Our Industries_ACM

Our Industries - Animal Care & Management

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Veterinary Services
Animal Behaviour & Training
Wildlife (including Exhibited - Zoo)
Pet and Companion Animal Services
Animal Technology

Western Australia's animal care and management sector encompasses a broad range of services focused on the welfare, handling, and management of domestic, captive, and wild animals. Key industries include veterinary services, animal shelters, boarding and grooming facilities, wildlife rehabilitation, and roles in biosecurity and animal control.

The sector employs veterinarians, vet nurses, animal attendants, zookeepers, dog trainers, and biosecurity officers, among others. It plays a vital role in supporting both companion animal welfare and livestock health, contributing to public safety, animal wellbeing, and agricultural productivity.

WA’s growing pet ownership and awareness of animal welfare have driven demand for professional animal care services, particularly in urban centres like Perth. Additionally, regional areas rely on animal health workers to support livestock management and disease prevention.

The sector faces challenges such as workforce shortages, high emotional and physical job demands, and increasing regulatory requirements. Training and qualifications are typically offered through vocational education pathways (e.g., Certificate II–IV in Animal Studies or Veterinary Nursing).

With rising demand for ethical treatment and professional standards in animal care, the sector continues to expand and evolve, supported by government regulation, community advocacy, and technological advancements in animal health and welfare.

Key roles shaping Western Australia’s Animal Care Sector

These roles—spanning clinical, care, welfare, and conservation—highlight the breadth of pathways available to anyone passionate about animal work.

Workforce Demographics and Key Factors influencing the workforce

Veterinary workforce pressure: There is a well-documented shortage of veterinarians, especially in rural and regional areas. Long hours, emotional stress, and comparatively low pay contribute to high attrition.
Shortage of skilled animal attendants: Entry-Level positions often attract high interest, but roles requiring technical skills (e.g., vet nurses, wildlife carers, dog trainers) are harder to fill.
Workforce access: Harder to attract and retain staff in regional or remote ACM settings, including wildlife rehab centres and rural vet clinics.
Rural areas: Greater need for livestock management, wildlife care, and agricultural animal services.
High turnover: Burnout and lack of clear career progression paths lead to high attrition in many ACM sub-sectors.
VET sector reliance: The ACM industry is heavily dependent on Certificate II–IV and Diploma-Level training (e.g., Animal Studies, Companion Animal Services, Veterinary Nursing).
Limited access in remote areas: Regional gaps in training delivery reduce accessibility and supply of skilled workers.
New roles in animal behaviour, enrichment, rehabilitation, and biosecurity demand more advanced or specialist qualifications.
Rising expectations for animal welfare: There is growing pressure for higher standards in both companion animal care and livestock handling.
Consumer spending shift: Pet owners are spending more on premium services and products, creating new business and job opportunities.

Training Package

ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package

Declared Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Animal Studies (Level 2) - ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
Companion Animal Services (Level 3) - ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Pet Grooming - ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Animal Technology (Level 3) - ACM30219 Certificate III in Animal Technology
Veterinary Nursing (Level 4) - ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Farrier - ACM40818 Certificate IV in Farriery