Certificate in Companion Animal Services (CCAS)

This qualification has been developed specifically for those who are working in, or wish to work in, the retail companion animal industries. It is New Zealand's first species based pet-retail industry qualification. The Certificate in Companion Animal Services is delivered by distance learning. On successful completion candidates will be awarded the Certificate in Companion Animal Services and the Mahurangi Technical Institute 'Companion Animal Industry Training Passport' - a comprehensive record of learning to show to potential employers - and 'Graduate Badges' to identify you to the pet buying public as being knowledgeable, competent, and qualified.

Successful completion of this programme will provide you with practical skills and applicable species based understanding/knowledge needed to service the companion animal industry.

This programme is delivered by distance learning and consists of:

The Certificate in Companion Animal Services with your choice of an animal specific option being:

• Cat (Level 3)
• Dog (Level 3)
• Bird (Level 3)
• Small Animal (Level 3)
• Finfish Culture
• Advanced Aquatics (Level 4 - pre-requisite: CCAS Aquatics Level 3)

For information on NZQA credit inclusion for animal specific options click here

Enrolments now being taken for 2010

• Certificate in Microchipping Companion Animals

Please call us on 0800 738 782 (in NZ) or +64 9 425 8493(outside NZ) for further information.

Practical Training:

While it is not a necessity, people undertaking this programme will benefit from being employed in the companion animal industry while studying. Part of the assessment procedure involves the completion of observation records by a supervisor or 'approved person'. If you are not working in the industry you will need to have arranged access to the relevant species and 'pre-approve' (by your tutor) a suitable person to sign off you observation records.

Duration & Start Dates:

40 weeks from commencement of programme, except where extensions have been arranged for special circumstances.

Start dates:

Entry Requirements

Basic numeracy and literacy skills. Where English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent is required. Candidates must be 16 years of age or older at the time of programme commencement.

Fees

NZ$563.00 (GST inc) per animal option. Overseas students will have extra costs to cover handling and postage.

Student Loans and Allowances

Not applicable to this qualification.

Pathways

Your CCAS qualifications can be a pathway to other programmes. These will complement and enhance your qualification and give you greater employment opportunities. Candidates can pathway from Aquatics to Mahurangi Technical Institute's Certificate in Aquatic Studies

Employment Opportunities

These CCAS qualifications are designed for those who are serious about a career in the companion animal retail industry.
Possible career options to consider include:

• Aquarium installation and servicing
• Retail pet sales
• Pet store management
• Animal shelter
• Animal grooming
• Pet industry sales representative
• Aquaculture
• Water garden construction and maintenance
• Aquarium fish quarantine
• Ornamental fish farm work
• Kennels and catteries
• Vet clinics
• Pet minding services
• SPCA

Endorsements

These qualifications are endorsed by the Pet Industry Association of New Zealand.

Payment

Payment is to be included with enrolment form. This can be made in cash, cheque, credit card, easy payment options.

Course Enquiries

All course enquiries can be made through our dedicated freephone number: 0800 PETQUALS (0800 738 782), or click here to request an information/enrolment pack.