# Australian College of Animal Care

> Animal Care Training Professionals

Last updated: 2026-09-17

## Pages
- [Last Step!](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/digital-literacy-assessment/last-step/)
- [LLN Screening Tool](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/lln-screening-tool/)
- [LLN staging (do not link)](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/lln-build-test-9f2a/): LLN Screening Check Step 3 of 3. This takes about 10 minutes.
- [How to Choose the Best Horse Care Course in Australia](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/how-to-choose-a-horse-care-course/): Every horse course website says the same four things. Here is what actually differs between them, and the seven questions worth asking before you enrol.
- [Careers Working with Horses](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/careers-working-with-horses/): Explore careers working with horses in Australia, from stable hand to horse groom and stud hand. What each role involves, typical pay, and how to get started.
- [ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/acm30821-certificate-iii-in-horse-care/): Nationally recognised ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care. Build a skilled, independent equine career, with stud work, riding coach and horse care streams.
- [ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/acm20221-certificate-ii-in-horse-care/): The Certificate II in Horse Care is the entry qualification to many exciting career pathways in equine care roles.
- [Horse Groom](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/careers-working-with-horses/horse-groom/): What does a horse groom do, and how do you become one in Australia? Discover the day-to-day role, typical pay, and the ACAC qualifications that get you started.
- [Stable Hand](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/careers-working-with-horses/stable-hand/): Considering a career as a stable hand in Australia? Learn what stable hands do, typical pay, and the ACAC qualifications that get you industry-ready.
- [Stud Hand](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/careers-working-with-horses/stud-hand/): Want to work on a thoroughbred or breeding stud farm? Learn what stud hands do, the typical pay, and the ACAC qualifications that prepare you for the role.
- [Qualifications](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/): No matter what direction you want to take your animal care career in, we have the right course for you. From grooming, to petshops, to shelters/boarding.
- [Equine Care Internship](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/equine-care-internship/): Discover the Equine Care Internship, offering practical training and an opportunity to work with Norwegian Fjord horses.
- [ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/acm40322-certificate-iv-in-animal-behaviour-training/): Advance your career with the Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training. Learn key concepts in animal behaviour and training.
- [Website Cookie Policy](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/cookie-policy/): We value the privacy of all our website users. Below we detail how we use cookies on this website.
- [Glossary](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/glossary/)
- [Certificate in Exotics Care](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/certificate-in-exotics-care/): Expand your animal care skills with the Certificate in Exotics Care. Learn to care for reptiles, birds, and small mammals in various settings.
- [Home](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/): Study nationally recognised animal care courses online with ACAC — Cert II, III, IV qualifications and QuickCerts short courses. Printed learner's guides, expert educators, study from anywhere.
- [Harrie Phillips](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/expert/harrie-phillips/)
- [Expert](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/expert/)
- [International Student Information](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/international-student-information/): International student? Learn how to study animal care courses in Australia. Get details on eligibility, enrolment, and course options.
- [Why Study with ACAC?](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/why-acac/): ACAC teaches beyond minimum competency, with university-qualified educators, printed learner guides, and a wellbeing coach on staff. Here's why it matters, and what it means for your career.
- [About us](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/about-us/): Our academic leadership holds university degrees in adult education alongside advanced veterinary nursing qualifications and ongoing industry experience.
- [ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/certificate-ii-in-animal-care/): Kickstart your animal care career with the Certificate II in Animal Care. Enjoy online learning with printed materials and support.
- [ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/certificate-iii-in-animal-care-services/): Study the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services online with ACAC. Nationally recognised, expert educators, printed learner's guides. Enrol today.
- [QuickCerts](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/quickcerts/): Online animal care short courses designed for industry entry or skill development. ACAC QuickCerts build knowledge, confidence, and understanding.
- [Blog](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/blog/)
- [Advanced Certificate in Animal Care & Welfare](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/advanced-certificate-in-animal-care-welfare/): Advance your career in animal care with the Advanced Certificate in Animal Care & Welfare. Learn essential skills for improving animal well-being.
- [Certificate in Shelter Care & Rescue](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/certificate-in-shelter-care-rescue/): Make a difference in animal welfare with the Certificate in Shelter Care & Rescue. Learn essential skills for working in shelters and rescues.
- [Foundation Certificate in Animal Husbandry](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/foundation-certificate-in-animal-husbandry/): Build essential animal care skills with the Foundation Certificate in Animal Husbandry. Learn proper handling, nutrition, and welfare practices.
- [Application for the Equine Care Internship Program](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/qualifications/equine-care-internship/application-for-the-equine-care-internship-program/): Apply for the Certificate II in Horse Care and start your career in the equine industry. Flexible study options available—enrol today!

## Posts
- [The Neuroscience of Reward: What Prediction Error Can Tell Us About Horse Training](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/06/12/neuroscience-of-reward/)
- [What Makes a Training Method Good? The ISES Ten First Principles of Horse Training](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/06/05/what-makes-a-training-method-good-the-ises-ten-first-principles-of-horse-training/)
- [Your Horse Walks the Whole Way There](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/07/02/horse-float-travel-science-transport-welfare/): Float travel is a workout for your horse. What the research shows about postural work, recovery time, feeding on the float, and hydration for safer trips.
- [When Things Start to Slip: Why Pushing Through Often Makes Things Worse](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/06/25/stress-arousal-horse-training-pushing-through/): Why pushing harder when training starts to slip almost always trains the wrong response, what the science says, and what to do instead. Equitation science.
- [Your Horse is Always Learning. The Question is What.](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/05/15/your-horse-is-always-learning-the-question-is-what/): Equitation science explains how horses actually learn. A vocational educator unpacks operant conditioning, pressure-release, and float-loading problems
- [Treats Don’t Make Horses Pushy. Inconsistent Handlers Do.](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/05/18/treats-dont-make-horses-pushy-inconsistent-handlers-do/): Does feeding treats make horses pushy? Equitation science says no. So why does the horse world insist it does — and what's actually creating the behaviour?
- [You Don’t Need to Be Your Horse’s Alpha: What the Science Says About Dominance and Leadership](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/07/10/dominance-myth-horse-training-alpha-mare-leader/): The alpha mare doesn't run the herd, the stallion doesn't enforce order, and you don't need to be the leader. What thirty years of research actually shows.
- [How do I become an animal attendant in Australia (is it a good career?)](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/2026/02/24/how-do-i-become-an-animal-attendant-in-australia-is-it-a-good-career/): A career as an animal attendant can be both rewarding and meaningful for people passionate about animal welfare. In Australia, it often begins with formal training and hands-on experience that prepares you to work in environments such as…

## Courses
- [Care of Reptiles](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/reptiles/): Learn how to properly care for reptiles with this course. Covering husbandry, health, and habitat needs for snakes, lizards, and turtles.
- [Animal Care Infection Prevention & Control](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/animal-care-infection-prevention-control/): Learn practical infection control skills to prevent disease spread, protect animal and human health, and maintain safe, hygienic care environments.
- [Basic First Aid for Animals](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/basic-first-aid-for-animals/): Gain the skills and confidence to recognise emergencies, provide immediate animal first aid, and respond calmly and effectively when every second counts.
- [Safe Animal Handling Techniques](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/safe-animal-handling-techniques/): Learn safe, low-stress animal-handling and restraint techniques to protect welfare, reduce risk, & build confidence across a range of animal care settings.
- [Animal Husbandry](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/animal-husbandry/): Develop practical animal husbandry skills to support health, welfare, and safety through effective routines, observation, and confident everyday care.
- [Animal Nutrition](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/animal-nutrition/): Enhance your knowledge of animal nutrition with this course. Learn essential feeding principles to support animal health and well-being.
- [Animal Welfare](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/animal-welfare/): Deepen your understanding of animal welfare with this course. Learn key principles to improve the well-being and ethical care of animals.
- [Rabbits & Rodents](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/rabbits-rodents/): Learn how to properly care for rabbits and rodents with this course. Covering nutrition, health, handling, and enrichment for small mammals.
- [Care of Birds](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/care-of-birds/): Learn how to properly care for birds with this course. Covering nutrition, health, and enrichment to ensure the well-being of pet and aviary birds.
- [Enrichment Planning](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/enrichment-planning/): Learn to design and implement effective enrichment programs that promote natural behaviours and enhance animal wellbeing in any care setting.
- [Certificate in Exotics Care](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/certificate-in-exotics-care/): This is an official enrolment form into ACAC's Certificate in Exotics Care. Please ensure that all the information you enter in this form is true and correct.
- [Certificate in Shelter Care and Rescue](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/certificate-in-shelter-care-and-rescue/): This is an official enrolment form into ACAC's Certificate in Shelter Care and Rescue. Please ensure that all the information you enter in this form is true and correct.
- [Advanced Certificate in Animal Care and Welfare](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/advanced-certificate-in-animal-care-and-welfare/): This is an official enrolment form into ACAC's Advanced Certificate in Animal Care and Welfare. Please ensure that all the information you enter in this form is true and correct.
- [Foundation Certificate in Animal Husbandry](https://www.animalcarecollege.com.au/product/foundation-certificate-in-animal-husbandry/): This is an official enrolment form into ACAC's Foundation Certificate in Animal Husbandry. Please ensure that all the information you enter in this form is true and correct.