The number of careers involving domestic, captive and wild animals has increased dramatically in recent years, and there is a lot of competition for skilled, qualified people entering these jobs.
Opportunities
There are a number of different career areas to choose from. Dog handlers are often used by the armed services and the Police. Guide Dogs for the Blind also look for trainers to provide the crucial support needed by the dogs and their owners.
Zoos and wildlife parks require trained professionals to work with unusual species, and there are literally hundreds of voluntary organisations and charities needing support from volunteers and trained staff alike. Veterinary practices need highly skilled professionals to care for sick and injured animals.
Pet therapy and animal behaviour is also a growing area if you are interested in the relationships between animals and people. You might also like to consider self-employment and run your own animal grooming service or boarding kennels.
Quite often you will be expected to work out of doors. There is also likely to be a lot of 'muck and mess' as animals need regular exercise, mucking out and feeding. And, like humans, animals can have their off-days too so you might find yourself having to deal with distressed animals, especially if they are abandoned, cold, injured and hungry.
What you can expect to receive
Prospects: salaries can be good for qualified and experienced people. Voluntary work is usually unpaid but might give you the experience you need to eventually get the job you want.
Benefits: You might be willing to accept a lower salary in return for the variety and enjoyment you get from the animals and your work environment. If you enjoy working outdoors and don't mind getting messy Ð and of course respect and love animals Ð then animal welfare is a career area you should consider.
Training and qualifications needed: For a career in animal welfare you can study through work-based programmes such as Modern Apprenticeships or you can study at college, either full time or part time. Courses range from vocational certificates, NVQs, National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas, to higher education courses such as HNCs, HNDs and degrees.
Veterinary nurses usually need English and science or maths GCSEs and must work in an approved practice while taking specialist exams accredited by the RCVS. An alternative route is to work as an animal assistant in an approved practice or on a full-time course at college.
If you are interested and for more information, this is what you need to do now:
Have a taste of working with animals by voluntary work with a local kennel or rescue centre, also get actively involved with raising funds for animal charities.
You can also find out more by contacting Warwickshire College on 01926 318318 or visiting our website on www.warkscol.ac.uk, Careers advice is also available on websites belonging to the British Veterinary Nurses Association www.bvna.org.uk, the RSPCA www.rspca.org.uk, the Blue Cross www.thebluecross.org.uk, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons www.rcvs.org.uk, and the Society for Companion Animal Studies www.scas.org.uk
