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Animal Welfare
Love animals and care about their rights? If you're a compassionate person you'd love to work with all kinds of animals, an animal welfare career might be your thing!
🐈 So what is animal welfare all about?
Animal welfare is all about protecting animals, especially those that are sick or mistreated. This industry has various roles, from caring for animals in rescue centres to working with organisations like the RSPCA. It’s all about giving animals the love they deserve!
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Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.
What jobs can I do ?
Animal behaviourist
An animal behaviourist is like a pet psychologist! They study and train animals to fix behavioural issues and improve their lives. To do this job, you usually need a degree in animal behaviour or welfare. It’s all about making pets and their humans get along better!
Kennel worker
Kennel workers are the doggie caregivers! They feed, groom, and walk dogs, making sure they stay happy and healthy. While you can learn on the job, knowing a bit about canine health helps a lot. Cat lovers can also work in catteries with similar duties!
Vet
Vets are the animal doctors! They keep pets healthy and treat illnesses or injuries. Vets work in clinics, zoos, and farms, and you’ll need a veterinary medicine degree to start your journey. It’s all about keeping our furry friends feeling their best!
Veterinary nurse
Veterinary nurses are like the vet's right-hand helpers! They assist in surgeries and take care of animals daily. To become one, you’ll need a level 3 diploma, which you can get through college or an apprenticeship. It's a hands-on role that’s super rewarding!
Zookeeper
Zookeepers are the animal caretakers at zoos! They ensure the animals’ health and happiness, working with all sorts of species. While not all zookeepers work in zoos, most need specific qualifications. It's a chance to connect with amazing creatures every day!
Zoologist
Zoologists are animal experts who study behaviour and welfare. They can work in many settings, like farms or schools, using science to protect and understand animals better. You’ll typically need a master’s or PhD in zoology for this fascinating career.
What are the top skills?
💬 Communication
Great communication is a must – and not just when interacting with your human colleagues! As a vet or zookeeper, you’ll need to understand what the animals are telling you and give off calming vibes to keep them feeling relaxed and secure.
💚 Compassion
You’ll need empathy and an emotional connection to look after animals’ well-being.
👌 Confidence
Whether you’re handling pets or larger animals, being confident helps keep everyone safe and comfortable – and helps build trust with the critters in your care.
😬 Resilience
You may encounter tough situations like sick or abused animals. Staying strong helps you provide the best care possible, even when things get emotional.
🧑🏾🤝🧑🏽 Teamwork
Working together means sharing knowledge and skills, making a bigger impact on the animals you’re all dedicated to protecting.
How do I get started in animal welfare?
🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?
Check out apprenticeships like the animal care and welfare assistant. This scheme gives you hands-on experience, relevant qualifications and a wage. It’s a perfect way to gain skills and jumpstart your career in the animal welfare world.
🎓 Is uni an option?
Totally! University is a great path for roles like vet, zoologist, or animal behaviourist. Degrees in animal welfare, zoology, or veterinary medicine are usually required, so if you're aiming high, hitting the books is a solid plan.
⭐ How can I stand out?
To stand out in animal welfare, gain practical experience through volunteering at your local animal shelter or nature reserve. Networking with pros and joining charities or organisations – from the RSPCA to the RSPB – can help you find the best volunteering opportunities.
What qualifications can I get?
What degree should I opt for?
If you’re aiming for roles like animal behaviourist, vet, or zoologist, consider degrees in animal welfare, zoology, or veterinary medicine.
What qualifications will an apprenticeship give me?
An apprenticeship in animal welfare usually leads to level 2 or level 3 diplomas in animal management. These qualifications boost your employability, but more importantly, on an apprenticeship, they’ll be backed up with real-life experience.
What qualifications can I gain with my employer?
Many employers in animal welfare offer training that leads to various qualifications. You could get a level 3 diploma in animal management or other specialised certifications, helping you grow while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.
5 facts you didn’t know
1 million cases of animal cruelty per year
The RSPCA received over 1 million reports of animal abuse or cruelty in 2021.
Britain’s favourite wild mammal is…
…the humble hedgehog (according to a 2016 poll by the Royal Society of Biology).
Half of all UK adults own a pet
Whether it’s a rabbit, a cat, a dog or a goldfish, over 50% of UK adults have a pet! The real question is which is best?
There are over 200 nature reserves in the UK
221 to be precise (as of October 2024!) National nature reserves cover just under 1% of the country’s surface.
The UK is home to 20 million cats and dogs
The UK is home to about 10 million pet dogs, and 10 million pets dogs! About a quarter of the population owns a cat, and 28% own a dog!
Need more info? Ask an Apprentice
Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.
