ACMSS00035
Animal-Assisted Services
Skill Set
- / Assistance dog trainer course
- / National Qualification
ACMSS00035 Animal-Assisted Services
This course meets the Nationally Recognised Training standards. It is listed on the Australian Government’s National Register for Vocational Education and Training (VET). Studying this course leads to a qualification that’s recognised throughout Australia, and lets employers know that you have the right skills for the job.
2025 Practical Training Dates
- 1. January 28th - February 28th
- 2. March 3rd - April 4th
- 3. May 12th - June 13th
- 4. July 14th - August 15th
- 5. August 18th - September 19th
- 6. October 20th - November 21st
Course Overview
Do you want an education that spans the breadth of animal assisted therapy, education and activities?
Our comprehensive program will give you the skills you need to participate in an existing program or to get started building your own. Students will examine how contact with animals can enhance human well-being in such fields as health care, social services, psychology, psychiatry, education, allied health, therapy, and many more. The course explores conceptual frameworks, research, and practical techniques that will empower you to introduce animals to a variety of settings. It will enhance your personal growth and professional development.
The course will teach you to:
- Work with animals in an educational or therapeutic setting
- Correctly interpret human and animal body language
- Understand animal cognition and emotions
- Build safe & effective programs
- Anticipate and resolve potential problems
- Understand the legal and ethical issues
- Work with a variety of personality types
- Create animal enrichment programs
- And much, much more!
Course Enrolment Process
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Assistance Dog Handler Course, you must:
- At least 18 years old
- Completed Year 10 or Equivalent
- Access to a computer, laptop or tablet
- Internet access and email address
- Proficiency in speaking and writing in English
- Physically capable of restraining animals, handling animal feed and standing for extended periods of time.
COURSE DELIVERY
This course is taught using a blended approach which includes online lessons and practical training at the Dog Training facility.
Students have up to 12 months to complete the course. However, many students are able to complete their study within this time frame based upon the amount of hours dedicated to study each week.
The course program is taught using a blended approach (Online & Practical).
Online
The course is delivered online which means students are not required to attend classes or lectures. Students will receive access to our ‘Learning Portal’ where they will find the course materials, interactive learning materials, videos and assessments. In addition, students will also receive a hard copy of the Learner Resource.
While studying online, students will have access to our teaching support team via email, online chat or phone. Our teaching team will help support and guide students every step on their journey.
Assessment:
Online multiple-choice quizzes
Online tests
Written and practical assignments submitted online
Online video assessments
Video and photographic submissions
PRACTICAL TRAINING - DOG TRAINING ACADEMY
The practical training (hands-on) and practical assessments are completed at Empower Assistance Dogs under the guidance and support of our qualified teachers and dog trainers for 1 week full time. This ensures the student is taught the hands-on skills required to become qualified in animal-assisted therapies while being guided by our team.
During the practical training, the students will be using the knowledge they have gained and be taught the skills required to work with dogs to support people with physical disabilities, special needs and implement programs to improve the lives of children, the elderly and those with mental health issues.
2025 DATES FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING - DOG TRAINING ACADEMY
ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
UNITS OF STUDY
While completing the ACMSS00035 Animal-Assisted Services (Skill Set) from the Dog Trainer Academy, you will study the following subjects:
Units
ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
ACMAAS401 Manage Animals and Facilitate Human-Animal Interaction in Animal-Assisted services
ACMAAS402 Apply Disability Awareness to Animal-Assisted Services
FEES & PAYMENT PLANS
The full fee for the course fee is $2,000.
Students have a choice of payment options that best suit their financial circumstances:
Payment Plans
For your convenience the Dog Trainer Academy offers two interest free payment plans, choose the one that best suits your lifestyle:
1. Direct Debit Options: $300 enrolment +
$34 per week (12 months)
$68 per week (6 months)
2. Instalment Option: Pay in two (2) installments – 1st installment $1,000 enrolment fee plus 1 x $1,000 installment
COURSE MATERIALS
Once enrolled, students will receive a student training pack that includes several important documents that students will be using for their study. These include:
Course Checklist – this step-by-step checklist helps the student with guiding them through the process of study and practical training
Student Learning Resource – this resource is the same as the student will complete via the online learning platform.
- Course Duration:
- up to 12 Months
- Start Date:
- Enroll Anytime
- Delivery Mode:
- Online & Practical
- Fees:
- $2,000
- Payment Plans:
- From $43 per week
