It’s important to get a job that’s not just well-paid but also fulfilling. And if you’re more of an animal person and less of a people person, what’s more rewarding than looking after gorgeous animals on a daily basis? Whether you’re switching careers or leaving school, a job with cute four-legged creatures might just be what you need.
So if you’d love to spend your days with companions who won’t whine about you to your boss or ask about your private life, walk on four legs rather than two, and perhaps fancy hay instead of a drink after work, then consider these animal health jobs.
1. Veterinarian
If you own a pet, you will know just how important it is to have a good veterinarian on speed dial.
But what you may not know is just how well-paid veterinary jobs can be. You can take home around £50,000 per year, as well as make the most of your love for pets.
So if you’d like to help animals lead happier and longer lives, and you’re not scared of blood, then becoming a vet might be a good option for you, but you’ll need a degree from an accredited veterinary school.
2. Veterinary nurse
A veterinary nurse can work with farm animals, pets and in zoos. You’ll perform simple treatments and tests, as well as look after animal inpatients.
To become a veterinary nurse, you can either take a level III diploma at college or complete a veterinary nursing degree. Since not all courses are approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, make sure you do your research before signing up.
You can usually take a degree program with Cs or Bs at A level, and you'll only need GCSEs to get onto the level III diploma.
3. Animal nutritionist
Animal nutritionists create menus and nutritional plans for domesticated animals like farm animals, pets, and zoo animals. They promote and improve understanding of an animal’s diet, as well as its impact on the animal’s productivity, health, and well-being.
The role varies, depending on the organization or company the animal nutritionist works for. On the whole, a day’s work involves giving animal owners advice on how to make solid dietary plans for their livestock, pets, or zoo animals.
4. RSPCA inspector
An RSPCA inspector rescues animals that have suffered cruelty or had accidents and sometimes prosecutes persons who’ve mistreated animals.
To become an RSPCA inspector, you only require GCSEs but you must be a good swimmer, physically fit and able to carry animals. You also need to be able to work with animals and people in stressful situations, as well as have a full driving license.
In addition, you must be ready to work in possibly dangerous places and work in the evenings and on weekends.
5. Pet behaviour counsellor
Pet behaviour counsellors help pet owners sort out their pet behaviour issues. They work through a range of unwanted animal behaviours, including excessive barking, general disobedience, toilet problems, aggression, and destructive behaviour.
A day’s work may involve talking to pet owners, checking for behaviour problems in their animals, considering possible causes and recommending a plan to resolve the issue(s). You could also take vet referrals, and either offer consultations in pet owners’ homes, in a veterinary surgeon’s office, or in your own office.
You’ll need a zoology or animal behaviour degree to work as a pet behaviour counsellor. Experience in handling animals is essential and may be acquired through volunteering at a veterinary surgery, pet rescue centre, kennel or similar.
6. Animal technician
An animal technician career is perfect for animal lovers who want to ensure people are treating animals properly. An animal technician cares for animals in laboratories and ensures they get humane treatment.
This involves taking care of animals by watering, feeding and giving them a workout, not to mention keeping an eye on their growth and ensuring they’re behaving as expected. You’ll also ensure they’re comfortable by keeping their humidity, heating, and lighting at normal levels.
There aren’t any standard entry requirements, but most employers expect at least A* to C GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science. It would also be beneficial to have a degree in any related field, like animal care or biology, or A-Levels.
Some experience handling animals would also help. You could get this at a pet rescue centre, in a zoo or on a farm, for instance. It’d also help to have experience working as a lab assistant.
7. Animal shelter manager
Animal shelter managers find homes for rescued pets. They oversee the daily operations of the shelters, such as ensuring the animals are exercised, fed and that their shelter is clean. The job may also involve planning activities or events for the shelter, overseeing the animal adoption process, and taking care of any shelter social media (hello cute Instagram accounts).
High school education will be required to get an entry-level shelter job but an animal studies course or degree will be needed for a management position. You also can decide to volunteer at a nearby animal shelter and get the experience of working in one.
8. Horseback riding instructor
If you’re a skilled equestrian and you’re passionate about horses, why not teach people all you know? A career as a horseback riding instructor will not only ensure you stay in shape but it’ll also let you care for cute animals and interact with plenty of different people.
To work as a horseback riding instructor, you’ll need to complete training and get certified, which will equip you with the skills required to pass the exams administered by the Association of British Riding Schools or British Horse Society.
From animal shelter managers to veterinarians to dog groomers, there’s a broad variety of rewarding careers in which you can earn a very decent living while looking after animals. Some need more education than others, and sometimes, you may need further training or no training at all. But if you really love animals, chances are there is a job waiting for you out there.
If you're looking for work in the agricultural sector, Agricultural Recruitment Specialists can help you find the right niche in the UK, Europe and beyond. We can assist in finding which doors are open for you with your specific background and even advice on what you could do to improve your prospects.
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists are worldwide recruitment experts in agricultural, food, farming and rural recruitment and have a variety of executive and management positions available within agriculture, horticulture and the food and rural sectors throughout the UK and the rest of the world. To find out more about our agricultural job vacancies and discuss your future career, contact our team of agricultural recruitment professionals. You can visit our website here: www.agriRS.co.uk or call our team on: 01905 345 155 or email us at: info@agriRS.co.uk
Alternatively, if you are a client looking to expand your team, whilst using a professional recruitment / headhunting solution, then please call us today on 01905 345155 or email us at: info@agriRS.co.uk
