Your Guide to Animal Care

Are you an animal lover with a passion for their wellbeing? Do you dream of a career where you can make a real difference to the lives of creatures great and small? If so, a career in animal care could be your perfect path!

This guide will help you navigate the exciting world of animal care careers, from qualifications and training to potential job roles and where to find opportunities.

Why Choose Animal Care?

• Make a Difference: Directly contribute to animal welfare and improve their quality of life.
• Variety of Roles: From hands-on care to research and education, there's a role for everyone.
• Growing Industry: The animal care sector is expanding, offering diverse employment prospects.
• Personal Fulfilment: Enjoy the rewarding experience of working with animals every day.

Exploring Career Paths:

The animal care sector offers a wide range of career options, including:

• Veterinary Nursing: Assisting vets with treatments, surgeries, and animal care. Requires formal qualifications and registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
• Animal Care Assistant: Providing daily care for animals in shelters, kennels, catteries, or veterinary practices.
• Animal Groomer: Caring for animals' coats, nails, and overall hygiene.
• Animal Trainer/Behaviourist: Helping animals with behavioural issues and training them for specific tasks.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation: Caring for injured or orphaned wildlife with the aim of releasing them back into their natural habitat.
• Zoo Keeper/Animal Keeper: Caring for animals in zoos, wildlife parks, or aquariums.
• Animal Welfare Inspector: Enforcing animal welfare laws and investigating cases of animal cruelty.
• Animal Research Technician: Assisting with research projects involving animals, often in laboratory settings.
• Pet Shop Assistant: Providing advice and care for animals sold in pet shops.

Qualifications and Training:

• GCSEs: A good foundation of GCSEs, particularly in science and English, is beneficial for many animal care roles.
• Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Animal Care: These qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge for various animal care roles. Colleges and training providers across England offer these courses.
• Apprenticeships: Combine on-the-job training with formal qualifications. Animal care apprenticeships are available in various specialisations.
• Veterinary Nursing Degrees: Required for registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
• Specialised Training: Consider specialised training in areas like animal behaviour, grooming, or wildlife rehabilitation.

Where to Find Opportunities:

• Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Centres: Many offer volunteer opportunities and paid positions.
• Veterinary Practices: Check local practices for vacancies or training opportunities.
• Zoos and Wildlife Parks: Look for job openings on their websites or through recruitment agencies.
• Pet Shops and Grooming Salons: Enquire about job opportunities directly.
• Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Reed, and Animal Jobs Direct advertise animal care vacancies.
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA): The RSPCA offers various career opportunities in animal welfare.
• Government Agencies: Check for roles related to animal health and welfare with agencies like the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

Tips for Success:

• Gain Practical Experience: Volunteer at animal shelters or rescue centres to build your skills and experience.
• Network: Connect with professionals in the animal care industry.
• Stay Updated: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in animal care and welfare.
• Demonstrate Passion and Commitment: Show your genuine love for animals and dedication to their well-being.
• Be Prepared for the Challenges: Animal care can be physically and emotionally demanding.