Why Study/Key Benefits

The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management with Companion Animal Strand at Ara is an entry-level qualification for students who want to build practical skills for working with companion animals. It focuses on the daily care, health, behaviour and welfare of animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and birds.

Key benefits include:

• Practical learning in companion-animal care, husbandry, health, behaviour and welfare.

• Knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, animal first aid, nutrition, infection control, safe handling and relevant legislation.

• Work-integrated learning: students complete 120 hours of practical experience across two different facilities during the programme.

• Exposure to a range of possible workplaces, such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, pet shops and dog-grooming businesses.

• A pathway to further study, including the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6).

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme comprises 120 credits at Level 4. Ara lists the following eight courses, each worth 15 credits:

• Anatomy and Physiology – ANML4002.

• Companion Animal Husbandry A – ANML4122.

• Companion Animal Husbandry B – ANML4123.

• Companion Animal Healthcare – ANML4124.

• Companion Animal Behaviour – ANML4125.

• Companion Animal Welfare – ANML4126.

• Companion Animal Practicum A – ANML4127.

• Companion Animal Practicum B – ANML4128.

The programme covers topics including:

• Animal anatomy and physiology.

• Day-to-day husbandry and care of companion animals.

• Animal health, welfare and behaviour.

• Low-stress animal handling.

• Occupational health and safety.

• Animal first aid and record keeping.

• Animal-care legislation and housing design.

• Nutrition, infection control and care during illness or injury.

• Safe use of medications.

• Facility planning, behavioural training and enrichment.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• Main discipline: Animal and Laboratory Science.

• Strand: Companion Animal Management.

• The programme focuses on the care and management of companion animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and birds.

• It is not described as a veterinary nursing qualification. Students interested in veterinary nursing can consider progressing to Ara’s New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) after completing this certificate.

Programme Highlights

• A one-year, 120-credit qualification designed for entry into companion-animal care work.

• Practical learning across a variety of companion-animal species.

• 120 hours of work-integrated learning in two different facilities.

• Covers animal welfare, behaviour, health, husbandry and facility care.

• Practical experience relevant to kennels, catteries, animal shelters, pet shops and other animal-care environments.

• The programme is listed by Ara as potentially available for a New Zealand Study Visa.

• Ara recommends applying early because applications are assessed in the order received.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following potential employment areas and roles:

• Kennel or cattery assistant or manager.

• Animal welfare worker.

• Animal shelter or rescue-centre worker.

• Pet sitter.

• Pet shop assistant.

• Animal laboratory technician.

• Animal-care facility manager.

• Pet supplies sales representative.

• Animal education industry roles.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Ara programme page advertises the next intake for February 2027, with a start date of 22 February 2027.

• The 2027 International Mini Guide lists the programme as a one-year Level 4 qualification commencing in February.

• Students should be physically fit enough to undertake practical activities in animal-care facilities.

• Students must complete the health and criminal-conviction declarations before acceptance.

• Students must complete 120 hours of work-integrated learning across two facilities.

• Additional equipment and costs are estimated at approximately NZD $200 for textbooks and fuel for work placements. This is separate from tuition and the Student Services Levy.

• Ara may apply selection processes if the number of applicants exceeds available places.

• The programme page says it may be available for a Study Visa; this is not a guarantee of visa approval.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand. Ara’s programme listing indicates that the qualification may be available for a Study Visa, but the final decision rests with Immigration New Zealand.

Main requirements:

• An Offer of Place from Ara, an approved education provider. The offer should confirm the programme, duration, study mode and other required enrolment details.

• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, or that the applicant has sufficient funds or an acceptable scholarship to pay them.

• Evidence of sufficient living expenses. For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand currently requires at least NZD $20,000 per year. For study lasting less than one year, the requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

• Evidence of funds for a return or onward journey, or a ticket.

• Full medical and travel insurance for the period required by the visa.

• Evidence that the applicant meets health and character requirements.

• Evidence of genuine study intentions and the ability to meet the academic and English-language requirements.

• Any additional medical examination, chest X-ray or police certificate required by Immigration New Zealand.

Visa cost and processing:

• Published visa cost: from NZD $850.

• Published processing estimate: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Maximum visa length: up to 4 years, although the visa is normally linked to the period of study paid for and may be shorter.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before the intended travel date. Costs and processing times can change.

Work rights:

• The visa may allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions granted on the individual visa.

• For full-time work during scheduled holidays, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of the course credits and scheduled holiday dates. This programme is listed as 120 credits, but holiday work rights are not automatic.

• Students must follow the conditions stated on their eVisa and maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress.