Some people are under the impression that the only jobs available for animal lovers are veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, both of which require specific training and qualifications. However, if you want to embark on a career working with animals, then there are quite a few options available to you.
Whether you are hoping to progress into a veterinary position or not, everyone needs to start somewhere. We’ve put together a guide to entry-level animal jobs that don’t require prior experience or a specific qualification to get started.
Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA)
Veterinary care assistant roles require no formal qualifications and most training is completed on the job. Vet care assistants are not required to be educated to a degree level; the most important thing employers will be looking for is a genuine interest in and passion for animal care, as well as evidence of voluntary work experience in an animal-related field.
Vet care assistants have a range of responsibilities that can include feeding, exercising, grooming and monitoring patients, as well as cleaning and general maintenance.
Veterinary Receptionist
Another entry-level job working with animals is the role of vet receptionist. Vet receptionists don’t require formal qualifications or training. A passion for animals is favoured, as well as good interpersonal and administration skills.
Vet receptionists are the first point of contact for pet owners who may be anxious about their pet’s health, so part of the vet receptionist’s role is to put them at ease and make them feel comfortable. Vet receptionists will also need to answer phones, make appointments and take payments.
Veterinary Technician
A vet technician role can be a very rewarding entry-level animal job that can be lab-based or practice-based. While some employers may want a vet technician to be degree-educated in a related subject such as biology or pharmacology, there is no set qualification path to pursue a career as a vet technician.
The job responsibilities will vary depending on whether the vet technician is lab-based or practice-based. Lab-based positions focus more on running tests, analysing results and samples, and potential research and experimental projects. Practice-based vet technicians may have more direct patient contact, being responsible for taking samples, monitoring patients, and recording data.
Zookeeper (internship/volunteering)
Not all entry-level animal jobs are based in a veterinary practice. Zookeepers do require plenty of training, and most employers will want applicants to be educated to a degree or national diploma level in a related field, such as zoology, biology or animal welfare.
However, there are other routes to becoming a zookeeper, such as internships or apprenticeships.
The role of a zookeeper can vary but may include practical tasks such as feeding animals and cleaning out enclosures, ensuring animal wellbeing and keeping their environment stimulating. Zookeepers are also often responsible for educating visitors on the animals by giving talks.
Animal charity work
Animal charities can provide some great entry-level jobs for animal lovers, as the work is centred around ensuring the safeguarding and proper treatment of animals. Animal charity jobs can vary from roles working directly with animals to jobs that ensure the charity’s work can operate effectively, such as fundraising, marketing, finance, IT and admin roles.
Many animal charity jobs will require you to volunteer first to show your commitment to the cause, or you may be able to transition into the job from outside the industry if you have been performing a similar role before.
Working with animals can be hugely rewarding, but getting a foot in the door can often be a challenge in itself. Entry-level jobs working with animals often don’t require a specific qualification, though related studies are encouraged, and volunteer work is highly recommended.
If you are looking for a job working with animals, you can find out more about our service for candidates or get in touch with our team of recruiters.