Maybe strange question

[alamaya]

But does anyone know how to begin a career with animals not so much vet but like a paid employee of a sanctuary/rescue or maybe a vet's nurse.

Want to do something worthwhile in my life and i looooooove animals so thinking of doing both at same time.

 

[Wiebke]

For vet nurse, you could go to the job centre. Or you could ring up your local RSPCA and ask fow what kind of qualifications they would be looking for.

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

The trouble with working with animals is that it's often minimum wage type stuff (unless you're a vet etc.) - so eg. a kennel assistant at Wood Green Animal shelters (or similar) will be on a very basic wage and perhaps only £11k - £15k for quite long hours and weekend work too.

Vet nursing - you can either become qualified and then seek a job, or some vets practices will employ you un-qualified and put you through training - if your local vet is friendly then I'm sure they'll give you some info.

Most sanctuaries and rescues are charities so they don't have huge staff budgets.

This site has some info about the various options:
http://www.animal-job.co.uk/Careers-With-Animals.html

Also should point out, although I'm sure you know, that vet nurses have to do some very difficult things, such as assisting with animals being put to sleep, removal of the bodies etc. - and of course dealing with some very emotional people and emergencies.

Good luck!

Sophie
x

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Some places do apprenticeships, like this

http://www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk/apprenticeship.htm

Also experience is really important so if you can then I would volunteer at your local rescue as much as possible. I did this for many years and it's very rewarding

Sophie
x

 

[zigzag]

I'm also trying to get into working with animals, after nearly 5 years of working in accounts I need a change!

Vet nursing is difficult to get into, it's a case of finding out all your nearby training practices, sending your cv out to them and then hoping they have something.

I've sent my CV out to about 10 practices and no luck so far, one place does have a vacancy and I'm just waiting to hear back.

I've also applied for a job at Wood Green and have an interview on the 15th of July!

It's just a case of keeping with it, job centre seems to be the best place to track down jobs, that's where I found out about the trainee vet nurse job,

 

[gracie]

As well as all of the above, volunteer work will boost your chances of getting a job in animal care. Kennels, rescues and vets are always happy to have volunteers, and I'm not sure about generally but I know there's a vet near me who offered my friend's brother a paid job after he'd been volunteering there a while.
Good luck!