Careers with animals!!

You have well intended arguments but I think they are very misleaded...

"Of the 5,926 species classified as threatened or endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, only around 120 are involved in international zoo breeding programs."


That's something to think about....

and I could go on.

there are not many careers to do with animals that actually support an abolitionist way of life and philosophy.

I dont think we should be suggesting working in pet stores either especially after that ordeal on facebook with the bunnies...

working as a vet nurse can be very satisfying as you are working directly with animals to help them overcome illness and lead a happy life, but again it is working on the premise that people have the right to own a pet, pets that most people see in some way as property, and also that the pet owner has the right to do certain things to the pet for its perceived wellbeing. we cant really ask a pet if it wants to be neutered or have babies, or how it feels about being groomed and what style of groom it would like.

the best we can do is to talk to other people about ideas on animals and their use in our current life and how we can aim for a better world, and so I agree with everyone about becoming animal lawyers, politicians, philosophers, activists, writers and artists, etc.

Becoming an example for people to look up to is one really big thing. If you show people it's possible to live a life without using animals it's a big way to convince them of its virtues and practicalities.

I felt the same way as you Tara when I was in high school. I was more into the Arts/English side of things and thought 'what could I possibly do career wise to help?' But the animal protection movement needs ALL types of people. The best thing you can do is follow your interest and skills academically and then get involved volunteering while you are studying...

My first job was assisting in a vet when I was in high school. Then I went to Uni and studied Visual Communications. While I was at uni I got on every animal protection mailing list I could and kept active volunteering. Now just a few years on I am a graphic designer for Animals Australia. I love my job and I know it is making a huge difference! While I don't work hands-on every day with animals I have had many opportunities to interact with them when I have wanted to. I also have two little rescued ferrets from the Ferret Welfare Society of NSW who keep me pretty busy and "help" me work all day chewing my feet and steeling my pens


If you are talented at English and writing Animal Protection organisations are always in need of people who can write well, don't forget it's one of the most important parts of our work! The book "Striking at the Roots - A practical guide to Animal Activism" (see Jesse's blog http://www.unleashed.org.au/blog/2009-07/12-Great-Books-to-Help-Animals) has invaluable advice on how to hone your writing skills + many other ways to advance and excel at helping animals  

good point, i dont know much about it myself..but ive heard that some of the animals in zoo's are endangered and if we wish to remedy that then i think it should be in a natural habitat..somewhere they can run around etc.

i just dont really like zoo's at all, for breeding or not. keeping animals locked up like that is simply horrible. living your life in a cage? not good >.<

Thank you so much ^_^ But would shelters and vets take someone who is allergic to cats? Lol

Aren't there things you can take to help with allergies?

that's what I'm going to be

According to the RSPCA, elephant breeding programs in zoos don't work - the elephants breed more in the wild. That's just 1 example.

Oh, and btw, you guys were talking about Peter Garrett before...
Has anyone else noticed how much he looks like Lord Voldemort? I swear he looks just like him. It must be the baldness.

I'm allergic to rabbits and some cats with long hair and I work with them! Hehe... But having said that I don't get it often, but when I do I take Telfast

Hey Tara (or anyone else...)!

Just saw an advert for pet therapy....  They need volunteers to visit nursing homes/hospitals etc. Full training required - course fee, uniform & insurance $362 inc. Based in Sydney.

Check out www.velmaspetsastherapy.com.au

Oooh, all good suggestions in here. I think you can do more for animals if you work  FOR them rather than WITH them.

Politician
Lawyer
Doctor (great idea)
Check out chick (another great idea ... communicator)
Journalist/Writer/CAMPAIGNER!

Angie, love your work, it's awesome! I noticed the HUGE difference you've made since joining the AA team  

PS. zoos are the pits (IMHO)  
They are for human pleasure (for our own interest and wonder) not the animals.
However, I totally respect the people who work there to look after animals and that is truly admirable