How to become An Animal Rescuer

• Animal Control Officer
• Shelter Attendant

What do Animal Rescuers do?

An Animal Rescuer would typically need to:

• Rescue abused, abandoned or lost animals; recover dangerous and run away animals; submit a report after an elaborate investigation
• Move rescued animals to shelters from the control vehicles after inspecting them for any ailments or malnutrition; arrange for their medical care
• Recover dangerous and run away animals; tend to the medical needs of wild animals and return them to their habitat on recovery
• Clean and maintain the facilities, including control trucks, kennels, enclosures, and cages 
• Provide food, water and care to the animals; maintain and manage stocks of pet food and cleaning & medical supplies
• Train animal behaviour following rescue; help socialise dogs through planned playtime 
• Actively spread awareness of how to humanely treat animals; debunk myths about stray animals
• Notify owners about their pets being at the animal shelter
• Arrange for the adoption of unclaimed animals with suitable individuals or families; evaluate homes for safety; maintain adoption records
• Euthanise gravely injured and rabid animals
• Investigate reports and complaints of animal cruelty; evaluate crime scenes that involve animals
• Carry out administrative tasks such as handling paperwork and receiving calls

Rescuing animals is primarily outdoor work. However, Animal Rescuers must be adaptable as their working environments and conditions are variable and could be better or worse depending on the facility and the animals being managed.

Safety is vital since the job would expose you to dangerous animals and situations and  you may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Keeping calm is critical since the situations you may be called upon to handle could be upsetting and disheartening. 

Animal Rescuers must maintain a flexible schedule, given that you may need to work on weekends and holidays as well. Irregular working hours are the norm and you must be available around the clock.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Animal Rescuers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting NGO’s directly, using job search platforms, and inquiring at shelters.

Animal Rescuers are generally employed by: 

• Animal Shelters
• Animal Control Agencies
• Not-for-Profit Organisations 
• Non-Governmental-Organisations (NGOs)
• Social Advocacy Organisations

Professional associations and organisations, such as International Animal Rescue, are crucial for Animal Rescuers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Maintaining a firm and easy ground while dealing with angry and unpleasant people
• Exposure to dangerous situations since there are chances of animals being rabid, stressed and on guard
• The need to stay safe from exposure to infections, diseases, or even other contaminants like gases and odours
• Need for patience since paid positions take years to attain
• Accepting criticism and staying calm when tackling stressful situations

A potential Animal Rescuer does not necessarily require a qualified internship. However, direct work experience, paid or voluntary, in animal welfare is useful and demonstrates your commitment to prospective employers.

You may search independently or directly contact a rescue organisation or an animal shelter to build work experience.

If you aim to join an animal rescue group or a non-profit organisation, enrol in volunteering programs to get hands-on experience. Entering the network of animal shelter groups as a volunteer gets you into contact with professionals in the field and provides you with an entry route into the field. You may even begin by taking on small responsibilities, such as walking other people’s dogs, grooming pets and helping them play and exercise.

Ensure your physical fitness and get an anti-tetanus vaccination.

Typically, the post of an Animal Rescuer does not require postsecondary education.

A high school diploma or equivalent covering biology, physics, and chemistry would be sufficient. You may opt to join specialised and independent courses and programs that train you in the concepts and skills useful for an Animal Rescuer.

Although not mandatory, obtaining an associate degree or HND (Higher National Diploma) in animal care & welfare, animal management, or animal science would benefit a prospective Animal Rescuer. 

Certification demonstrates an Animal Rescuer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Aspiring Animal Rescuers are usually required to obtain an occupational license from individual government entities who conduct the licensing process. It typically involves the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship or apprenticeship.

Depending on the rescue work, Animal Rescuers would be required to travel in their own transport, which would need them to possess a valid driver’s license.

While not strictly mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology or animal behaviour, would facilitate career progression. Other areas of study include environmental science, exotic animal training & management, veterinary science, wildlife, and marine biology. A few years of experience and an associate degree could help you bag the role of Animal Shelter Manager.

Animal Rescuers could actively invest in a few more years of relevant academics and shift to the position of a Veterinarian or Assistant Veterinarian.

Candidates with the necessary skills in nursing animals, experience through volunteering, and education have the best job prospects as an Animal Rescuer. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Animal Rescuer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Some educational institutions offer courses and certificates for gaining the required skills in animal training and animal behaviour. Animal Rescuers may upskill continuously by receiving training from experts.

Typically, your employer will provide you with training on the job to help you learn the ropes of the trade.

Stressful Conditions 

An Animal Rescuer typically works around stressful and anxious situations. Hence staying calm and collected during unpleasant circumstances like euthanisation is essential. Supporting recovering animals can be stressful, especially when total recovery is bleak. 

Selflessness 

An Animal Rescuer is a person who genuinely cares about animal welfare and wellbeing. Among the traits necessary for Animal Rescuers, selflessness tops the chart. They work for the betterment of animals without expecting any compensation in return. 

Apprenticeships

The shelters that employ Animal Rescuers may engage them in apprenticeships, which helps them upskill unconditionally. The on-the-job training accompanies classroom lessons, which can prove beneficial in providing you with well-rounded learning and skills. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Animal Rescuers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Animal Rescuer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Approximately 7.6 million companion animals, including 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats, enter animal shelters nationwide every year.

If you are a person who would like to work extensively and meaningfully for animal welfare and help make the world a better place for all the fluffs out there, then the career of an Animal Rescuer would be gratifying for you and for the animals you rescue. 

Attend workshops and events and make sure to establish a good rapport with pet owners. Maintaining good relationships with such personnel would help build your cause of partaking in animal care.