When i was 19 i used to work at a native animal shelter though times got tough and i had to leave. I started my cert 2 a few years back since i wanted to have a bit more behind me, though is till have a few subjects to go. I have also bread lizards and have done lots of rescues and rehabilitation's.
Over the last few month's i have been trying to get work in animal care but so far have had no luck. I was told by one person at a cat shelter that they wont take me on because they are afraid im going to let the cats out. I thought that was rely stupid... as if im going to let the cats out.
Anyway im getting kind of down about it and am pretty much ready to give up and accept it as another broken dream. I think its all pretty unfair considering i have more experience then most people in that area-- hell some of them don't even know their dog and cat breeds by sight.
It can be hard getting your foot in the door coz it's an industry where ppl absolutely love their job and are likely to stay there for many, many years!
We hire people, by luck really. If a position is coming up, whoever sends in their resume or pops in asking about a position (without us even thinking about advertising!) we will get them in for an interview. We don't even care about experience. The things we look for are if they are friendly, mature, have a happy and positive outlook and are just plain enthusiastic.
Volunteer, do work experience, start dog walking, house sit, keep sending in resumes... You'll be great in the animal industry Bop as you are so caring and love and respect animals. Don't give up
Hey Bop, why not offer to be a volunteer at AWL or RSPCA for a bit. Then you can use that as 'experience'.
I signed up to the AWL to do volly work though at the time i wasn't driving. I got a few shifts cat cuddling and bowl cleaning they also offered me a opportunity to do some photography. Though in the end i had to decline because i couldn't get their because i couldn't drive. once i got my license i contacted them about it and they said they wern't taking people for a few months and to call back then... fair enough. i called back a few months later and was told they had enough people though would contact me if they needed me.. though never did.
We are more likely to hire an over 18 year old if they drive. We've had a few before who rely on parents/friends to drive them or take public transport but they are freq late.
It's a pity there's nothing available there at present
It can be hard getting your foot in the door coz it's an industry where ppl absolutely love their job and are likely to stay there for many, many years!
We hire people, by luck really. If a position is coming up, whoever sends in their resume or pops in asking about a position (without us even thinking about advertising!) we will get them in for an interview. We don't even care about experience. The things we look for are if they are friendly, have a happy and positive outlook and are just plain enthusiastic.
Volunteer, do work experience, start dog walking, house sit, keep sending in resumes... You'll be great in the animal industry Bop as you are so caring and love and respect animals. Don't give up
Thats exactly how i got the first job. I went in and chatted to the lady for about 20 mins she seamed to rely like me. I then went home and waited a few days then was told i start on monday. It was surprisingly easy.
I dont want to give up but its hard.. even getting volly work its hard.
I recently left a job in a shelter. As has been suggested, I got the job in the first place by volunteering and showing I was competent and able. If you've got a foot in the door, and get the know the staff it definitely helps.
We are more likely to hire an over 18 year old if they drive. We've had a few before who rely on parents/friends to drive them or take public transport but they are freq late.
It's a pity there's nothing available there at present
We are more likely to hire an over 18 year old if they drive. We've had a few before who rely on parents/friends to drive them or take public transport but they are freq late.
It's a pity there's nothing available there at present
where do you work/volunteer?
I'm a vet nurse. It's funny when I was 22 I had been a secretary for like 5 years after school and thought it would be hard to get into too. But I started studying Animal Care 4 evenings a week while still working full time at a solicitors firm. After 6 months, I just sent out my resume and got lucky. I was so shocked as I didn't have any exp whatsoever, but my computer skills came in handy... (and to this day). It's not just about looking after animals, it's customer service, computer work, admin, kennel work, surgery whatever. Any experience will work to your advantage
