5 Dream Careers for People who Love Animals
Vanessa Kirkwood
Remember, before considering a job working in animal welfare it’s vital to understand that, depending on the job, there can be far more difficult duties and requirements needed than just petting them. Such as cleaning up any mess they create and possibly having to be confronted with caring for an animal that’s very sick.
These requirements are often involved with most careers to do with animals; however, they are the very reason why a career in this area is so rewarding. If you can handle the possibility of this situation occurring, then it’s truly the job for you.
Veterinary Nurse
Becoming a veterinary nurse requires a great level of compassion, empathy and care for animals. There are many responsibilities that a veterinary nurse must undertake that involve caring for animals under treatment and in temporary residence at various veterinary facilities and assisting veterinarians with performing procedures and operations.
A certificate III or IV in veterinary nursing is needed to work as a Veterinary Nurse. Traineeships may be available.
If you’re looking at becoming a veterinary nurse then there are many ways you can build up the skills and experience, such as volunteering in animal shelters and completing a short course to build up an understanding of the requirements that will help you become ready to complete your certificate III or IV in veterinary nursing.
Animal Attendants and Trainers
If you’re passionate about helping large animals or small animals to overcome behavioural problems, training them for competitions and love to take care of them, then this is the job for you. An animal care course can help you gain a career in this field. Animal attendants and trainers work on teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands in order to address problems they may have or prepare them to compete in competitions.
Animal attendants and trainers often have to complete Certificate III or IV, however, they can also have no qualifications, which is why this job is great if you’re wanting to build up experience with animal health care.
This hands-on job will require close contact with animals within a range of environments such as animal shelters, kennels or private areas and their day-to-day job often includes brushing, washing and styling them or cleaning up their enclosures or cages if the animals have to travel around from place-to-place.
Zookeeper
A career as a zookeeper is quite a small occupation in Australia with around 1,200 jobs since 2016 according to Job Outlook. It is estimated that this industry area has a very high level of employment opportunities in the future.
Zookeepers are in charge of feeding, providing water for animals and monitoring their health within zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks to ensure the environment for the animals are always kept clean.
A job as a zookeeper is an excellent area to get into if you love animals because of the hands-on aspect and close proximity to them. If you love taking care of animals and don’t mind cleaning them then this job is for you.
Pet Groomer
A job as a pet groomer involves washing, drying, brushing, combing and cutting animals fur and nails to ensure they’re kept in a highly clean manner.
According to Job Outlook, over the last 5 years, the number of people working as a Pet Groomer as their main job grew strongly from 3,100 in 2011 to 4,100 in 2016.
A job as a pet groomer is an excellent career choice for those who love being close to animals as this job requires a constant close proximity to them.
Animal Therapist
Animal therapists are in charge of the rehabilitative care of animals following an injury, surgery or if they’re dealing with chronic pain. An animal therapist will often create a health care plan for the animal to offer a quick form of recovery or implement ways to ensure the animal’s pain, well-being and overall health care is being managed.
Average Qualification: Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy
If you’re looking for a challenging but rewarding career that requires a constant level of animal care relating to the assistance in management or recovery of injuries and illnesses to promote animal health, then this career is perfect for you.
Courses:
Certificate II in Animal Care ACM20121
This nationally recognised certificate will give you practical skills and ensure you are job-ready to work in animal shelters, kennels, catteries, sanctuaries or veterinary clinics. Gain administrative skills related to the animal care industry, how to...
Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) BSB30120
The nationally recognised BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) will give you specialised business skills to provide effective patient service and support to colleagues in medical practices, private surgeries, and hospitals. Suc...
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Certificate in Equine Care
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