Breeder training course

The Breeder Training Course is designed to provide a basic level of education to owners, managers and other staff in breeding and rearing businesses. It is also open to the general public.

The course is free, and meets the minimum training requirements set out in the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses (2014).

The Breeder Training Course covers 7 main topics:

  • Section 1 –  Introduction
  • Section 2 – Husbandry and care
  • Section 3 – Developing a breeding program
  • Section 4 – Getting pregnant
  • Section 5 – The pregnancy
  • Section 6 – Birthing a litter
  • Section 7 – Raising a litter.

Completion certificate and tests

Breeders and members of the public taking the course will create a unique account using an email address and a password.

They can log in and work through the course at their own pace. Progress can be saved so the course can be finished over multiple sessions.

Each section has assessments that must be completed with a pass mark of 90% or more. A certificate is generated and emailed to the participant when they have passed the course.

The certificate should be kept as evidence of completion and competency. It can be printed if required. Enforcement officers may ask to sight records during audits.

If you have any feedback or questions please email: pet.welfare@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Hardcopy course booklets

Hardcopy booklets containing the course content are also available.

If you would like a copy of the booklet mailed to you please contact Animal Welfare Victoria on 136 186 or email: pet.welfare@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Please note: Test questions are not printed in the booklet. If you need a completion certificate as part of your workplace training, you will need to take the online course.

The booklet may be useful for people in remote areas where internet access can be difficult.

You can buy the booklet and read through the entire course content before starting the online training to take the tests to get a certificate of completion.

Page last updated: 02 Jul 2020