Pet Stylist Academy
Animal Care Courses
Certificate I through to Certificate III — plus equine
Nationally recognised | Qld funding available | RTO 41462
Nationally recognised training | Skills Assure Supplier | RTO 41462
Choose your starting point
All courses are delivered as online study with hands-on work placement, and you can enrol and start at any time. The animal care certificates build on each other, and Horse Care runs as a separate equine stream.
ACM10121
Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways
Your first step into animal care, building the basics of safe handling and workplace skills.
7 units · up to 12 months
$2,000 — payment plans
ACM20121
Certificate II in Animal Care
The essential skills to care for animals and begin working in the industry.
12 units · up to 12 months
$3,000 — Qld funded from $40
ACM30122
Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Work confidently across clinics, kennels, shelters and retail. The industry standard qualification.
17 units · up to 12 months
$4,500 — Qld funded from $40
ACM20221
Certificate II in Horse Care
Essential horse care, handling and stable management for an equine career.
11 units · up to 12 months
$3,000 — payment plans
Compare the courses
The key differences side by side, including which courses attract Queensland Government funding.
| Cert I Pathways | Cert II Animal Care | Cert III Animal Care | Cert II Horse Care | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 | $3,000 |
| Qld funding | — | From $40 co-contribution | From $40 co-contribution | — |
| Units | 7 | 12 | 17 | 11 |
| Duration | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months |
| Entry requirements | 15+ and Year 8 | 15+ and Year 8 | 16+ and Year 10 | 15+ and Year 8 |
| Best suited to | Getting started, or deciding whether animal care is for you | Beginning work in kennels, retail or day care | A professional career across clinics, shelters and retail | Working with horses in stables, studs and riding schools |
Queensland funding is available for the Certificate II and Certificate III in Animal Care to eligible students. The Certificate I and Horse Care are offered at full fee with payment plans.
Your animal care pathway
The certificates build on one another, so you can start where you are and go as far as you want.
Step 1
Certificate I
Build the basics and confirm animal care is the right fit.
Step 2
Certificate II
Start working in the industry, with Queensland funding available.
Step 3
Certificate III
The industry standard qualification for a professional career.
Separate stream
Certificate II Horse Care
An equine specialisation you can take instead of, or alongside, the animal care pathway.
Where our graduates work
Veterinary clinics · boarding kennels and catteries · animal shelters and rescue groups · pet retail · doggy day care · wildlife parks · grooming salons · stables, studs and riding schools
31.6 million
Pets living in Australian homes, across 73% of households
27,200
Australians employed as animal attendants and trainers
+1,300
New roles added to the occupation each year
Sources: Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia 2025; Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO 3611, February 2026.
Not sure which one to choose?
Tell us where you are up to and what you would like to do, and we will point you to the right course.