Jobs working with animals

Whether you love providing hands-on care or supporting welfare initiatives, there are countless career paths available to make a positive impact on animals' lives

What roles are on offer?

If you're passionate about animal care, the most direct route is working with them hands-on. Veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons are popular choices, offering a chance to diagnose, treat, and heal animals in a clinical setting.

You could also be a zoologist or a zookeeper at one of the UK's many zoos. From managing the day-to-day operations at Paignton Zoo in Devon to ensuring the well-being of creatures at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, you could be part of a team dedicated to animal welfare.

Animal care extends beyond traditional veterinary roles. Crucial roles in animal health and well-being include:

In addition to the dedicated staff who care for animals, wildlife charities depend on the tireless efforts of passionate fundraisers to champion their critical work.

For those interested in agriculture and fisheries farm manager, fish farm manager or fisheries officer are all excellent options. You can also explore graduate programmes in agriculture to expand your knowledge and career prospects. Read more about graduate opportunities in agriculture.

If you're looking for even more variety, consider working with animals in the British Army, ensuring their well-being and supporting military operations. Airport quarantine facilities also need dedicated staff to ensure the safe transport of animals across borders.

To find out what roles are currently in demand, search all animal and plant resources jobs.

Where can I find animal care jobs?

Many animal care organisations allow applications for advertised positions directly on their websites. Alternatively, you can explore specialist job boards like Animal Jobs Direct.

For government roles, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health, provides details on advertised positions at Working for Animal and Plant Health Agency - GOV.UK. One role they offer involves overseeing pets undergoing quarantine as they travel to and from the UK.

To become an Army Medical Service veterinary technician, you'll need to apply via their website. Those who make it through the application process will undergo 14 weeks of military training to become a soldier at the Winchester or Pirbright sites, before progressing to the Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray. There, you'll master veterinary nursing, master military dog handling, and learn the ropes of managing veterinary equipment.

Other job sites advertising roles working with animals include:

How can I work for an animal charity?

Many charities advertise a range of jobs directly on their websites - Blue Cross is a great example. If you're passionate about their work, consider these possibilities:

Clinical care - veterinarians and veterinary nurses are the backbone of animal health here.
Rehoming - make a difference in the lives of animals by becoming an animal welfare assistant, helping them find forever homes.
Fundraising and communications - put your marketing and communication skills to good use as a database services officer to support fundraising efforts.
Strategic planning - analyse data and translate it into insights as a data and insights analyst, shaping the future of the Blue Cross.

Similar opportunities exist with other large organisations. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) provides job profiles to explore the career paths you can pursue.

Consider roles at their animal or wildlife centres. You could begin as an animal collection officer, then progress to an animal welfare officer, and ultimately become an RSPCA inspector, actively rescuing and protecting animals in need.

What animal care apprenticeships are available?

From local veterinary practices and animal shelters to exciting opportunities at zoos and wildlife parks, a range of recruiters offer animal apprenticeships.

The RSPCA offers a comprehensive programme, with apprenticeships ranging from GCSE equivalent (Level 2) to university degrees (Level 6). Choose to work directly with animals in their centres or gain valuable experience in an office-based support role. Find out more at RSPCA - Apprenticeships.

More unusual animal apprenticeships include becoming a dog groomer for Pets At Home, where you'll spend 13 months working for its Groom Room. The pet supplies retailer also offers apprenticeships at Levels 2 to 7 in its support office and distribution operations, where you could focus on an area such as:

customer service
finance
human resources
warehousing
supply chain or marketing.

The Army Medical Service also offers Level 2 or 3 apprenticeships as a dog handler for those seeking a challenge.

How do I start a wildlife conservation career?

Thanks to the popularity of programmes like the BBC's Seven Worlds, One Planet and Dynasties, there is a growing awareness of the pressing need to protect our planet's diminishing resources and ensure that endangered species can thrive alongside humans in their natural habitats. However, the battle for conservation is not confined to remote areas of the world. There are numerous opportunities to support these efforts in the UK.

The Wildlife Trusts, a leading conservation charity in the UK, offers a variety of rewarding roles to match your interests and experience to tackle planning issues that concern the nation's wildlife and landscape. Roles include:

Conservation officer - make a real difference for wildlife by tackling planning issues that threaten our natural landscapes and the creatures that call them home.
Countryside assistant - this part-time role is a fantastic entry point for anyone who wants to work outdoors and share their enthusiasm for the countryside.

Alternatively, you could become a fundraiser for the charity organisation using your skills to secure funding for their projects.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) also offers exciting opportunities beyond conservation fieldwork. Their positions include roles in public relations, IT, and project management, allowing you to contribute your expertise to a cause you care about.

Can I volunteer and gain work experience?

If you love animals and want to gain experience while you study, many animal charities welcome volunteers all year round. Start by exploring the websites of organisations you care about to see what volunteer opportunities they offer.

For example, if you're 16 or over, the National Animal Welfare Trust offers volunteer placements at their rehoming centres. A two-week placement could involve working with cats, dogs, and other small animals, giving you valuable experience for a future career in veterinary medicine.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) also welcomes students. You can participate in a one-year placement or sandwich programme, working alongside them to study insects, mammals, and birds. They typically take on around 14 students each year, and the GWCT also hosts research projects for Masters students from select universities.

There are also many volunteering opportunities abroad. To read more about what's available, see volunteering with animals.

Find out more

See what else the environment and agriculture sector has to offer.