Imagine a job where every day brings excitement with furry, feathered, and four-legged friends! From caring for thoroughbreds thundering down the racetrack to nursing wildlife back to health, animal care careers offer endless possibilities. If you're someone who lights up around animals and dreams of making a meaningful difference in their lives—whether rehabilitating injured racehorses, preserving endangered species, or ensuring the wellbeing of beloved pets—a career in animal care could be your ultimate calling. You can turn your passion for animals into a rewarding professional journey in South Australia's diverse animal care industry.
STUDY VET WHILE YOU COMPLETE THE SACE
Senior Secondary
On-the-job training:
Start your career at school through on-the-job training in one of:
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
ACM30321 Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry
RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)
RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding
OR
Off-the-job training:
Start VET study at school through off-the-job training in:
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry
Advanced Animal Care 1
Advanced Animal Care 2
+
Customised SACE subjects Pastoral care – mentoring and monitoring
THEN
WORK IN YOUR CAREER
Use your VET qualification to work as:
Animal Attendants and Trainers
Veterinary Nurse
Animal Welfare Officer
Stablehand
Horse Breeder
Pet Sitter
Ranger
FURTHER YOUR CAREER WITH VET
Study:
Continue your studies with one of the following:
ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
ACM40222 Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
ACM50521 Diploma of Equine Allied Health
ACM50119 Diploma of Animal Technology
RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
RGR40118 Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)
To work as:
Animal Shelter Supervisor
Animal Trainer/Behaviourist
Pet Shop Manager
Equine Dental Service Provider
Equine Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Nurse
Jockey
Race Steward
Assistant Trainer
Thoroughbred Trainer
Horse Trainer
Stable Foreman
Clerk of the Course
Zookeeper
FURTHER YOUR CAREER WITH UNIVERSITY
Study at university to work in:
University study in animal care can lead to employment as: