Designed for students with an interest in working with animals, including Transition and Flexible Industry Pathways, this hands-on nine-week program offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at life in an animal care facility. Held at AWL’s Wingfield Animal Care Centre, students gain real-world experience in caring for cats, dogs, puppies and kittens while learning about animal behaviour, enrichment, wellbeing and the day-to-day operations of a shelter.

From making enrichment toys and setting up animal pens to visiting the vet clinic and learning how to use our adoption systems, students leave the course with a deeper understanding of what it takes to work in shelters, kennels, pet shops and vet clinics.

Best of all, they get to build bonds with the animals themselves. As one student, Kai, shared: “My highlight today would be getting the trust of the kittens and getting cuddles from them both.”

Formed with the Department for Education South Australia, this has been a phenomenal opportunity to learn outside of a traditional environment, which can be life-changing for some people.

We're excited to continue the program and encourage the next generation of animal lovers.