There is no doubt that working with animals can be an incredibly rewarding experience, which offers immense job satisfaction. However, when contemplating the prospects of any career choice there’s a few things we suggest you consider. Here are our top 6 tips.
Think about the tasks you like and do not like doing? Is there something that you can imagine yourself doing each and every day? Something that inspires you, something you are passionate about? Well, if one of those things is caring about the welfare and health of animals then the animal care industry might just be for you. On the flip side, if you can’t think of anything worse than getting down and dirty, you will need to think twice. One thing is for sure when you work with animals, most jobs are hands-on and a majority of positions involve cleaning.
It is vital to look beyond the image of the job – look into what is REALLY involved on a day-to-day basis. Locate and read occupationally-oriented books, literature, job descriptions, professional journals, websites etc. Talk with people who are working in the field – most people will be happy to talk about their job and will give you a realistic picture of the good and bad.
People that work with animals rarely do it for a financial reward. They also rarely work a routine 9-5, 5 day work week. However, they can expect that no two days will ever be the same and that each and every day will provide them with a new challenge.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to get a feel for the animal care industry. There are many non-profit rescue and rehabilitation based organisations throughout Australia that provide volunteers with an opportunity to help out and in return, you will get a taste of what it is like to work with animals.
The animal care industry encompasses hundreds of different possible career paths, from working with domestic pets in a vet clinic, kennel or cattery, to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife! It can be a difficult task to narrow down what area of the industry you are interested in, so here are some useful tips on how to do just that!
This can often be one of the most challenging aspects of starting a career in a brand new industry! Most employers are looking to hire individuals with proven skills and experience. However, how can you get the skills and experience if no one will give you a chance!
Vocational training can be a great way to break into a new industry as it combines learning the theory with a practical industry placement, providing students with the opportunity to gain a nationally accredited qualification together with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to start their new career.
All of our qualifications combine theory with workplace practical training and allow students to tailor their course to the area of the animal care industry that interests them. We offer courses for every level.
You can choose a nationally accredited course to suit your interests and experience. Here are a few of AVT’s courses:-
It can be a daunting prospect to decide on a career pathway or pursue a change of career. However, by following these steps, you can ensure that you make the right choice for your future. By choosing a career you love, you will never work another day!
Read some of our latest articles about working in the industry, qualifications, careers and more:-
Depending on your level of experience with animals, ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care and ACM30122 Certificate II in Animal Care Services are great places for students to start who have completed high school.
To learn more about your options, visit our High School Graduates page.
"*" indicates required fields
The leader in Vet Nursing qualifications, Animal Care (Animal Studies) and Animal Behaviour and Training Courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals. AVT is a nationally recognised training provider based in Perth, Western Australia providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. Learn More
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) Registered Training Provider No.5273