If your adoration for animals has led you to consider a career involving them in some way, there are more options than you might think. There are many interesting roles working with animals that utilise specific skillsets or expose you to the wider aspects of the animal kingdom and their habitats.
Of course, there is plenty of demand for dog walkers or pet boarding facilities. And many people find fulfilment and earn a living from these caring roles. But if you’re looking for a job that examines animal anatomy, welfare or studies specific species, they exist too.
This enables you to combine your love for animals with other interests. Whether this is biology and health, psychology, animal-related legislation or evolutionary studies.
What’s more, not all these roles require university level qualifications. So you could be on the way to enjoyable and interesting roles working with animals sooner than you originally thought.
To help you explore your options, we’ve listed some of the many diverse animal-related professions that are available.
Animal Behaviourist
Examining the mind to understand thoughts and motivations behind behaviours isn’t limited to human studies. Animal behaviourists are trained to diagnose and treat behavioural issues in animals, which can include aggression, phobias, destructiveness or anxiety.
Once illness is ruled out as the causation, you’ll observe and handle the animal where possible to assess their responses. Establishing the root of their issues and providing their guardians with behaviour modification plans.
It’s important work that can help animals and humans coexist in harmony. Reducing the number of domestic breeds that are rehomed or abandoned each year. You can also be required to work with other animals in environments like zoos or farms. To help them live more comfortable lives.
Being an authority on the potential risks posed by animal behaviours requires you to have extensive training. Especially when dealing with aggression.
You need to be registered with the Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CCAB) and Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). This requires degree level study and practical, hands-on experience of working with animals.
Accepted degrees are generally in biological studies, animal-related courses and behavioural sciences. But it’s advised you get a feel for this line of work first through courses in animal psychology. These teach you how to observe and interpret animal behaviour. After which, you can work towards qualifications that lead you to degree level study of animal psychology.
Zoologist
A zoologist also studies animals and their behaviours. But this is more in relation to species classification and their adjustment to our ever-changing climate among other things.
The work zoologists do helps us understand how best to preserve natural habitats, protect endangered species and manage wildlife populations. They also play a huge part in disease monitoring and prevention.
Generally, you’d specialise in a particular area. Choosing to work with reptiles and amphibians, mammals, birds, fossil remains or parasites.
Depending on your type of role, you could be based in a lab, outdoors in the field or in remote overseas locations. Since a lot of your work involves testing, research and data analysis, a head for science is essential.
Degree level study in science-related fields like biology, marine biology, environmental biology or zoology is required. And many employer’s prefer candidates with the specialist knowledge gained at postgraduate level. Since competition is fierce for roles, you’ll also need relevant work experience to be considered.
The best way to see if this area of animal work is for you is by starting with college courses in zoology.
Small Animal Hydrotherapist
This is a role that combines animal anatomical study and hydrotherapy treatment. Allowing you to get hands-on and work closely with animals, using therapeutic techniques to bring them back to good health.
Hydrotherapy can provide many benefits to animals. Helping with recovery from a range of ailments from injury and illness to aiding with chronic conditions and weight loss.
The low impact exercise technique is becoming a widely adopted practice and, as such, career opportunities are on the rise. So if you’re prepared for a physical role and enjoy being in water, this one is a great choice.
While an interest in biological science is required, degree level learning isn’t. Most companies offer on-the-job training. However, it’s advised you study relevant certificates and diplomas to stand out against the competition.
You can study an Ofqual regulated Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy. This teaches you everything you need to know to get started as a small animal hydrotherapist. What’s more, it’s approved by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) and recognised as a part of the membership criteria for joining the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH).
Animal Welfare Officer
If you’re passionate about preventing animal cruelty and neglect, you may prefer working as an animal welfare officer. They enforce the law and educate the public on ways to keep animals safe from harm.
In this role you would inspect commercial and residential properties. Taking away animals identified as being at risk, getting them any medical treatment required and finding them new homes. Also preparing evidence for court cases where necessary.
It’s also a role that ensures all businesses involved with animals meet care standards and have appropriate licensing. Ideal for those interested in animal business legalities and welfare standards, who want to speak for those without a voice.
You can become an animal welfare officer with an Ofqual accredited Level 3 Diploma or equivalent. Which must train and assess you to inspect and license animal activity businesses. This Animal Welfare Officer Level 3 Diploma ticks all these boxes.
So, no matter your preference, there are many interesting roles working with animals to be explored. And you can begin educating yourself for them online.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is the UK’s leading online learning provider. With an extensive range of veterinary science and animal welfare courses to help you reach your career goals.
These can either be studied completely online, or they contain a short practical element to equip you with hands-on training.
Either way, each course benefits from tutor support and you can spread the cost with flexible payment options. Putting less in the way of you and your future animal-related career.
If you’re ready to get qualified for a career with animals get in touch with our advisors. Or browse our range of animal courses below.
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