Careers Wales

RSPCA Inspector

RSPCA inspectors enforce the laws relating to the care, transportation and general welfare of pets, livestock and other animals.

Their duties include:

• investigating complaints about cruelty or neglect
• rescuing injured or stranded animals
• educating owners in the care of animals
• finding suitable homes for abandoned or injured animals.

They also liaise with representatives of other organisations, such as the police and environmental health practitioners.

Entrants must have five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent, a full driving licence and the ability to swim 50 metres fully clothed within 2.5 minutes.

Dog Groomer

Dog groomers keep dogs in good condition by washing, brushing, clipping and scissoring their coats. They also clip claws, clean teeth and ears, and treat dogs for parasites such as fleas.

You don't need any qualifications to start work as a trainee or assistant but it is useful to have developed knowledge and skills through experience of working with animals. You can train on-the-job or complete a full-time college course and then look for work.

Zoo Keeper

Zoo keepers care for animals in zoos and places such as safari parks, bird gardens and aquaria. Tasks include cleaning out animal houses, feeding the animals, checking the animals' health and dealing with the public.

Keepers must be prepared to do hard physical work; this could be outdoors in all types of weather.

To become a zoo keeper, there are no set entry requirements. However, most employers ask for at least five GCSEs (A*-C), including English, Maths and a science subject (preferably Biology).

Entry is very competitive, so it's useful to have gained skills and knowledge through experience, for example, as a volunteer in a zoo or in other work with animals.

Animal Technologist

Animal technologists are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in medical, veterinary and dental research.

Rats and mice are most often used in research, although animal technologists might also look after other animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, monkeys, cats and dogs.

Animal technologists carry out routine aspects of animal care. They feed and water the animals, and clean cages, rooms and equipment. Some technologists use their knowledge of nutrition to prepare special diets.

They are in daily contact with animals, and are able to spot early signs of disease, illness and changes in behaviour. They tend to sick animals and pass on information about the animals' health to scientists.

Most employers look for GCSEs (A*-C) in English, Maths and science subjects, or equivalent.

Kennel Worker

Kennel workers care for dogs in kennels. They feed, exercise, bathe and groom dogs, and keep their living areas and runs clean. They check that dogs are healthy, treat minor problems, such as cuts, and report other health issues to the vet.

Kennel workers sometimes have clerical duties such as booking appointments and taking payments.

To become a kennel worker, you don't usually need any educational qualifications, although GCSEs in English, Biology (or Science) and Maths are useful. Training is usually on-the-job, and there are also some relevant college courses.

Horse Groom

Horse grooms care for horses, keeping them in good health and condition. Grooming involves cleaning, brushing and clipping horses' coats.

Grooms feed, water and sometimes exercise horses, muck out stables and replace bedding. They also clean tack and fix it to horses.

To start training as a horse groom, you won't usually need any qualifications. Entry can be through a traineeship or apprenticeship, or after completing a professional qualification or college course.