Working With Animals

Xiorell · #1 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 03:32 AM

OK so I'm at work and every day is a struggle not to stab someone in the eye with a rusty screwdriver.
The main reason I stay anyway, is to make sure I can buy everything my animals need.

SO

Anyone got any insight into how to start finding animal related jobs, in particular herps and marine, be it

pet shops - working in or opening own
vetenary positions, training and the like
working for trusts of types

etc etc

Like, anyone know of courses and stuff like that which are of any help?
Anyone on here been in the same kinda situation and moved on in to this field?

basky · #2 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 10:03 AM

ive actually worked with animals since i finished college (nd in animal care). if your looking at training to be a vet nurse your best bet would be to phone around and ask your local vets, they may have some vacancies going. check the job centre fish/agriculture/animal care section and your local newspaper. theres usually always kennel, cattery and farm jobs going. have you ever worked with animals? if not maybe you should volenteer on your days off just to make sure it's for you.
good luck

Lee N · #3 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 11:24 AM

i dnt work in a pet shop but im hoping too soon. i spend a lot of time in my local shop and i love being around all the animals and see what comes in and stuff. i'm only 17 and i'm looking into hopefully opening my own shop eventually which will be wicked. It's a lovely thought to work with somethings that you love rather than sitting behind a desk all day being bored just because you need money is the way i see it. If you can do something you enjoy and that your into then why not?

I think it's well worth it

bigsky · #4 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 11:33 AM

I need a job anyone up here in south lincs got anything going ive worked with all sorts of animals ( I dont like horses though!!!!).
Any job will do!!! lol

Lloyd

gecko-kus · #5 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 12:29 PM

I've worked in a pet shop and markus has been a manager of a reptile shop in kent.... it's hard work but it pays off (not in money tho as you usually earn squat). Best way is to keep pestering your local pet shops and asking them whether they need a hand a day a week and go from there. You could see about doing a course at your local college if you've got the spare cash and time. or you can try this site..... Animal Jobs in the USA, Veterinary Technician Jobs, Animal Health Jobs, Animal C

with regard to zoo's they want you to have a basic animal course qualification and they usually have a waiting list for any jobs that come up.. although as it's coming up to summer you can probably get a seasonal job in one and go from there.

You've just got to keep looking around and asking people... hope you find something your after.

Xiorell · #6 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 12:32 PM

No I've not worked around animals before.
I've always had animals of some sort around, but never in a professional sense.
I have been trying to contact a place about doing levels 1 2 and 3, GNVQ in Herpetology (if I remember right that's what they was calling it), I dunno how useful such a thing would be, but I thought It's a start, unfortunately we live in a place where what a bit of paper says is more imporant than how much or how good you actually are.

basky · #7 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 01:01 PM

depending on the job you maybe required to work 7 days a week, bank hols, weekends and not great pay but as long as you don't mind this it'll be fine. they are usually early starts, i have to get up a 5am in the summer and don't get home till 7pm. all part of the fun tho

Saedcantas · #8 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xiorell

unfortunately we live in a place where what a bit of paper says is more imporant than how much or how good you actually are.

"Bits of paper" often take a huge amount of effort and hard work to attain, for which you require a certain level of knowledge and ability, try not to just poo poo things that many people work very hard to get.

The reason bits of paper are so important to people who might employ you such as Zoo's and Trusts is that it is your evidence that you have the scientific basis needed to approach a job with them in the proper manner.
With the threats of avian influenza, chytrid fungus and countless others, people working with animals more than ever need to be aware.

All that said, unconventional qualifications may not be the best route to take, if the employer you apply to has neither heard of the organisation who you obtained your bit of paper from nor understands what attaining it might have involved, then it might be a little useless afterall.

Xiorell · #9 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saedcantas

"Bits of paper" often take a huge amount of effort and hard work to attain, for which you require a certain level of knowledge and ability, try not to just poo poo things that many people work very hard to get.

I know. I have 5 A levels, an NVQ, a HND and an MCSE.

However, I still think there is no substitute for experience.

Jake89 · #10 (**permalink**) 24-01-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xiorell

I know. I have 5 A levels, an NVQ, a HND and an MCSE.

However, I still think there is no substitute for experience.

what in mate?

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