Jobs working with animals near Cardiff
Discussion
I appreciate this is not Jobs and Employment matters but as this is the area most of the animal lovers hang out I'm hoping someone might be able to help or know of something available - a pointer if you will.
My daughter would like to work with animals. She is fast approaching 21 and left college with a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management and gained a Merit (basically equivalent to a B at A level). We had hoped she would go on to train as a Veterinary Nurse but she didn't want to do that (still hoping she might change her mind and put the work in). In the meantime she has a.job in a Supermarket Cafe and also as bar staff. She has done voluntary work at kennels etc and currently helps out at a dog training class.
The problem is that jobs working with animals are few and far between and seem to get loads of applications. An assistant at a zoo would be a dream job but there seem to be other qualifications required for that and there aren't any zoos within 50 miles. She has been unsuccessful twice now applying for a Veterinary Care Assistant at the PDSA. She does scour the Internet for jobs but is losing heart now. She dies drive and has her own car now.
Anyone got anything available? Can anyone suggest something?
Thanks and apologies for the slightly wrong section post but mods please leave it here as it will get virtually no replies in the Jobs forum.
My daughter would like to work with animals. She is fast approaching 21 and left college with a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management and gained a Merit (basically equivalent to a B at A level). We had hoped she would go on to train as a Veterinary Nurse but she didn't want to do that (still hoping she might change her mind and put the work in). In the meantime she has a.job in a Supermarket Cafe and also as bar staff. She has done voluntary work at kennels etc and currently helps out at a dog training class.
The problem is that jobs working with animals are few and far between and seem to get loads of applications. An assistant at a zoo would be a dream job but there seem to be other qualifications required for that and there aren't any zoos within 50 miles. She has been unsuccessful twice now applying for a Veterinary Care Assistant at the PDSA. She does scour the Internet for jobs but is losing heart now. She dies drive and has her own car now.
Anyone got anything available? Can anyone suggest something?
Thanks and apologies for the slightly wrong section post but mods please leave it here as it will get virtually no replies in the Jobs forum.
Vets will take on VCA'S, writing to all vets in her area she may get lucky. Though most take on VCA's knowing that they usually want to become vet nurses in time.
If she wants to be a VCA what is her reason for not wanting to be a VN?
If she is keen on zoo environment what about wildlife rescue groups initially. Most will be voluntary roles but the bigger ones will have employed staff.
There are plenty of avenues in animal care but most are low paid (kennel/cattery workers/charity animal establishments/cat sitting, dog walking etc) but they are starting points.
ETA Internet probably not best place to look for places, phoning and writing around may be a better way to get known and find out what's there.
When I decided to move I wrote to all the vets in the area to see if they had a vacancy rather than look to see who was advertising and it worked.
Actually I don't think I have ever applied for a job as a result of a placed advert! (except when I became a rep for a bit!!)
If she wants to be a VCA what is her reason for not wanting to be a VN?
If she is keen on zoo environment what about wildlife rescue groups initially. Most will be voluntary roles but the bigger ones will have employed staff.
There are plenty of avenues in animal care but most are low paid (kennel/cattery workers/charity animal establishments/cat sitting, dog walking etc) but they are starting points.
ETA Internet probably not best place to look for places, phoning and writing around may be a better way to get known and find out what's there.
When I decided to move I wrote to all the vets in the area to see if they had a vacancy rather than look to see who was advertising and it worked.
Actually I don't think I have ever applied for a job as a result of a placed advert! (except when I became a rep for a bit!!)
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 13th April 10:06
elanfan said:
Thanks Bex, same name as my daughter too!
We'll give that a go.
We'll give that a go.
Any vet nurse will tell you that those who shine through when applying for placements etc are those that don't give up, do their homework on what will be involved in the job they take on and be prepared to work hard even though it can be mundane initially!
My first practice I went for a weeks work experience after I left school (I'd lost out on a placement there when at school) then I continued to go twice a week throughout the summer. Paying my own busfare and working hard when I was there, whatever was asked (whilst doing a Saturday job) at the end of the summer I was going to college to do an animal care course, however the practice offered me a job instead and I accepted it! Stayed there 11yrs and worked my way up to Head Nurse!
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