Animal Charity Careers

Animal charities vary in size and function: there are several large international organisations with offices in the UK - such as WSPA and IFAW. These are examples of charities that deal with international animal welfare issues - their work largely involves campaigning to end animal suffering around the world. There are several large national charities such as the , People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, National Animal Welfare Trust and Cats Protection - all of these operate a variety of national programmes and initiatives. Most of them operate a number of clinics, hospitals and rescue homes around the country and employ a variety of staff in different roles.

There are also many smaller charities - often these are more community based, working locally to provide animal welfare services, promote animal adoptions and to deal with animal welfare problems.

Some animal charities have the primary role of campaigning for animal rights, eg: Animal Aid, BUAV,National Anti-vivisection Society, League Against Cruel Sports, Uncaged, Compassion in World Farming CIWF. Their work is mainly office based and most of these charities have few or no animal holding facilities.

Some of the current animal welfare issues being dealt with by animal charities include: intensive animal farming, inhumane slaughtering, hunting, the exotic pet trade, dog fighting, international animal cruelty/welfare problems and the overpopulation of domestic animals.

To enjoy a career working for an animal charity, you must be physically and mentally fit. Most jobs in animal charities are highly rewarding and interesting, however, this type of work can also be challenging and stressful. If you have not worked for an animal charity before, consider starting as a volunteer. Most animal welfare charities are reliant on the assistance they receive from volunteers and this is an excellent way to gain hands on experience and a better understanding of the extent of the work of animal charities.

There is a huge amount to be learnt on the ground. It is possible to progress your career very quickly if you are reliable, compassionate, and committed, patient and able to develop a good understanding of real animal welfare issues. Crucially you must to be genuinely concerned for the welfare and needs of animals.

Animal Charity Careers

Animal Care Assistant (ACA): Animal Care Assistants are employed by most animal rescue charities. The main function of an ACA, is to provide for the needs of animals while they are in an organisation's care. This role is an excellent starting point for someone wishing to gain animal care experience or for those who are unsure as to which animal career they ultimately wish to pursue.

Animal Care/Welfare Manager: this role involves having overall responsibility for how well the organisation works on the ground to assist neglected and abused animals. For the right person, this role can be a highly stimulating and extremely rewarding career.

RSPCA Inspector: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's (RSPCA) vision is to work for a world in which all humans respect and live in harmony with all other members of the animal kingdom. The RSPCA operates as a charity with a mission to: prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of animals. Inspectors are the public face of the RSPCA; they are required to undertake practical investigation work on behalf of the RSPCA - and in Scotland, SSPCA Inspectors perform a similar role.

Re-homing/Adoption Officer: Many animal charities take in or rescue animals and re-home them to caring new owners. These organisations operate sanctuaries, shelters or homes where the animals are rehabilitated and cared for until a new owner can be found. Most of these charities employ re-homing/adoption officers who are responsible for ensuring that the animals are re-homed to the right owners.

Home Visitor: this role involves carrying out visits to the homes of potential owners, so as to ensure that they are fully aware of the commitment of owning an animal and that they are able to provide a suitable home environment.

Animal Ambulance Driver:This role involves being responsible for the safe transport of sick, injured, recovering or stray animals.

Veterinary Team: The veterinary team employed by an animal rescue organisation/shelter usually consists of: Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and Animal Nursing Assistants. The size and number of each of these professionals depends on the size of the organisation and their objectives or type of work they carry out. The veterinary team is responsible for the health of all the animals cared for by the organisation.

Chief Executive: Is in charge of determining policies and strategy for the organisation and is responsible for the overall operation and plans for future development.

Fundraising/Media Team: In the UK, there is little or no government funding available for animal charities and they are entirely reliant on donations from the public. Media staff are employed by organisations to ensure public awareness of the charity’s cause. Fundraisers ensure that sufficient funds are raised in order to enable the organisation to carry out vital animal welfare work.

Campaigns Officer: Campaign Officers are employed by campaigning animal charities who work to raise awareness about current animal welfare issues or problems - with the ultimate aim of solving them.

Receptionist: Receptionists play an important role as part of the team at any animal charity or hospital. They are responsible for the first impression received by a client (by phone or visit), and they are the interface between visitors, staff, adopters, veterinary practices, other organisations and volunteers.

Volunteer Co-ordinator: Most animal charities are highly dependent on voluntary help and therefore many of the larger charities employ a Volunteer Co-ordinator who is in charge of managing the volunteer programmes and training.