Anyone a Vet out there? Or works with Animals? Or you now someone?

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beccaxx

13-09-2007

Originally Posted by Vanilla Velvet:
“Hiya beccaxx

I have just graduated from University studying animal biology. At the moment there is a lot of competition for jobs in conservation - which I am finding out at the moment. There is lots of ways were you can work with animals from wildlife park, zoos to rehoming animals. On my degree course I was working with people studying zoology, animal welfare, animal behaviour, wildlife biology, ecology and many others. I found the degree very interesting. However I would recommend if you want to do this type of degree course to get work experience whether working in an animal park or an RSPCA centre. I joined RSPB and did some voluntary work before my degree course. There is lots of conservation groups around specialising in different animals and projects. You could even check your local council website in the environmental sector you can find out if they have any groups or are looking for volunteers.

You would need very good A'levels to get on any degree course and exceptional results to become a vet. Many of the students whom were on my course decided to do zoology or related subjecst because they failed to get the grades needed to get on to a veterinary degree course. I know someone who decided to do the zoology degree first and then moved on to a veterinary science . If you want to be a vet then prepared to work very hard - but if that is what you want to do go for it.

I would also suggest even though it is early days yet and a few years off from leaving school go online visit some of the universities web pages and look at what they are offering, were the degrees could lead you - it may give you something to aim for when you finish your A'levels and ideas for careers working with animals.

If you do decide to do a similar degree to myself you may have to consider studying a MSc or similar courses.

Any way good luck. If you do decide to study an animal related degree you will find it fascinating.”

Wow, thanks for that! And thanks everyone else, reading your posts has made me realise there are so much more jobs to do with animals out there. And i will heopfully find one which i love!

hobbes

13-09-2007

Have you thought about pet grooming or dog walking.

A girl I know has her own dog walking business that she started in a small way a few years back. She has now branched out and has a doggie daycare service and is making good money, is her own boss, employs staff and gets to be outside with dogs everyday.

DDIL

13-09-2007

My Dad is a vet and it's a good job but really hard work. He works practically on his own and has few days off and has numerous calls in the middle of the night.

That has meant we never had family holidays when younger and he now has little time to spend with his grandchildren.

I guess that is what professions are about - they are more a lifestyle than a job and that means it's all about commitment.

Advice:
It's not just about loving animals. A lot of the animals you see are sick and some will die
If you don't have the commitment to be a vet, think about being a veterinary nurse. You can do some procedures and treatments
90% of the people who apply to work for my dad want to pet the animals and are not in the slightest bit interested in the medical element
Finally, theres a perfect job for everyone you just have to discover it.

shuddupfluffy

13-09-2007

I work for the RSPCA and there are a huge number of careers that involve animals, directly and indirectly.

I would advise contacting your local branch to ask if you can help with fundraising, as this will look good on any application and will give you an appreciation of the issues which relate to animals that the animal sector are concerned with. This will stand you in good stead for any college or university course you may be interviewed for in the future.

Most animal centres and vets will not let you volunteer until you are at least 16 because of the insurance issues, but it may be something you can move into once you have started helping out an organisation in another way.

Good luck with your future, and you may also find the RSPCA website useful, especial the careers section which gives a breakdown of some careers which directly involve contact with animals.

Please remember though, that some of the time, when dealing with animals, it can be distressing, and there isn't always a happy outcome!

beccaxx

15-09-2007

Thank You everyone, everything has been very helpful! xx

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