Course Overview
Match your passion for animals with the skills and knowledge to work in the diverse and rewarding field of animal care.
This course is the perfect first step into a career working with companion animals. It will equip you with knowledge and skills for a variety of areas as a qualified animal technician.
You’ll learn about a range of companion animals and how to manage and care for them on a day-to-day basis. This includes animal anatomy and physiology, occupational health and safety, and so much more.
Work-integrated learning is a large component of the course, with students needing to complete 60 hours per semester at an external facility over the year.
You’ll have the opportunity to apply what you have learned on campus in a real-world setting and build relationships within the industry.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Companion Animals) (Level 4)
| Locations | Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2026 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 120 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be able to work as supervisors or technicians involved with the day-to-day care and welfare of animals.
This may be in roles such as animal centre worker, animal sanctuary worker, supervisor of kennels, cattery or doggie daycare, animal rehabilitation, breeding, or quarantine facility.
Topics you'll cover
- ANML 4002: Anatomy and Physiology
- ANML 4122: Companion Animal Husbandry A
- ANML 4123: Companion Animal Husbandry B
- ANML 4124: Companion Animal Healthcare
- ANML 4125: Companion Animal Behaviour
- ANML 4126: Companion Animal Welfare
- ANML 4127: Companion Animal Practicum A
- ANML 4128: Companion Animal Practicum B
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | To be confirmed for domestic students |
|---|
Please note, fees for our 2026 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2026 fee amount.
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
To be admitted to this course, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits; or a recognised equivalent, OR have successfully completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3)
- provided a Declaration Record of Criminal History when enrolling and read and sign an off-campus student learning contract.
If you are aged 20 years or above, and do not meet the academic requirements, you may be given special admission if Toi Ohomai staff are satisfied you are capable of successfully completing the requirements.
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission, all applicants must complete a health declaration and declaration of any criminal conviction to ensure fitness to practice prior to acceptance into the course.
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English language requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
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Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 23 Feb 2026 |
Study options
- 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
