Animal Care

An Introduction to Animal Care

Many people dream of working with animals but are never quite sure of where to start or what the opportunities are. Working in the animal care industry can encompass a whole range of things from working in a boarding kennels to managing an animal welfare centre, the opportunities are vast. There is no doubt that working with animals sometimes involves working long hours with low pay and can be physically demanding. However the work can be incredibly rewarding and job satisfaction is high. Vacancies can be very competitive and what often gives applicants the edge is experience, enthusiasm and a qualification relevant to the job. It is a good idea to find some work experience prior to entering into a career with animals, this will allow you to gain a good idea of what the work involves and whether it is for you.

What qualifications do The College of Animal Welfare offer for those working with animals?

Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care and the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management. These are ideal courses for those looking to begin a career with animals. As well as gaining a nationally recognised qualification, both these courses include significant practical experience which employers will look favourably on as well as being excellent preparation for employment in the animal care sector.

Qualifications in Work Based Animal Care

We offer a range of qualifications aimed at people currently working with animals, some of which can be undertaken by those working in a voluntary position. Often there is a choice of modules which students can take to suit their interests and needs, these are wide and varied.

Short Courses in Animal Care

We offer a wide range of short courses at different levels. Whether you are a pet owner looking for a course to improve your understanding of your pet or a professional looking for a course in a particular area we will have a course to suit you.

What opportunities are there once I have a qualification in Animal Care?

There are many different directions your career could go in and this will depend on your interests. For example, if you were working in a boarding kennels you may progress from a kennel assistant to a manager and even an owner! If you were working in an animal welfare charity you could transfer from working with one type of animal to another. There are also opportunities in education, by perhaps becoming a lecturer.

Each year The College of Animal Welfare holds a ‘Careers With Animals Days’ from our centre in Cambridgeshire. It is well worth attending and you will come away with lots of information and new ideas. We have trade stands with representatives from different areas of the animal care sector such as the Guide Dogs Association, Groomers, The Raptor Foundation and the British Racing School. Representatives vary from year to year so please contact us in advance if you are attending to meet one particular organisation.

If you are wanting to work with animals but are unsure about where to start, please feel free to contact us.