificate


Learning Online



What you’ll learn:

  • Comprehensive understanding of grooming essentials, like clipping, scissoring and styling
  • How to bathe and dry pets
  • Understanding of how to groom specialty coat types
  • How to work with a variety of dog breeds


Delivery method:

Online


Duration:

0 months
access to self-paced content

    Career outcomes:

    • Animal grooming assistant
    • Dog Kennel Attendant
    • Dog Shelter Employee
    • Start an animal daycare/grooming business

    Cost:

    Check with provider


    Payment plans:

    available from
    $0/week

    View Course

    Advanced Certificate in Dog Grooming

    The Career Academy


    What you’ll learn:

    • Comprehensive understanding of grooming essentials, like clipping, scissoring and styling
    • How to take care of coats so that they’re shiny and healthy
    • How to handle animals safely and hygienically
    • About different animal breeds and their different needs and temperament
    • Basic animal anatomy and hygiene
    • Business skills

    Delivery method:

    Online


    Duration:

    0 hours
    of self-paced content


    Career outcomes:

    • Pet Shop staff member
    • Animal Trainer
    • Animal Trainer


    Cost:

    Check with provider


    Payment plans:

    available from
    $0/week

    View Course

    Veterinary courses

    Vets are medical professionals: they administer medication and other treatments, they diagnose and manage conditions, and they respond to injuries. They just tend to animals rather than humans. So, vets are students for a long time. Usually six to seven years in a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, followed by a Doctoral degree.

    If six to seven years of study sounds like a big commitment, you can get your foot in the door of a veterinary clinic by completing a veterinary assistance course. This is an equally rewarding career, where you’ll have extensive opportunities to care for animals (including giving them love and attention).


    Vet Assistance Certificate


    Learning Online


    What you’ll learn:

    • How to feed, exercise and bathe animals
    • How to assist Vet Nurses and Vet Technicians with lab work
    • How to clean, sterilize and maintain the various tools, rooms and equipment in a clinic.
    • How to perform clerical duties and general vet cleaning duties
    • How to complete reception-based tasks

    Delivery method:

    Online


    Duration:

    0 months
    access to self-paced content

    • Average course completion is 15-20 weeks

    Career outcomes:

    • Veterinary reception and general office duties
    • Veterinary technical maintenance
    • Specialist vet support roles
    • Animal pathology laboratories
    • Animal hospitals
    • Government veterinary services
    • Animal refuges and welfare organisations

    Cost:

    Check with provider


    Payment plans:

    available from
    $0/week

    View Course

    Wildlife Veterinary Assistant Certificate

    Learning Online


    What you’ll learn:

    • Hybrid content on both veterinary skills and skills for handling wildlife
    • Animal first aid and healthcare
    • How to identify signs of wellness and disease
    • Animal rehabilitation


    Delivery method:

    Online


    Duration:

    0 months
    access to self-paced content

    • Average course completion is 15-20 weeks


    Career outcomes:

    • Wildlife rescue shelter worker
    • Animal welfare shelter worker
    • Specialist vet support roles
    • Animal Breeder


    Cost:

    Check with provider


    Payment plans:

    available from
    $0/week

    View Course

    Zoology and wildlife conservation courses

    In zoology courses you’ll learn about ecology, evolution, and conservation. You study all about why animals are the way they are, and how to preserve diversity. This is an important background for working as a zoologist – someone who studies animals and their habitats to learn more about them and advise on population control and management.

    Gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to stand out to employers and succeed in this field.


    Zoology Certificate


    Careerhouse


    What you’ll learn:

    • Introduction to animal welfare and first aid
    • Animal behaviour — how to tell if an animal isn’t behaving normally (e.g. if they’re under stress)
    • Animal psychology — including conditioning, innate behaviour and survival
    • How animals function in the wild and in captivity
    • How habitat affects animal health

    Delivery method:

    Online


    Duration:

    0 hours
    of self-paced content

      Career outcomes:

      • Zookeeping
      • Wildlife management
      • Aquariums
      • Wildlife safaris
      • Petting zoos
      • Amusement parks with animals
      • Wildlife conservation


      Cost:

      Check with provider


      Payment plans:

      available from
      $0/week

      View Course

      Wildlife Conservation and Management Certificate

      Careerhouse


      What you’ll learn:

      • How to conduct surveys of plants and animals in a region
      • Information about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, habitat rescue
      • How to undertake conservation activities like improve habitats and breed animals in captivity
      • Business aspects of working in and managing wildlife parks and sanctuaries


      Delivery method:

      Online


      Duration:

      0 hours
      of self-paced content


        Career outcomes:

        • Wildlife education
        • Wildlife management
        • Zookeeping
        • Animal Breeding
        • Eco-tourism
        • Wildlife or animal care
        • Environmental consultation
        • Wildlife assessment

        Cost:

        Check with provider


        Payment plans:

        available from
        $0/week

        View Course

        You can also do similar courses that are more tailored to specific interests. Like a Reptile Zoology Certificate where you would focus on reptile health, habitat, and behaviour or a Primate Zoology Certificate where you would focus on monkeys and apes.

        These shorter courses are relevant for people interested in zookeeping and working in wildlife rescues, sanctuaries, and parks. They may also inspire you to study further to related courses such as a Bachelor degree in Zoology or in Science majoring in animal biology or animal studies. This further study can lead to job outcomes like:

        • Zoologist
        • Conservationist

        Animal Welfare Courses

        If you want to ensure that animals are protected from cruelty or other harmful living situations, an animal welfare course would allow you to enter the industry with confidence and a well-rounded skillset.

        Working in animal welfare can be tough and heartbreaking. In order to help animals who truly need it, you’ll need to have a strong foundation in technical and legal knowledge and the skills to handle animals safely.


        Animal Welfare Certificate


        Learning Online



        What you’ll learn:

        • The legal rights of animals
        • Assessing animals’ environmental conditions
        • Signs that an animal may be unwell, abused, or neglected
        • How to handle animals safely and humanely
        • Potential problems around disease prevention
        • Appropriate shelter
        • Nutrition

        Delivery method:

        Online


        Duration:

        0 months
        access to self-paced content

        • Average course completion is 15-20 weeks

        Career outcomes:

        • Animal sanctuary worker
        • Pet resort attendant
        • Animal rehabilitator
        • Animal technician assistant
        • Animal carer
        • Veterinary assistant


        Cost:

        Check with provider


        Payment plans:

        available from
        $0/week

        View Course

        Animal Welfare Advanced Certificate

        Simply Learning


        What you’ll learn:

        • The theory and practice of animal welfare – wildlife, pets and farm animals
        • Animal health problems and healthcare
        • Animal behaviour and psychology
        • Rehabilitation care
        • Safety procedures
        • Administration of animal welfare
        • Veterinary facilities
        • Routine treatments


        Delivery method:

        Online


        Duration:

        0 hours
        of self-paced content

        • Average course completion is 15-20 weeks


        Career outcomes:

        • Business start-up in general or specific Animal work
        • Animal Boarding Facility or animal Daycare
        • Emergency Animal Assistant
        • Animal Rehabilitation
        • Animal Fostering, Animal Breeder, or Animal Carer
        • Vet Assistant
        • Work in Zoos and Animal Shelters
        • Work in Wildlife Reserves and Parks
        • Work in education and research

        Cost:

        Check with provider


        Payment plans:

        available from
        $0/week

        View Course

        The animal care industry in Australia is large and varied. While some jobs require many years of study, others require only passion and interest. These online short courses are great ways to expand your knowledge of animals and find a career you’re passionate about.

        Loading...
        Courses:
        Filter
        Loading..

        Courses:

        TOP RESULT

        Skin Health & Facial Treatments

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        Perform rejuvenating facial treatments like a professional! Get hands-on skincare practice from Australia’s leading skin specialists and dermatologists. With a dedicated mentor by your side, you’ll learn the facial skills to start your own business or...

        Ulleo -  Course

        Project Management Fundamentals

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        In today’s increasingly matrixed work environment, managing projects that cross job functions, geographies, and seniority is increasingly commonplace. Yet it is estimated that up to 70% of projects do not meet their original objectives, stay within the...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        People Leadership

        Study method
        In-class
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location

        Strengthen your leadership identity with this course, especially designed for senior managers who wish to create a positive influence on management and the organisation as a whole. Learn how to apply a ‘people perspective’ to decision-makin...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        New Leader

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        The transition from peer into a leadership position can be a difficult one. New managers and supervisors are often high individual performers, but are ill equipped with the new set of skills and behaviours required to effectively drive business outcome...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Mini MBA

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        Business education has traditionally required choosing between practical-focused short course training programs or an investment in arduous higher education degrees that take years to attain. AIM’s non-accredited Mini MBA provides a new option, enablin...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Mastering Project Management

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        The Mastering Project Management short course provides the practicing project manager an invaluable step up, teaching them how to apply a flexible approach to project management alongside strong leadership and governance....

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Finance for Non-Finance Managers

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        The success or failure of every business lies in the fundamentals of its financial performance, and the choices made by people at all levels of an organisation directly impact the bottom line. Making informed decisions grounded in a solid financial und...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Data Insights for Business

        Study method
        Online,
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        Data Insights for Business equips participants with essential, tools, methods, and a growth mindset to shape data-driven inquiries and effectively tackle business challenges. This practical and interactive course focuses on helping participants become...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Cybersecurity Fundamentals

        Study method
        Online,
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        Cybersecurity Fundamentals offers an ideal starting point for gaining a solid understanding of cybersecurity and the potential risks organisations might encounter. This practical and interactive course focuses on demystifying the complex world of cyber...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Change Management – Embrace Evolve Thrive

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        The Australian and global business environment is continually faced with disruptive and exponential change. The ability to embrace this change with agility and speed whilst engaging your people is one of the key challenges facing managers and leaders t...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Applied Project Management

        Study method
        Online
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement

        All projects rely on precise and effective teamwork for their success, yet each project also has its unique set of managerial challenges. Aligned to industry competency standards, this online short course is perfect for anyone involved in workplace pro...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        AI is my CoPilot

        Study method
        In-class,
        In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
        Virtual
        Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

        AI is my CoPilot is the perfect entry point to understanding the artificial intelligence tools currently available, and how to harness them to increase your personal productivity and impact at work. This practical course focuses on how to “centau...

        Australian Institute of Management -  Course

        Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) CHC33021

        Study method
        Online
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement

        If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. The Aged Care and Disability sector is one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing service industries. In 2...

        Kirana Colleges -  Course

        Mental Health Co-existing Needs Skill Set (VIC Only) CHCSS00102

        Study method
        Blended
        Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements

        Are you looking to expand your knowledge and expertise in mental health co-existing needs? The Hammond Institute is excited to offer the Mental Health Co-existing Needs Skill Set, designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to suppo...

        Hammond Institute -  Course

        Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set (VIC Only) CHCSS00093

        Study method
        Blended
        Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements

        This skill set reflects the skill requirements for support workers providing services to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. This course meets the minimum requirement set by the Department of Health and Human Services so you can establish or e...

        Hammond Institute -  Course

        Course in Performing Allied Health Tasks and Supporting People with Disability (VIC Only) 22529VIC

        Study method
        Blended
        Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements

        Successful completion of this course provides participants with the skills and knowledge to: Work with people with disability Perform delegated or allocated allied health tasks within the disability sector Develop an understanding of the National Disab...

        Hammond Institute -  Course

        Senior Cyber Security Professional

        Study method
        Online
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement

        Cyber security is the most in demand role within the tech industry and is now worth an estimated $15bn. The average salary for a cyber security professional is $160k, meaning this career path will be extremely rewarding. There are many career pathways...

        Learning People -  Course
        in partnership with
        ISACA

        Online Personal Trainer Certification

        Study method
        Online
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement

        As a fitness industry-first program, the Clean Health Online Personal Trainer Certification™ (OPT ™) is the only option if you wish to get certified within 3 months as an online fitness coach and personal trainer. Our educators feature global fitness i...

        Clean Health Fitness Institute -  Course

        Clean Health Elite Personal Trainer Nutrition Specialist Program SIS300321/SIS40221

        Study method
        Online
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement

        The Clean Health Elite Personal Trainer Nutrition Specialist Program™ (PTNS ™) is the perfect PT qualification if you want to get qualified within 3 months and learn more than just typical program design and client assessment. Our educators feature glo...

        Clean Health Fitness Institute -  Course

        Clean Health Master Personal Trainer Program SIS300321/SIS40221

        Study method
        Online
        Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement

        The Clean Health Master Personal Trainer Program™ (MPT ™) is the world’s most advanced personal training qualification today. Our educators feature global fitness icons, including Dr Layne Norton, Dr. Bill Campbell, Hattie Boydle, Sebastian Oreb,...

        Clean Health Fitness Institute -  Course

        Online courses also available

        My shortlist
        Loading...

        Refine results

        Subject

        Qualification level

        Institution

        Enjoy this article?

        Subscribe now to receive articles like these straight to your inbox
        Avatar photo
        Michael Yi

        Michael is a writer in the education industry who is enthusiastic about revealing industry trends and insights to assist professionals and students in advancing their careers.

        Related Articles

        14 Jan 2023

        7 Critical Accounting Skills You Need to Succeed in 2023

        Accountants today need to be able to do more than just crunc...

        Avatar photo
        Michael Yi
        9 Sep 2020

        How to Create Your Career in Product Design

        Product design centres around user experience. The design pr...

        Avatar photo
        Candlefox
        22 Jan 2021

        Bookkeeping vs Accounting: Which Should You Study?

        If you’re good with numbers and interested in offering pract...

        Avatar photo
        Candlefox

        Subscribe to Our Newsletter

        Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

        By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy & Policy" and "Terms of Use"
        • Popular Subjects
        • Popular Blogs
        • Accounting
        • Animal Care
        • Agriculture
        • Beauty & Hairdressing
        • Bookkeeping
        • Counselling
        • Event Management
        • Eyelash Extension
        • Mental Health
        • MYOB
        • Nutrition
        • Project Management
        • Veterinary
        • Xero
        • View More
        • How To Become a Medical Receptionist: Everything You Need to Know
        • Becoming a Veterinary Assistant - Everything you Need to Know
        • Best Self-Employed Jobs in Australia
        • Best Short-Term Courses to Get You a Job in Australia 2023
        • Future-Proof Jobs & Industries in Australia: Best Jobs for the Future
        • How to Become a Bookkeeper in Australia
        • How to Become an Actuary
        • How to Become an Engagement Manager
        • How to Become a Zookeeper: Work with Wildlife Every Day
        • How to Become a Park Ranger: Make Your Office the Great Outdoors
        • Unusual Jobs That you Wouldn’t Know Pay More than 100K
        • How to Become a Wedding Planner in 5 Steps
        • View More

        Newsletter sign up

        We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
        Courses
        • All subjects
        Education Providers
        • Our providers
        Resources
        • Our blog
        About Us
        • About shortcourses.com.au
        Contact us
        • Contact
        • Advertise your course
        • Become an affiliate
        Privacy Policy Terms of Use
        Short Courses Facebook Short Courses Instagram Short Courses Tiktok
        Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
        In the spirit of reconciliation, shortcourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
        Copyright © 2023 Shortcourses.com.au
        All Rights Reserved.

        Newsletter Sign Up

        We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

        By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
        Back to Top