How can i get into animal welfare??????

Question

i am 17 and hav just left school. i want to work with animals but for the past 2 years i have been trying to work or even volunteer in kennels, animal welfare centres etc but i have been told they are full!!! how can i get into this?? i dnt want to go to uni thanx

Answer 1

First you register with the government-  oops!  That's regular welfare.

Seriously, just because someone tells you there are no jobs available doesn't mean you should stop asking them.  Also, try asking what qualifications they are looking for.  Try zoos, menageries, museums as well as your previous places.  Ask yourself what kind of animals you would like to work with (if you know)- domestic or wild?  Birds or mammals?  Small or large?  Lab or field work?  

Also don't get sucked in by those "animal welfare" groups who don't do the kind of hands-on work you want- don't let them turn you into a fund raiser for some cause.  Talk to anyone you can find whose job interests you and ask them about training, contacts, and anything else you can think of.  Who cares for the red deer or eagles for which Scotland is famed?  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would recommend volunteering at animal shelters, such as "Best Friends" in Utah.  If you live in a big city you should be able to find tons of animal shelters around.  If you live in a small place, you may have to contact your local municipal government to find out about their state-mandated programs.