Please note places on this programme are limited.
Applications will be assessed as they are received. Click here to find out more about the process. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
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 40 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.
Alongside the practical elements of the programme, students will also attend classes where they will learn animal care theory. Students will be in class four days a week from 8am-3pm, and will also be required to undertake self-directed study.
Study topics include:
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.
Companion Animals Strand
| Module Code | Module Title | Level | Credits | Co-Requisites | Pre-Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANML3101 | Introduction to Professional Skills when working with companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3102 | Introduction to Behaviour, handling and transportation for companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3103 | Introduction to form, function and preventative health for companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3104 | Introduction to Husbandry for companion animals | 3 | 15 | ||
| ANML3105 | Companion Animals Practicum | 3 | 10 |
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 New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) or Rural Animal Healthcare Assistant programmes.
General admission
There is open entry to this programme although you must demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.
Additional requirements
In addition to the above, you must complete a health declaration prior to acceptance into the programme.
Note: Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the delegate authority.
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an academic International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 5 (general or academic), with no individual band score lower than 5; or an equivalent.
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Semester 1 2026
Whānau sessions
Date: Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Venue: G Block, Student Street, Rotokauri Campus
Induction
Date: Monday, 9 February 2026
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
Semester 2 2026
Whānau sessions
Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Venue: G Block, Student Street, Rotokauri Campus
Induction
Date: Monday, 20 July 2026
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: N Block Reception, Rotokauri Campus
As a new student, we welcome you to attend one of our whānau sessions. At this relaxed event, we help you prepare for induction and your first weeks of the semester. We encourage you to bring your whānau and friends along to support you. At induction, you will spend your first day getting to know each other, the tutors, and the Rotokauri Campus, as well as receiving your resources and spending time in the classroom. This will include module outlines, timetables, and information packs on what to expect throughout the year.
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
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