I’m sure we would all love to live in a world where animals and humans alike are cared for and respected. Until that time there is a lot of work to do! There are a myriad of ways that you can work for animal welfare – from supporting a charity financially to volunteering your time. There are also many career paths you can train for such as caring for animals medically or ensuring that animals are protected and being well looked after according to current legislation.
Animal Charity Careers involve more than just animal care – they can also involve campaigning for animal welfare and raising awareness and funds for the work of the charity.
Here’s a list of some Animal Charity and Animal Welfare Jobs:
- Animal Care Assistant
- Animal Care/Welfare Manager
- RSPCA Inspector
- Re-homing/Adoption Officer
- Animal Charity Receptionist
- Animal Ambulance Driver
- Veterinary Team
- Campaigns Officer
- Companion Animal Behaviourist
- Home Visitor for an Animal Charity
- Chief Executive (CEO)
- Fundraising/Media Team
- Volunteer Coordinator
Let’s look at some of these roles in more detail.
Can I work for animal welfare as an Animal Control Officer (ACO)?
Let’s break this down. In the USA, Animal Control Officers support public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations. They do this by actively patrolling areas and responding to request for intervention. They are usually employed by a county, a city, or the federal government.
Animal Control Officers have similar training to police officers, but their responsibilities can vary from each state or department. Training is particularly important as there are generally three levels of authority, and all require money time and resource to become qualified.
If you work as a Animal Control Officer in the USA you will enforce the animal laws and aim to protect the publics safety and improve animal welfare. You may also be required to participate in public speaking at schools, homes, and public spaces to raise awareness and educate pet owners on raising and keeping animals healthy and safe.
In the UK, Animal Control Officers are usually known as Animal Welfare Officers or Animal Rescue Officers. Although it’s worth mentioning at this point that there is an independent company in the UK that advertises the service of Animal Control Officers as dog handlers, specialising in managing dangerous dogs in high-risk environments. They offer a ‘dog restraint service’ to assist others (for example, utilities companies) in carrying out their work safely.
Charities such as the RSPCA and local councils employ Animal Welfare Officers or Inspectors. A career in animal welfare as an Animal Welfare Officer can be a rewarding one. The role involves working to prevent cruelty to animals and the licensing of animal-related premises. As an Animal Welfare Officer you will:
- work to identify animals at risk of cruelty and neglect
- assist animals in need
- assist local councils and animal charities with animal welfare
- comply with current legislation
- provide educational talks to schools and other organisations
- provide animal care advice and assistance to the general public about responsible pet ownership
You must be suitably qualified to become an Animal Welfare Officer. If your goal is to work as an Animal Welfare Officer, then our Level 3 Diploma Animal Welfare Officer will be perfect for you. This Ofqual regulated qualification is one of the few animal welfare courses that is recognised within the industry and includes all the theory necessary for the role.
The course covers the role of local authority Animal Welfare Inspectors and RSPCA Inspectors. Their work involves inspecting and licensing animal activity businesses such as any business involved in the welfare, sale, and care of animals. This includes:
- Dog boarding kennels
- Catteries
- Day-care for dogs
- Home boarding dogs
- Dog breeding and selling
If you are interested specifically in working as an Animal Licensing Inspector, then our Level 3 Award for Animal Licensing Inspectors is what you need.
This two-unit course is one of the few that is recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and meets the Defra licensing requirements. The Award covers all the information you will need for inspecting sites and understanding animal welfare legislation.
Animals are dependent on the protection of humans. Working in this role means that you are well placed to make a very real difference to the care and wellbeing of multiple animals.
Animal Charities and Welfare Organisations
When considering animal welfare, people often think about working directly with animals in need, especially rescue dogs and cats in need of adoption and rehoming. Charities like the Dogs Trust and the RSPCA are well known for their knowledge and work with animal welfare - you’ll find plenty of information on their sites.
Animal shelters rely on people offering up their time to volunteer with them. It’s an excellent way to make a real practical difference and get some useful experience of working in a kennel and cattery environment. If this career path appeals to you then you may be interested in our Level 3 Diploma in Kennel and Cattery Management.
Kennels and catteries can usually be divided into two categories - those that offer boarding for dogs and or cats and those focussing on re-homing unwanted or neglected animals. The role of a kennel/cattery manager can be quite different depending on whether you work for an animal charity or a private boarding business. Working for an animal charity includes extra roles such as:
- Re-homing animals
- Animal behavioural assessments
- Health checks
- Ensuring enrichment for animals in long term care
The Level 3 Diploma in Kennel and Cattery Management is available to anyone over the age of 18 and is split into 8 units looking at:
- Canine Behaviour
- Care of Canines in Kennels & Dog Day Care/Dog Boarding
- Care of Felines in Catteries
- Feline Behaviour & Psychology
- Management
- Animal Welfare Legislation
- Feline Handling and Transportation
- Canine Handling and Transportation
It’s important to remember that practical work with dogs and cats can be dirty and physically hard work. It helps if you don’t mind working outdoors in all types of weather as many catteries are based outside and dogs need to be exercised whatever the weather!
Animal Courses Direct is one of the UK’s largest online training providers in the Animal Care Sector. We also offer an animal job board where qualified applicants can apply for roles in animal care, wildlife, and conservation.
All our courses are designed to enhance career and employment prospects in the animal and wildlife sectors around the world.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly to speak to a student career advisor by calling 0120 200 640.
Also, if you adore animals, you can keep track of all upcoming animal awareness days and events with our FREE calendar! Download it here.
