Careers dealing with animals can take on many forms. You can treat animals as part of a veterinarian team. Or campaign for improvements in animal rights as part of a charity or non-profit organisation.
You could find yourself helping people to understand animals’ needs better by advocating force free training and handling. With the aim of helping animals to live safely and comfortably amongst humans.
Animal-related careers are a popular choice. With a variety of roles in differing sectors to choose from, your career working with animals doesn’t have to follow any prescribed path. While dog walkers, pet sitters and kennels are common careers associated with animals, there are more roles to consider.
In the UK, the animal care sector is estimated to be worth £1billion. This makes for some enticing career opportunities for those seeking to work with animals
But there are so many professions to explore in addition to animal care. Some of which will require degree-level study, but some can also be accessed through short courses.
Qualifying through RQF regulated qualifications will allow you to fulfil your ambitions of working with animals sooner than completing a full degree. Meaning that it is never too late to retrain for a career working with animals.
Careers with Animals
Animal Welfare Officer
Animal welfare is a large ongoing issue, in the UK and abroad. Animals require correct treatment, nutrition, hygiene, and a high level of care to live a happy and healthy life.
A career in animal welfare requires you to have the knowledge to identify animals at risk. Responding to this risk, and taking appropriate action to ensure they are safe, and their welfare is cared for will be the core of your role.
The Level 3 Diploma Animal Welfare Officer gives you the DEFRA approved qualifications for this role in the animal care sector. Equipping you with a professional license to inspect animal businesses and their activities. You will also come to understand the issues that negatively impact the lives of these animals, and how to correct them.
Once qualified, you can apply for roles that allow you to stand up against animal abuse and neglect.
Dog Grooming
The overall health of dogs includes cleanliness and grooming. Dog groomers clean and trim coats, but also clip claws and clean teeth and ears.
They also make observations about the animal’s overall health report back to the pet carer. They also provide the carer with information on how to maintain their dog’s health and hygiene.
A lot of Dog groomers are self-employed or run their own business. It is a flexible role, but a lot of knowledge is required to work as a dog groomer professionally.
Studying a dog grooming course enables you to gain the relevant skillset for different breeds of dogs. You’ll also learn different style of cuts for different coats and different techniques and treatments. You’ll also be educated on health and safety legislation related to dog grooming and animal welfare.
Studying an Introduction to Dog Grooming (RQF) Level 3 Award would be a great place to kickstart your training for a career in dog grooming.
Conservationist
Working as an animal and wildlife conservationist will aim to provide protection to animals and the habitats that they live in. With so many threats to the world’s ecosystems, there are plenty of roles to coincide with your area of interest.
Each role that is available within conservation has its own targets and duty and will depend on where you work in the world.
Roles vary from wildlife observation and research to educational activities promoting conservation and awareness. If you enjoy having something different to do each day, conservation is for you.
A few careers in conservation do not require subject-specific qualifications. But others will expect you to have completed a degree that that field. Courses related to conservation will help you build the skillset and knowledge required for entry level experience
Zookeeping
Zookeeping is the main go-to for people who want a career with wild, endangered, or exotic animals. It’s also a career for people passionate about conservation and reversing the devastating effects of poaching and deforestation.
It’s a competitive field so you need to give yourself the best possible chance of getting a role within a zoo. Proving your enthusiasm for animal and wildlife conservation is all but essential to get you noticed during the recruitment process.
Many wild animals within a zoo require specialist care. This requires a specific skill set. The Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping is a qualification that will build your skill set and prepare you for entry level roles and experience.
This Ofqual regulated qualification teaches you skills in animal welfare and care and about the importance of the zoo’s role in conservation. As well as providing you with 5 days of practical training at Blackpool Zoo. Giving you an insight into your future career.
Additional volunteer work will help you to apply your learning and give you needed experience, which can further enhance your application.
Kennel and Cattery
Kennel and Cattery Manager
Managers are entirely responsible for the daily operation of kennels and catteries, including the care of the animals who board there. Daily duties involve developing and enforcing policies and procedures, hiring, and supervising other kennel workers.
Kennel and Cattery Worker
Sometimes referred to as an assistant. Providing a safe environment in boarding settings. Day to day life in the role would include enrichment for the animals, feeding, cleaning and record keeping.
The Level 3 Diploma in Kennel and Cattery Management is the training you require to apply for jobs as a qualified Kennel or Cattery Manager.
Dog Trainer
A dog trainer works closely with pet carers, to help them manage their behaviour better. Whilst they work mainly with dogs, it is also very common the carers are the ones who require the training. This is because they often struggle to effectively communicate with their pets. The dog trainer will show them techniques that will ask the dog to listen, obey and respond so that they perform desired actions.
A typical day for a trainer will include teaching classes to multiple dog carers or groups or proving private lessons. Classes could be in basic obedience, or with experience, they can help dogs complete more complicated tasks. This could include search and rescue, hunting, police work, therapy, protection, and detection.
They can also help dogs overcome problems such as fear, aggression, hyperactivity, excessive barking, destructive behaviour, and biting.
There aren’t any formal qualifications to become a dog trainer, but there are dedicated courses you can take that specialize in this area.
Study Online for a Career with Animals
Taking the time to find the career and the right course will help you on your journey in your new career.
Every animal course is designed in deliberation with employers and industry experts, giving you the knowledge and skillset, you require to succeed in your career with animals.
If you are looking to kickstart your career in Animal care, Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you find a topic that piques your interest.
There is an array of courses to choose from. From entirely online, to offering practical training. Courses are offered with flexible payment options and tutors on hand to support your learning.
As one of the UK’s leading online learning providers, there is a huge selection of Animal Care courses to choose from. Click the link below to view our animal course or check out our blog to learn more about distance learning.
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