Working with animals?? Where to start?

[lestyrox]

Hi, i'm after some info from anyone who works with animals. I've been doing a bit of soul searching and i think caring for animals is the career for me. I am currently studying primary teaching part time but it just doesn't feel right. I enjoy it but when i really think about it i can't see myself teaching 30kids it just doesn't feel right somehow...i asked myself today what my dream job would be and i pictured myself working outdoors with animals..i love the feel of the air on my face and not being confined to one spot or an office IYKWIM. I've always loved animals (EXCEPT spiders...thats a whole 'nother story lol) and always wanted to help them...last year my hubby was digging in the compost and accidently destroyed a mouse nest..there were 3 little baby mice without a mummy and i couldn't help myself, i took them in, made them a home and fed them every 3 hours round the clock..mind you i was 6months preggy at the time and had a 2 year old to look after but i loved every minute of it..sadly the poor little things died they were just too young to be without their mum i think.

Anyway so i want to work with animals..something to do with caring for them, like working in a zoo perhaps? We visited Taronga zoo last year and i thought it would just be so amazing to look after the animals even if its just feeding them and cleaning their poop

So where do i start? Do i have to take a course in animals studies? Which course? something like zoology (although i think that focusses alot on marine animals?)
If you could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated

[krysalyss]

Hi there. I am doing my PhD in wildlife and have also worked as a vet nurse, zookeeper and animal shelter attendant. It depends on what you want to do. If you know for sure you want to work at a zoo, get some work experience/volunteer work at a zoo (any small one will do), get into the zookeeper TAFE course and then work your way up to the species/zoo you want to work with. If you are not sure then you can do some tafe courses in animal care, or a degree. A degree is essential if you want to work in a scientific capacity, overseas or with the government. Most big zoos also look kindly on a related degree. My undergrad degree was through university of QLD. I did a Bachelor of applied science with a specialisation in wildlife biology. The specialisations have changed slightly and I think you can do two majors now. I found my uni and course to be really good and you can do the whole thing external except some courses have a prac component you need to attend in the holidays. If you are more interested in wildlife caring then it is just volunteer work and improving your skills through your own research. Isn't really something you can get a job in though (usually anyway) as it is all volunteer and you end up spending a lot of your own money.
Anyway I hope this points you in the right direction but if you have any more questions I would be happy to elaborate.

[krysalyss]

Just thought I would add, when I left school I got into social work - eeek! So not the job for me. I worked my way up doing volunteer work, then casual etc. You just keep moving in the right direction and you eventually get there.

[lestyrox]

Thanks krysalyss!

..get into the zookeeper TAFE course and then work your way up to the species/zoo you want to work with

I had a look on the tafe NSW website and there is a TVET Course?? I think i'd really love to be a zookeeper and perhaps work my way up from there and see where it takes me would the TVET be the right course?

I did a Bachelor of applied science with a specialisation in wildlife biology.

Or would something like this be more appropriate? I know this'll sound daft but what does this course enable me to be? eg, what career doors does it open? I've done some basic science degrees in teaching and some in nursing (did one year of nursing when i first went to uni..wasn't for me, turns out neither is teaching lol) so i might be able to get some credit for that. How long is the course?

Thanks so much for your imput

[lestyrox]

oops sill me i just had another look and found the zookeeper course...looks really interesting, i don't think i can do it externally though by the look of it so it might have to wait until my boys are older and i can leave the house lol..

It says..

This course is for people who work, or want to work, with companion
animals, wildlife, or pet care services. You can complete a training
program of one or more accredited modules to suit your learning needs and
then if desired go on to complete a major award course in animal care and
management, animal science or veterinary nursing.

sounds good, i think i'd look into animal care and
management.
Yay i'm excited, even though it a few years off yet lol but i feel good to have a better idea of what i want to do

[krysalyss]

It looks like Tafe NSW has a course RUV04 - Animal care and management which sounds right (I am in a different state) but give them a call to look at the entry requirements. You do need to already be in a workplace though to get enough prac work for it.

If you did a BAppSci I think it is likely you would get some credit if you have done some previous science courses at uni. But check with the uni you are interested in. A basic animal degree can open a lot of doors for you and get you into something like zookeeping, research, national parks and wildlife, quarantine etc.

I always keep my eyes open for different jobs at organisations I would like to work in. Even if I am not looking for a job it helps me to keep heading in the right direction.

[krysalyss]

Just saw that Taronga has its own training institute now. Possibly something for you to look into? Check out their website for more info.