Animal Care
A one-year course providing an ideal foundation in the skills and knowledge essential for progression into the animal care and animal science industry through direct employment and further education pathways.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
• Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
• Applicants must have no animal related allergies.
• Must have a demonstrable interest in working with animals and be willing to work in outdoor environments.
• Experience working or volunteering with animals is an advantage but not essential.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
This course equips students with a solid foundation in animal science, biology and maths to progress to third level. Possible progression routes include veterinary nursing, veterinary bioscience, agricultural science, wildlife biology, equine science and biological sciences.
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
Graduates may progress to the Institute of Technology in Tralee through CAO to pursue Biological and Environmental Studies, Agricultural Science or study Wildlife Biology or a BSc in Veterinary Bio science. Graduates may also progress to UCD to study Agricultural Science.
What are the employment opportunities?
Employments opportunities include employment as a veterinary assistant, animal groomer ( If module is completed ), kennel or cattery assistant, animal welfare organisation assistant, farm assistant, stud groom, groom and riding instructor assistant.
Further information
Start date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
This course equips the leaner with knowledge and skills in the areas of animal welfare, veterinary care suitable for a veterinary assistant and animal behavior with emphasis on domestic and captive animal care and environmental enrichment. Learners will also explore the anatomy and physiology of a wide variety of animals with virtual and physical modules and laboratory sessions. This course delivery includes field trips, guest speakers, wellness days, emphasis on hands on practical skills, standalone qualification in as a Canine First Responder and small class sizes to support students from every background.
Work Experience is a mandatory part of the course. The work placement is usually for a period of 10 days or a minimum of 60 hours. Learners find the work experience element of the course to be invaluable and often a successful work placement can lead to further opportunities.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Animal Care (5M2768).
What will I study?
Animal Anatomy and Physiology (5N0750)
Animal Behaviour (5N0751)
Animal Grooming (5N0752)
(Listowel Campus Only)
Animal Welfare (5N0753)
Biology (5N2746)
Communications (5N0690)
Mathematics (5N1833)
Veterinary Assisting Skills (5N1363)
(Clash Road Campus Only)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M2768 - Animal Care
Kerry College - Listowel Campus
Unit 1, Listowel Business Development Centre,
Listowel Business Park,
Clieveragh,
Listowel
Co. Kerry.
V31PC79
t: (068) 22655
e: listowel@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm