Animal Care and Welfare
There are a number of careers that involve looking after animals.
In this work, it is not enough just to love animals. You need to recognise that the work can be dirty, smelly and physically demanding. If your work brings you into contact with sick or mistreated animals, you will need to be emotionally strong.
Patience is also important, and you must be able to handle animals gently.
RSPCA Inspector/Animal Welfare Officer
RSPCA inspectors/Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) enforce the laws relating to the care, transportation and general welfare of pets, livestock and other animals.
Their duties include:
- investigating complaints about cruelty or neglect
- rescuing injured or stranded animals
- educating owners in the care of animals
- finding suitable homes for abandoned or injured animals.
They also liaise with representatives of other organisations, such as the police and environmental health practitioners.
You first have to work as an AWO, dealing with simpler cases.
Dog Groomer
Dog groomers keep dogs in good condition by washing, brushing, clipping and scissoring their coats. They also clip claws, clean teeth and ears, and treat dogs for parasites such as fleas.
Kennel Worker
Kennel workers care for dogs in kennels. They feed, exercise, bathe and groom dogs, and keep their living areas and runs clean. They check that dogs are healthy, treat minor problems, such as cuts, and report other health issues to the vet.
Kennel workers sometimes have clerical duties such as booking appointments and taking payments.
Horse Groom
Horse grooms care for horses, keeping them in good health and condition. Grooming involves cleaning, brushing and clipping horses’ coats.
Grooms feed, water and sometimes exercise horses, muck out stables and replace bedding. They also clean tack and fix it to horses.
Zoo Keeper
Zoo keepers care for animals in zoos and places such as safari parks, bird gardens and aquaria. Tasks include cleaning out animal houses, feeding the animals, checking the animals’ health and dealing with the public.
Keepers must be prepared to do hard physical work; this could be outdoors in all types of weather.
Animal Technologist
Animal technologists are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in medical, veterinary and dental research.
Rats and mice are most often used in research, although animal technologists may also look after other animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, monkeys, cats and dogs.
Animal technologists carry out routine aspects of animal care. They feed and water the animals, and clean cages, rooms and equipment. Some technologists use their knowledge of nutrition to prepare special diets.
They are in daily contact with animals, and are able to spot early signs of disease, illness and changes in behaviour. They tend to sick animals and pass on information about the animals’ health to scientists.