Job's with exotic/domestic pets

[Dazzo]

Im currently looking for new employment and have always considered working with or around animals (especially exotics being a keeper myself). I was wondering if any one on here has any knowledge on experience needed, qualifications or just general advice or links to jobs such as, pet shop assistant, breeder, animal care/welfare etc.

any response welcome.

Daz

[fantapants]

i know you are considered more suitable for zoo/ private collection work if you are

• a member of ABWAK
• have had at least one or two articles published in a relevant field
• can prove yourself a serious hobbyist by showing a deep understanding of your selected area of expertise
• have some voluntary experience in the area you are interested in

Alternatively you can do a course in animal management and then specialise in a selected area. Myerscough college has alot of bases around the uk that do tons of courses that would get you in to the area on a career level. If you just want to get a job then the proteus reptile trust run nvq2 and 3 in herpetology for a decent price. that would give you an IN aswell. hope this helps

[Athravan]

The Pet Care Trust do a qualification called Pet Store Management which is useful for working in pet shops, especially if applying for a managerial position, or starting your own. It has a very limited section on reptiles though.

[Dazzo]

Cheers for the info. Looked into all aspects so far and currently weighing up my options. The city and guilds in pet care management looks very interesting. Do you know of any1 who has this and what it leads to etc?

Daz

[Athravan]

I have it as it is required to get a pet shop license... didn't find it at all useful though, but then I'm not interested in working with other animals If you want to ever own your own pet shop (regardless of what type of animals you sell), this is a good qualification to have (and for most councils now is not optional).

[Dirtydozen]

i did animal management national diploma and after the first year we had to do work experience, i opted for knowsley safari park, did my four weeks work experience and was then advised to carry on doing 1 day a week voluntary, which i have been doing the past 7 months and i have now just been taken on full time on the lion section.
And its the best thing i have ever done lol

[Dazzo]

ah sounds great. If you dont mind me asking, what is the hours and pay like there? sounds like what i want to do (zoo's,safari parks, or exotic pet stores).

Cheers for the help, allthough i doubt i will be opening up my own pet store netime soon, need the capital and experience however would seem a really useful qualification coming to think about work i will be doing in some areas of work.

Daz

[Dirtydozen]

your best of doing the animal management national diploma mate tbh, it covers pet shop management ad you can open a shop with that qualification.
i start work at 8.30 and in winter i finsh about 3 but can go upto 6-7 during the summer when the park is busy, but the work is so enjoyable i dont really care

[Dazzo]

Do you have a link for the animal management national diploma?

Daz