A position working in an animal shelter can be extremely rewarding, as you are helping to make a difference to the lives of animals who may have faced some difficulty in their life; whether abuse, neglect or illness. Your work will involve ensuring that the health and well-being of animals in your care is improved and maintained so that each animal has the best possible chance of finding a new home that matches their individual requirements.

There will be times when the job becomes difficult, as some animals will have experienced difficult and harrowing conditions before arriving at the shelter. Nonetheless, it is important to look beyond what happened to them in the past - unless this has some sort of impact on their behaviour or health - and help them find a brighter future.

It’s easy to judge those who give up a pet, but it’s important to reserve judgement in these circumstances. You may find that some owners are left with no other choice but to give up their pets, in which case they are facing an extremely difficult process. With a job like this, it’s important to leave judgement at the door and show comfort and compassion to all people and pets that come through.

Typical roles
There are a variety of roles involved in the daily running of an animal shelter. In many cases, these are voluntary as they are not particularly well paid, but this is not always the case.

In shelters, roles can include animal carer and home-checker which will primarily focus on the general well-being of the animals. Fundraisers work to help with the financing of the animal shelter, as many are charity companies. Positions can also become available working as an animal advisor and on the shelter helpline, providing guidance and support to a range of clients.

These are just some of the roles that may become available in an animal shelter, and regularly checking animal job websites like Animal Jobs Direct will give you a great insight into these possibilities.

Courses and Qualifications
Many animal shelters will be happy to recruit volunteers and employees with little more than a love for animals, however, taking additional courses will improve your employability prospects, and could mean that you progress through the ranks quickly. They will also help you to be better prepared for whatever comes your way while working in this environment.

Animal First Aid is a necessary skill to have, as you will be working in close proximity to these animals and may need to be prepared for accidents and injuries. Courses such as the Animal First Aid Certificate will provide practical experience in dealing with minor injuries and general first aid.

The Animal Shelter Management Diploma teaches crucial skills and considerations that are required when working in an animal shelter. This includes handling, health and hygiene, environmental enrichment, and the best advice to offer clients looking to re-home their pets.

There are also courses available that focus on the essentials of re-homing an animal. Modules of this course cover the legal requirements of re-homing, how to effectively assess animal health and behaviour, and tips to help settle animals into their new home.

All of these courses offer a great opportunity for professional development while providing an insight into what is expected of anyone looking to work within an animal shelter.

Key Skills
As with any job, there are some key skills that will not only benefit those looking to work in an animal shelter, but will also benefit the animals in your care.

An interest in animals is a good place to start, and to best care for these animals whether on a general or personal scale, a gentle and caring demeanour is also advised. Confidence in animal handling is ideal, and the flexibility of working a range of hours will also ensure that you can fully support the animal shelter and the animals that live there.

It’s a difficult job, but possibly one of the most rewarding careers in animal care at the moment. If you think you’ve got what it takes, check the Animal Jobs Direct Job Board today to search for your perfect role in an animal shelter.