This programme is a starting point for those interested in caring for animals in environments such as pet stores, animal rescue centres, and boarding or day-care facilities.
This is a practical programme including 80 hours of work placement at Wintec Animal House. Work placement during the semester assists students in gaining confidence, and builds their industry networks for future employment.
Study topics include:
Animal biology
Animal hygiene and health
Routine animal care
Animal welfare and ethics
Students will get daily opportunities for care and experience in the handling of companion animals at the Wintec Animal House, a purpose-built facility that houses commonly kept companion animals in New Zealand.
Career/further opportunities
Graduates may be employed as assistants in pet stores, animal rescue centres, pet grooming, animal daycare, animal training, and boarding facilities.
Graduates may progress on to further animal technology study in either the Veterinary Nurse Assistant or Rural Animal Technician programmes.
September 2025
Rotokauri Campus
Student Hub, 51 Akoranga Rd,
Hamilton,
Waikato,
3240, North Island, New Zealand
There is open entry to this programme although you must demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 5, with no individual band score lower than 5; or equivalent.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.