How to Work for an Animal Charity

If you’re interested in animal welfare, then a role with a vet or animal charity could be just the right fit for you. Here, we outline how you can get started on your journey to work for an animal charity.

Find the animal charities you’d like to work for

The first step you should take is to research the different charities you’d like to work for, as there are various causes that different animal and vet charities fight for. Some examples are:

• RSPCA—the largest animal welfare charity in the UK, specialising in animal rescue and furthering animal welfare.
• PDSA—the UK’s leading vet charity, providing free and low-cost treatment to pets in need.
• Blue Cross—a charity that provides specialist care, services and support for pets and people throughout their life together.
• StreetVet—a charity that offers free accessible vet care to pets of those experiencing homelessness.

There are also charities that focus on helping specific types of animals, such as Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, Battersea Cats and Dogs Home and The Donkey Sanctuary.

Of course, there are many more animal charities than just these, so it’s a good idea to research causes close to your heart and see which charities are doing that work.

Learn about the different roles in the charity sector

Working for an animal charity encompasses more than just one role, which is why you should research the different roles available and their salaries to see which appeals to you the most and best matches your skill set. Some roles may involve working directly with the animals, but there will also be many other positions available.

Some of these areas include:

• Administration
• Finance
• Fundraising
• Policy and research
• Marketing
• Communications
• Business development
• Advocacy
• Support work

As well as getting an idea of the responsibilities involved for each role, you should also research the experience requirements to see if you’re eligible, or what experience or qualifications you’ll need to gain first.

Check your experience

When researching the animal charity roles you want to pursue, you may find that some positions, such as veterinary or finance roles, may require a university degree or other specific qualifications. However, many will just need transferable skills, depending on the charity and the seniority of the position. In some charities, you may be able to work your way up the ladder if you secure a junior or entry-level position.

Nail down the skills you’ll need to work for an animal charity

Working for an animal charity will require specific skills, as well as soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, critical thinking and decision-making. You should work on any skills listed in the job description, as well as these soft skills, making notes of any examples of times when you’ve demonstrated them, preferably in a work or volunteering position.

Get volunteering experience with animals to show your passion

As well as demonstrating any skills you need to work for an animal charity, you’ll be putting yourself in a much more favourable position if you can show a genuine passion. One of the best ways to do this is to find some volunteer work with animals, such as in a vet’s surgery, on a farm, or even a volunteering position with the charity you want to work for.

Shadow someone who works for an animal charity

Another way you can gain some valuable experience that will help you to secure an animal charity position is to shadow someone who already works in the field. Similarly to getting work experience through volunteering, shadowing will give you a good idea of what the job will be like on a day-to-day basis, while also potentially providing some connections for when you start applying for paid roles.

Start applying for roles

Once you’re ready to start what will hopefully be a long and rewarding career working for animal charities, start browsing and applying for roles.

Working for an animal charity can be an incredibly rewarding career, but it can be difficult to get that first foot in the door. Whether you already have the required work experience or not, remember that doing volunteer work with animals or shadowing someone in the profession is a great way to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm when it comes to the interview.