Animal Advocate Training
Train for a Career in Animal Care
A hands on training program designed to kick-start your career in animal care.

What is it?
If you love animals and want to build a career working with them, the Animal Advocate Training Program is the perfect starting point. This program is designed to help you succeed in roles like working at a vet clinic, doggy daycare, or providing pet services like dog training and grooming. Whether you’re new to the field or ready to take the next step, this program gives you the skills and confidence to pursue your dream.
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This program uses Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122-01) course materials from TAFE NSW, delivered by our experienced team in a supportive environment. You’ll take part in tutorials and workshops held in a doggy daycare, combining practical training with job readiness skills like teamwork, punctuality, and communication. Hands-on experience in real animal care workplaces will ensure you’re fully prepared to succeed.
Who is it for?
The Animal Advocate Training Program is open to people with disabilities aged 18 years and above who want to work with animals.
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You might be interested in getting a volunteer or paid role, like:
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Dog walking or pet sitting.
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Helping at an animal shelter or boarding kennel.
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Working in a dog grooming salon or doggy hotel.
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Assisting as a receptionist or animal attendant in a vet clinic.
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Joining a team at a pet shop.
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This program is tailored to meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals in the animal care industry.

Why join?
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​Earn a nationally recognised qualification.
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Gain confidence through practical, hands-on training in real-world environments.
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Learn in a supportive and inclusive environment with experienced industry trainers.
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Open doors to exciting career opportunities in the animal care industry.
What will you learn?
​Certificate III in Animal Care Services
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Interacting safely with animals and following infection control procedures.
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Providing basic first aid and assessing animal welfare.
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Communicating effectively with pet owners and team members.
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Learning dog washing, grooming, and enrichment techniques.
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Feeding, watering, and exercising animals to keep them healthy and happy.
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Following workplace health and safety procedures.
Job Readiness Training
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Interview techniques and understanding employment contracts.
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Developing workplace skills like reliability, organisation, and punctuality.
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Building communication skills for professional environments.
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Managing workplace challenges, such as handling feedback and resolving conflict.

How It Works
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How often are the walks scheduled?Walks can be weekly or fortnightly, depending on your availability and your match’s schedule.
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How long are the walks?Walks usually last about an hour. If you need shorter or longer walks, let us know, and we can adjust to what works best for you.
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Where do we go on our walks?We’ll decide the walking route together, starting from your home or a nearby meeting spot. Walks are planned to suit your goals, accessibility needs, and what’s safe and dog-friendly. Routes can include: - A stroll through the neighborhood or a local park. - A stop at a dog-friendly café if you’d like a social break. - A visit to a dog park or venue if you’re looking to meet new people and dogs. Every walk is tailored to make sure it’s enjoyable, comfortable, and meets your preferences.
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Can I bring my own dog?Yes, you can bring your own dog! Please note that we can only have one dog on a walk. This means either you or the volunteer will bring a dog, but not both. If you’d like to bring your dog, staff will conduct an assessment to make sure it’s a good fit for the program.
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Do I need to have experience walking dogs?No prior experience is needed! Staff and volunteers will guide you and ensure you’re comfortable.
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Should I bring a support worker?You can bring a support worker if it helps you feel more comfortable or if you need extra help. Our volunteers can help with things like pushing a wheelchair, but they can’t help with personal care like getting dressed or using the bathroom.
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Can I join another program while doing Wag n Walk?Yes, you can combine Wag n Walk with other programs like Pat n Chat for more social activities or Taster Experience for career exploration.
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What happens if I don’t feel comfortable with my match?We’ll work with you to understand your concerns and, if needed, find a new match that better fits your preferences.
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How much does it cost?All program fees are covered by your NDIS package. If your goals are about having fun and making friends, the fees will come from your core supports. If your goals are about learning skills or getting ready for a job, the fees will come from your capacity building funds. Not on NDIS? Contact us to explore options.
Not sure about the course?
That’s okay! If you’re still exploring your options, our Taster Program is a great way to dip your toes into the world of animal care. It’s a chance to try out different roles and see if a career in animal care is the right fit for you.