There may be an oversupply of people who want to work with animals, but there’s certainly not an oversupply of people who have the skills to do so. The reality is that genuine opportunities exist - not for those who simply love animals, but for those who combine that passion with training, hands-on experience, and professional commitment.
The 2025 Skills shortage list published by the Australian government lists many “Animal jobs” as in short supply, including:
🔹 Animal Attendant and Trainer
🔹 Animal Husbandry Technician
🔹 Senior Aquaculture Worker
🔹 Senior Beef Cattle Station Worker
🔹 Senior Farm Livestock Worker
🔹 Zookeeper
🔹 Zoologist
The shortage is not unique to Australia: a quick global search reveals similar trends elsewhere. In the United Kingdom, animal health professionals are in high demand, while in the United States, there are notable shortages of veterinary support staff, pet groomers, and pet sitters. For those willing to build their skills, the opportunities to work with animals — whether pets, wildlife, or livestock — are both diverse and abundant. Clearly there are many opportunities to work with animals – whether pets, wildlife, or livestock.
How do you go from being an animal lover to an animal worker?
As with any vocation, you need four things – passion, learning, experience, and professional connections.
1. Passion – Everything starts with a genuine desire to work with animals. Consider what drives you: a concern for animal welfare, a fascination with animal behaviour and biology, or a deep appreciation for farming, conservation, or ecology. Passion provides the motivation to persevere when work becomes physically demanding or emotionally challenging.
2. Learning – Passion alone isn’t enough; you need knowledge and skills. Start by learning about animal biology, health, and care. Short introductory courses — such as Animal Health Care — can provide a solid foundation and help you decide if this is the right path before committing to formal qualifications. Many people discover that practical animal work involves tasks they hadn’t expected, such as handling injured wildlife or participating in dissections during study. Testing the waters early prevents disappointment and builds confidence.
3. Experience – Practical experience is invaluable. Volunteer at shelters, farms, wildlife sanctuaries, or veterinary clinics. Even unpaid roles help you develop essential skills and provide insight into the realities of animal work. Employers value candidates who have demonstrated responsibility, reliability, and compassion in real-world settings.
4. Connections – Networking opens doors. Join professional associations, online groups, or local clubs related to your interests — whether that’s equine care, conservation, farming, or pet training. Attend workshops, conferences, and community events to meet others in the field. Many jobs and opportunities come from personal referrals and relationships built through these networks.
This is an overview of the skills needed to work with animals, whether in farming, veterinary care, wildlife conservation, or pet services. These skills combine technical knowledge, physical ability, and emotional intelligence, all essential for building a successful and ethical career in animal-related work.
Skill Area
Animal biology & behaviour
Understand needs and prevent harm
Animal health & welfare
Identify illness and ensure humane care
Practical handling
Work safely and efficiently
Communication
Collaborate and educate others
Why It Matters
Observation & empathy
Build trust with animals
Problem-solving
Handle unpredictable situations
Record-keeping
Maintain compliance and track progress
Ethics & learning
Promote welfare and professional growth
Do you have these skills? Do you want to learn these skills? Do you have what it takes to work with animals? Do you want to move into an area where there are plenty of jobs?
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