Animal care job vacancies are available in a
range of different fields. Individuals who are interested in
working with, and caring for, animals for a living may be able
to find work in veterinary surgeries, animal research centres,
training establishments, stables, kennels or catteries. Most
animal care job vacancies will require a range of different
skills and abilities. The general working conditions of the
job, pay and progression potential and experience requirements
will usually vary according the specific industry and
field.
Veterinary Practice
Vacancies
Animal care vacancies in this area may
include positions such as vet, vet nurse and animal
assistant.
Veterinarian - A vet is essentially a doctor
for animals and needs to undergo extensive training at
University in order to be able to provide medical assistance
and support to animals and their owners. Veterinarians provide
treatment to injured or sick animals and give owners advice
about diet, disease prevention and behavioural issues.
Animal Nurse – An animal nurse assists the
vet in surgery and also performs general nursing duties such as
changing dressings, supplying medication and monitoring the
health of animals who are at the surgery.
Animal Attendant - An animal attendant is
responsible for the day-to-day general care and grooming of
animals in the vet surgery. Animal attendants groom and wash
animals, feed them, exercise them and may make observations
about health and behaviour.
Stables, Kennels and
Catteries
Many vacancies in animal care exist in
stables, kennels and catteries. Animal care jobs in this area
require individuals to care for, accommodate and exercise
animals on behalf of owners or trainers. Many people leave
their animals in these environments for brief periods of time
while they travel away from home. These vacancies usually
require that individuals have experience working with animals.
Animal care workers who have good animal handling skills and a
strong knowledge of animal behaviour will have a good job
prospects. Duties in these types of positions include bathing,
grooming, cleaning cages, exercising and playing with animals
under supervision.
Training Centres
Vacancies exist in animal training centres.
For individuals with experience who are unable to find suitable
training vacancies, there is the potential to set up business
as an independent animal trainer. The strongest demand in this
area is for racehorse training services and dog training
services. Racehorse trainers have highly specialized industry
knowledge and usually have a background in jockeying, breeding
or racehorse ownership. Horse trainers need an excellent
understanding of horse behaviour, racing rules and practices,
horse training strategies and methods. Dog trainers may run
specific training ‘schools’ that owners can attend on a weekly
basis. Dog trainers teach owners effective strategies for
managing their dogs.
Other Vacancies
Vacancies in animal care exist in many
different areas. Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Kennel Club, the
RSPCA and the Institute of Animal Technology are some of the
main organizations responsible for caring for, researching and
working with animals. There a many job opportunities available
in the animal care field for individuals who possess the
necessary training, skills and knowledge.