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Jobs to work with animals.
by
Mark Bottell
So, you re an animal lover and have decided that you want to work with animals for the rest of your life; but what are your options? It s not just about considering the range of animals you could work with; there is also a wide range of environments you can choose to work within, whether it is at a veterinary surgery, a zoo or even your local park.
In a Zoo
If you want to work with animals such as big cats, birds or reptiles, a zoo will have a plethora to choose from. You may want to work directly with the animals as a keeper or more on the sidelines as a tour guide or as a habitat designer. There are lots of vocational college courses and specific qualifications which will stand you in good stead, but if you really want to stand out from the crowd, you might also want to consider doing an apprenticeship as part of your training. You could also gain some paid-for work experience in a Keeper for a Day programme or a longer gap year placement programme in an overseas safari park or conservation project.
In a Vet Surgery
Working as a vet can be a very rewarding career and delivers great job satisfaction. It takes a lot of hard work and stress to get there but it ll be worth it. You ll work with animals of all shapes and sizes – not just cats and dogs – as well as the owners, so it s essential that you re a great communicator. In terms of qualifications, you ll need good GCSE grades in Maths, English and Science, usually at A or A*, as well as clutch of at least 3 A grades at A level from a combination of Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. University courses are often oversubscribed so you ll want to try to make your application stand out.
You can also become a veterinary nurse or even a receptionist and these are roles that offer a great way to enjoy the softer side of working with animals.
In an Animal Grooming Studio
This can be hard work but also great fun. Decide firstly what type of grooming you want to get involved with general care, bathing and nail clipping will require little experience, but if you want to work with show dogs you ll need to gain specific qualifications.
In the great outdoors
Professional dog walkers love their jobs! It gives them a great opportunity to
work with animals
that they love everyday in different environments. It s also a great way to keep active without ever visiting a gym, as each walk will typically last 30-60 minutes. As a professional [like any business], you ll be expected to have comprehensive insurance and liability cover but also a police check to show clients that you are trustworthy – especially as you might have access to their property whilst they are at work. You might also want to consider a dog handling certificate, which can also help build credibility as well as develop your skills.
Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Gap Africa Projects an online tour operator which caters to interests such as
work with animals
and offers other
Gap Africa Projects
adventure holidays for adults.
Article Source:
ArticleRich.com