10 Animal Care Jobs To Consider For A Career Working With Animals

How many animal care jobs spring to mind when you consider a career working with animals? Jobs like veterinarians, zoo keepers, and animal trainers all work with animals in different ways. They help to care for them, train them, and sometimes even cure them. If you’re interested in working with animals, one of these may be the perfect job for you.

Animal Welfare Careers

Animal welfare is a hugely important field, and those who work in it can make a real difference to the lives of animals. If you’re passionate about animals and have a strong interest in animal care, then a career in animal welfare could be perfect for you.

There are a range of different roles available and no two days will be the same. You could become one of the many animal technicians, caring for animals in rescue centres or zoos; perhaps you’ll find a position working for a leading animal welfare charity; you might work as part of an education team, teaching people about how to care for animals; or you might be someone who teaches pet owners how to train their pets and instructing them on the basics of pet care.

Whatever role you choose, you’ll need to have excellent communication skills and a full UK driving licence would be desireable if not mandatory for some roles. Not all roles require direct animal handling but of course most do. Some roles require a degree of community engagement. Dog owners may require as much patient care as the animals themselves.

The animal welfare sector is growing rapidly, and there are always exciting opportunities available. If you’re proactive and love working with animals, then this could be the perfect career for you. There are some exciting opportunities out there and while, at the start, the average salary is not high, the prospects for promotion and advancement are good. As you might expect, salaries vary depending on your experience and qualifications, and some roles come with an added benefits package.

Veterinarian 

A Veterinarian is a professional who helps to prevent, diagnose and treat the health problems of animals. They work in a wide range of settings, including private clinics, universities, research institutions and government agencies. The role of a veterinarian is to help maintain the health of animals by providing preventative care, diagnostic services and treatment when necessary. They may also be involved in research and teaching. The career prospects for veterinarians are good, as there is a high demand for their skills. Veterinarians can expect to earn a good salary and enjoy good job security.

Veterinary Technician 

A Veterinary Technician is a healthcare professional who assists veterinarians in the examination and treatment of animals. They are responsible for sterilizing medical equipment, preparing patients for surgery, and administering medication. Veterinary Technicians may also be responsible for taking x-rays and lab tests, and for cleaning and caring for animals. The job requires a high degree of both scientific knowledge and interpersonal skills, as Veterinary Technicians must be able to comfort nervous animals and communicate effectively with their owners.

Veterinary Technicians typically have an associate’s degree in veterinary technology, although some employers may accept certification from a related program.

Animal Trainer 

Animal trainers are responsible for teaching animals how to perform tricks, obey commands, and behave in a way that is consistent with their species. They must be able to patiently work with animals, building trust and reinforcing positive behaviours until the animals can follow commands reliably. Many animal trainers also work with zoos, providing training for new exhibits and caring for the animals in their care.

Animal trainers typically have a background in animal behaviour, although some enter this career without any formal training. They usually work as part of a team, which may include other trainers, handlers, veterinarians, and zookeepers. Animal trainers typically enjoy working with animals and have a strong interest in animal behaviour. They should also be patient and have good problem-solving skills.

Zookeeper 

A zookeeper is responsible for the care and upkeep of zoo animals. They provide food, water, and shelter to the animals, as well as clean cages and exhibits. They may also participate in animal training programs. Zookeepers typically have a college degree in animal science or a related field. They may be employed by a zoo, or work for a private company that contracts with zoos to provide animal care. Career prospects for zookeepers are good, as the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow.

Wildlife Biologist 

A Wildlife Biologist is someone who specializes in the study of wild animals and their habitats. They work to protect animal populations and preserve their natural environments. Wildlife Biologists typically have a college degree in biology or a related field and may have experience working with animals in a laboratory or zoo setting. They may find employment with government agencies, conservation organizations, or private companies. The career prospects for Wildlife Biologists are good, as the demand for their expertise is growing.

Marine Biologist 

A Marine Biologist is responsible for studying and researching marine life. They typically work in the field, studying organisms in their natural habitat. This can involve travelling to various locations, often in remote areas, to collect samples. Marine biologists may also work in labs, conducting experiments and analyzing data.

The role of a marine biologist is important for understanding the complex ecology of our oceanic ecosystems. They are responsible for researching how human activities impact marine life and developing strategies to protect these ecosystems. Marine biologists also play a critical role in educating the public about the importance of marine conservation.

The career prospects for a marine biologist are excellent. The field is rapidly growing, and there are many opportunities for specialization. Marine biologists can find careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. They typically have good job security and earn a competitive salary.

Animal Nutritionist 

Animal Nutritionists are responsible for the dietary needs of animals. They develop and oversee feeding programs that meet the nutritional requirements of their animals. Animal Nutritionists may work with a variety of animals, including livestock, pets, and zoo animals. They typically have a college degree in animal science or a related field.

Animal Nutritionists typically work as part of a team that includes veterinarians, livestock producers, and agricultural engineers. They may be employed by agricultural companies, zoos, research facilities, or pet food manufacturers.

The job outlook for Animal Nutritionists is good. The increasing demand for quality pet food and the growing popularity of keeping pets has led to increased employment opportunities for Animal Nutritionists.

Animal Behaviorist 

Animal behaviourists are responsible for studying the behaviour of animals. They may work with a particular type of animal, such as primates, dogs, or cats, or they may study animal behaviour in general. They typically work in research and teaching positions in universities, zoos, and other animal-related organizations. Some animal behaviourists also work as private consultants.

The job outlook for animal behaviourists is excellent. The number of jobs in this field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Animal behaviourists who have a PhD or who are board certified can expect the best job prospects.

Dairy Farmer

A dairy farmer is responsible for the care and management of dairy cattle. They are responsible for milking the cows, maintaining the herd, and ensuring that the dairy farm meets all sanitary and safety regulations. Dairy farmers may also be involved in the production and sale of milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

A career as a dairy farmer can be very rewarding. Dairy farmers typically enjoy good working conditions and can expect to earn a decent wage. There are many opportunities for career growth in this field, and those with experience and training can expect to find good job prospects.

Horse Physiotherapist

A horse physiotherapist is responsible for helping horses recover from injuries, illnesses, or other health problems. They work to improve the horse’s range of motion, flexibility, and mobility. Horse physiotherapists also help horses maintain their strength and endurance. Career prospects for a horse physiotherapist include working in private practice, at a stable, or with a riding club.

In Summary

There are many advantages and attractions to a career working with animals. One of the most obvious is that animals make us happy. They are also great for our mental and physical health, providing us with companionship, love, and support. Pets can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and can improve our overall sense of well-being.

Animals can also play an important role in our personal lives by teaching us about responsibility, empathy, and compassion. They can help us learn how to interact with others, and how to be more patient and gentle. Working with animals can also give us a sense of purpose and fulfilment, as we strive to help them lead healthy and happy lives.

If you’re looking for vacancies, register at one of the many employment sites for job alerts so that you’ll be notified of any exciting opportunities that become vacant, and that you can submit an application before the closing date. Even if you don’t have all the relevant experience described in the advert it’s still worth applying. If you’re in the right place at the right time you may get hired for a permanent position simply because the other candidates didn’t show up.