animal care

[XladysailaX]

i want to know wat qualifications you need to be a kennel worker or a receptionist at a vets
does any one know what the pay is like?

[kita1]

Lots of information and jobs here:

http://www.animal-job.co.uk/jobs-with-animals. html

Pay is usually minimum and the hours are long.

Working in kennels usually involves early mornings, weekends and holidays are usually the times you are expected to work hardest (so forget Friday/Saturday nights out!!!). Often you 'live in' in a caravan and so are on call 24/7.

If you go to work in a rescue kennels you have to be able to cope with seeing animals in distressing circumstances (in the RSPCA kennels you may be expected to put animals to sleep yourself - just because they cannot find a home).

Working at a vets you have to be able to deal with people and animals. How would you feel if someone brought in a dog/cat to be put to sleep? Even if it was perfectly healthy?

Working with animals can be rewarding, but it is extremely hard work in all weathers and can be upsetting.

About the only job I wish I had looked into more was a Farrier, as I love horses and could have started my own business, that way at least you are in charge and can work your own hours.

[Kleiber]

Why don't you do a bit of voluntary work at an animal sanctuary, maybe at weekends for a few hours? That way, you'll see what it's like & get to know whether you're suited to it. Yes, the money's lousy - most people do it for the love of animals.
You can also take a college course (NVQ) in animal care or veterinary nursing. If this is what you really want to do, it will stand you in good stead with future employers. Good luck! K

[pantz]

working with animals is so rewarding but is hard work. i have worked with animals for the past 15 years from working in kennels and catteries to veterinary nursing. the pay is low but its normally the love of animals as to why people do these jobs. you dont need any qualifications to work in a kennels but you do need to have a love and understanding of dogs. to work in a veterinary surgery you need some qualifications. you need 5 GCSEs including english and maths and of course a love of animals. good luck in whatever job you decide to do with animals.

[XladysailaX]

you have all said about working in a vetenary are you on about being a receptionist at a vets?

[Noweia]

I think they meant to be a vet nurse or auxilary at a vet practice. To be a receptionist I can't think of any specific qualifications you might need but you must be good with people, both in person and on the phone, have good English (including proper spelling/grammer!) , and display some aptitude at working with the various computer systems that practices have.

[lankeela]

'proper spelling/grammer'

not the career for you then Noweia!

[Roughquest]

To work in a vets as a receptionist you need to be a good listener as people tend to panic when their much loved pet is ill and they invariably get very passionate so you also need a lot of understanding and patience with them and be reassuring when the time arises. Once again the pay would be nominal though Im afraid its a tough job but I am sure the good outweighs the bad, if I worked in an animal shelter my house would be a zoo as i would want to take in every waife and stray! Poor things, heartbreaking as we are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers. Good luck in whatever you choose to do career wise...