6 answers
Louis
Student
Norwich, Connecticut
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best job to take when working with animals?
I'm just getting out of high school, and I really want to do animal rehabilitation, but I can't find anything about it. I can't find any jobs for people to help me. They all want me to work as a nurse.
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6 answers
Nirah Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM
Senior leader in laboratory animal science, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance
61
Answers
Updated
Nirah’s Answer
Hi, Louis. It’s great that you would like to work with animals. Your question is a bit ambiguous.
If by rehabilitation you mean rehabilitating wildlife to release it into the wild, that requires a specific license. It would be illegal for you handle or keep wild animals, especially federally-protected species such as wildfowl, without first getting the training and licensure required. Also, as others answering this question have pointed out, this is generally something done on a volunteer basis by people with a passion for it, but who also have another job. It’s unlikely you would be able to make a living as a wildlife rehabilitator. Please be aware that while this can be very fulfilling, it can also be very sad, as injured wildlife don’t always make it despite our best efforts.
If you are interested in this, there are many wildlife rehabilitators in your area of Connecticut. Try this website:
http://wildlifeofct.com/assistance.html
The other meaning of rehabilitation is a return to function, for example sports medicine for race horses. There are jobs like that, but they are generally for qualified veterinarians or veterinary technicians, and generally only in very large institutional practices such as teaching hospitals. If this is what you were interested in doing, your best bet may be to contact a local pet shelter and see if they are looking for volunteers. You could also pursue training and a career as a veterinary technician. That would start by going to a two-year or four year college accredited by the AVMA for their veterinary technical program. Becoming a veterinarian would require another four years of graduate school to earn your doctor of veterinary medicine degree.
If by rehabilitation you mean rehabilitating wildlife to release it into the wild, that requires a specific license. It would be illegal for you handle or keep wild animals, especially federally-protected species such as wildfowl, without first getting the training and licensure required. Also, as others answering this question have pointed out, this is generally something done on a volunteer basis by people with a passion for it, but who also have another job. It’s unlikely you would be able to make a living as a wildlife rehabilitator. Please be aware that while this can be very fulfilling, it can also be very sad, as injured wildlife don’t always make it despite our best efforts.
If you are interested in this, there are many wildlife rehabilitators in your area of Connecticut. Try this website:
http://wildlifeofct.com/assistance.html
The other meaning of rehabilitation is a return to function, for example sports medicine for race horses. There are jobs like that, but they are generally for qualified veterinarians or veterinary technicians, and generally only in very large institutional practices such as teaching hospitals. If this is what you were interested in doing, your best bet may be to contact a local pet shelter and see if they are looking for volunteers. You could also pursue training and a career as a veterinary technician. That would start by going to a two-year or four year college accredited by the AVMA for their veterinary technical program. Becoming a veterinarian would require another four years of graduate school to earn your doctor of veterinary medicine degree.
Yaz M
Recruit
50
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
I am by no means an expert with animal careers, but I think either being a Zoologist or a Veterinarian could be great careers for helping animals.
I am guessing you can get experience with animal rehabilitation by volunteering at animal shelters or even at a Pet Store.
I am guessing you can get experience with animal rehabilitation by volunteering at animal shelters or even at a Pet Store.
Ashlei Eskridge
Cybersecurity Analyst
2
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Ashlei’s Answer
I don't have a specific answer for Connecticut as laws about animal rehabilitation can vary greatly from state to state, and even between different animal species. However, enrolling in a college agricultural (Ag) program or a course in zoology or biology can provide a solid foundation in animal handling and behavior. These programs often include hands-on experience with animals and their various health conditions and anatomical structures.
If you have the opportunity to join a veterinary or zoo apprenticeship program, absolutely take it. However, a more realistic approach might be to locate an animal rehabilitator in your vicinity, to volunteer, and learn from them about the specific skills they find most valuable. Skills such as grant writing and specific veterinary licenses are generally highly sought after.
It's important to note, though, that many animal rehabilitators do this work as a secondary job or a hobby they're passionate about. Real talk though, most rehabbers do it as a second job or passion project. Be prepared to have a "pays the bills job" and a "I love what I do job".
If you have the opportunity to join a veterinary or zoo apprenticeship program, absolutely take it. However, a more realistic approach might be to locate an animal rehabilitator in your vicinity, to volunteer, and learn from them about the specific skills they find most valuable. Skills such as grant writing and specific veterinary licenses are generally highly sought after.
It's important to note, though, that many animal rehabilitators do this work as a secondary job or a hobby they're passionate about. Real talk though, most rehabbers do it as a second job or passion project. Be prepared to have a "pays the bills job" and a "I love what I do job".
Keyana Beamon
Veterinary technician
25
Answers
Newport News, Virginia
Updated
Keyana’s Answer
Hi Louis, rehab can be a tricky thing to find. You can start working in shelters as a veterinary assistant or even a receptionist to gain experience and knowledge. The shelters and some animal clinics have relationships with rehabilitation places.
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
It's great to hear you're passionate about animals! While I didn't go to college myself, I've found that following your heart can lead to fulfilling opportunities. My daughter and I also share a love for animals, have you considered exploring roles in wildlife conservation, animal shelters, or even assisting veterinary practices?
Cassidy Bunce
LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician)
2
Answers
New York, NY
Updated
Cassidy’s Answer
Hello! LVT here, I am by no means am in the rehabilitation field but from the wild life rehabilitators that I know in NYS they are all a volunteer basis, there is not really a "career" with it unfortunately.