There are many different options to consider when thinking about a career working with animals. There are well known animal career choices and others that you may not have come across yet. Career opportunities with animals vary from dog groomer to zoologist, vet to wildlife photographer, marine biologist to pet sitter and many more.
Hopefully, this post will inspire you and help you to find a rewarding career with animals that fits with your passion and interests.
What is the best career option for an animal lover?
If you love animals and care about their welfare, then there can be no better place to start than with an animal charity dedicated to providing much needed love and care to our four-legged friends. Animal charities and shelters take in unwanted animals and deal with multiple requests for help daily. They rely on the hard work provided by dedicated volunteers. Why not visit your local animal shelter to find out more?
Some of the current issues’ animals face include:
- Intensive animal farming
- Intensive pet breeding (puppy farms)
- Loss of habitat for our wild species
- Exotic pet trade
- Dog fighting
- Neglect and poor treatment
- Lack of neutering (over population of domestic animals)
Most jobs in animal charities are highly rewarding and interesting, but keep in mind that this type of work can be challenging and stressful too. However, rest assured that pursuing a career in this sector will make a very real difference to the wellbeing of many animals.
The Animal Rescue Career Kickstarter short course will give you an introduction into various career options such as:
- Animal Care Assistant
- Animal Welfare Officer
- Animal Charities
- Rehabilitation
- Veterinary Care
Top animal jobs and how to get into them
1) Zookeeping
Zookeeping is consistently placed in the top 10 career choices for people wanting to work with animals. It’s a great choice because you have the opportunity to work with numerous types of animals every day. Plus, you will also be working towards conserving wildlife and playing a vital role in protecting hundreds of species from extinction.
The Zoo Career Kickstarter or the Exotic Animal Care Career Kickstarter short course will give you the opportunity to learn about animal care and welfare. It will also give you an introduction into various career options such as:
- Charities and Rescue Canters
- Herpetology
- Aquaria
- Marine Biology
- Ornithology
- Zookeeping
- Pet Shops
2) Veterinary Care
Becoming a vet is a highly popular career choice for those wishing to work with animals. A vet is responsible for the prevention of disease and for the medical and surgical treatment of animals. To become a vet, you must take a university veterinary degree. The Veterinary Career Kickstarter course gives learners a great insight into the world of Veterinary Care and what it would be like to work in that profession. So if you are unsure about what type of role you would like to explore, starting this this online course may help with your decision.
There are other roles within veterinary care such as:
Veterinary Nurses – work as part of a veterinary team to provide medical and surgical nursing care for animals. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing will provide your route into this profession.
Veterinary Nursing Assistants – work closely with the animals in veterinary practices, playing the important role of assisting Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgeons and practice staff. It is important that you are patient, compassionate and enjoy nursing sick or recovering animals, as well as promoting their health and welfare. The Veterinary Level 2 Diploma for Nursing Assistants Ofqual regulated qualification, is held in high regard in veterinary practices and provides a solid route into this career path. A veterinary nursing qualification can lead to many different job opportunities in animal welfare.
Veterinary Receptionists - play an important role as part of the team at any veterinary practice, hospital, or animal charity. The Veterinary Practice Receptionist Diploma course has been specifically designed for this career. It includes information about advising clients, animal first aid, customer services and handling animals.
3) Marine Biologist
Marine biologists work mainly with sea plants and animals. Marine biologists may spend most of their time working on ships or boats. They then spend time analysing their findings in laboratories and writing reports. Some marine biologists work in aquaria or zoos that have a marine section. The Marine Biology Diploma is a comprehensive theory-based course that explores the ocean habitat and marine animals.
Over 6 units you will learn about:
- Oceanography
- Coral Reefs
- Mangroves and Seagrass Beds
- The Polar Regions
- Shores and Estuaries
- The Deep Sea
As a bonus while studying this course, you can apply for ZSL Fellowship. This will entitle you to unlimited access to ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos. Plus, you’ll gain access to the extensive ZSL library of rare zoological texts.
4) Companion / Small animal jobs
Career options involving companion animals are consistently popular. Working with small animals and pets can be very rewarding. It’s up to us to learn what our pets are communicating with us so that we can provide them with the love and care that they need. Keeping our pets happy and healthy has led to many career options. Some examples include:
- Dog grooming
- Pet sitting
- Working in a pet shop
Find out more with the Pet Care Career Kickstarter course. Over 5 units you will learn about:
- Dog Walking, Pet Sitting and Home Boarding
- Working in a Pet Shop, Environments Enrichment and First Aid
- Body Language, Handling Techniques, Grooming and Feeding
- Careers and Courses within the Pet Care Sector
- Volunteering Opportunities and Employability Skills
Alternatively, if you are interested in pursuing a career in canine care, then you may want to look into the Canine Career Kickstarter Course to learn more about differing jobs in the dog care sector.
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.
