Animal Management
Become a…zoo keeper, animal trainer, wildlife rescuer, welfare officer, reserve warden, veterinary nurse or animal behaviourist and many more…!
Do you want to work with animals? Careers in this area could see you working in zoos, animal rescue centres, veterinary practices, animal hospitals, the RSPCA, kennels and adoption centres. Our courses will give you the opportunity to gain plenty of practical experience working with a wide range of species, from birds to spiders, cats to rabbits and fish to lizards.
Why choose Merrist Wood College?
-
Well equipped animal management unit with a wide range of species
-
Small mammals, domestic animals, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, aquatics, small aviary birds and birds of prey
-
Fully functioning farm with rare breed sheep and cows, pigs, goats, llamas, chickens and ducks
-
Dog grooming centre open to the public
-
Work experience opportunities - students have recently worked with chimpanzees in Cameroon, West Africa; dolphins in the Bahamas; Compassion in World Farming orang-utans in Borneo; wild otters in Cornwall; dog trainers and many others
-
Industry links with local and national organisations such as Wolf Conservation UK, Chessington Zoo and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home
-
Trips to places of interest and visits from specialist guest speakers
Day to day
-
Feeding animals
-
Cleaning and grooming animals
-
Exercising dogs
-
Calming frightened or distressed animals
-
Rehabilitating animals
Average salary
As an animal care worker, you could earn up to £13,000. Animal technicians start at around the same but could earn up to £30,000 in more qualified and experienced posts. Veterinary nurses can earn between £14,000 and £22,000 a year.
Moving on
We offer Foundation Degrees in Animal Management or Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the College, which can be topped up to a degree in one year following successful completion.
Links
www.wwf.org.uk| - The world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation.
www.bsas.org.uk| - The British Society of Animal Science aims to enhance the understanding of animal sciences and to promote its integration into economic and ethical systems.
www.zsl.org| - The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a charity devoted to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.
www.nawt.org.uk| - The National Animal Welfare Trust is one of the top 10 animal rescue and re-homing charities in England.
www.britishecologicalsociety.org| - The British Ecological Society is an organisation for those with an interest in ecology and is a good resource for academic journals, teaching resources and careers advice.
www.defra.gov.uk| - The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is an organisation that aims to improve the current and future quality of life, with an excellent section on Animal Welfare.