Items17The creator’s order
  1. 1VeterinarianVeterinarianVeterinary surgeon The best-paid and most competitive route here. You need a veterinary degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which usually takes five to six years full time and asks for three A levels including biology and chemistry. Entry is highly competitive, so build up…0
  2. 2Paraveterinary workerParaveterinary workerVeterinary nurse The hands-on clinical role with the most ways in. You can train through a Level 3 apprenticeship with 4 or 5 GCSEs including English, maths and science, take a Level 3 diploma at college, or study a foundation degree or degree. Whichever route you take, you must register with the…0
  3. 3Veterinary physiotherapistVeterinary physiotherapistA good fit if you are drawn to sport science or rehabilitation rather than diagnosis. There are two main routes: a degree in veterinary physiotherapy, or a human physiotherapy degree approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy followed by a postgraduate master's in animal physiotherapy. The…0
  4. 4Clinical animal behaviouristClinical animal behaviouristFor people fascinated by why animals act as they do, and patient enough to change what owners do too. Clinical animal behaviourists work on veterinary referral, helping owners of pets with problem behaviour, and you will need at least a degree-level qualification relevant to clinical animal…0
  5. 5ZookeeperZookeeperThe dream job for many school leavers, which is exactly the problem: there is a lot of competition for courses and trainee posts, so work experience at a zoo, farm park or rescue centre is close to essential. Routes include apprenticeships from intermediate to degree level, a T Level in animal…0
  6. 6Park rangerPark rangerCountryside ranger The wildlife job for people who care about whole habitats rather than individual animals. Rangers create and manage habitats, monitor wildlife, lead guided walks and school visits, and run volunteers, often using machinery and power tools as much as binoculars. You can apply…0
  7. 7EcologyEcologyEcologist The applied route for anyone who pictures themselves as a conservation scientist. Ecologists analyse data on plants, animals and their surroundings, research how house building and farming affect land and water, and advise landowners and councils, working for local authorities,…0
  8. 8Marine biologyMarine biologyMarine biologist Wildly popular and frank about it: marine science is a crowded field and competition for jobs can be fierce. You will usually need a degree relevant to the area you want to work in, and a master's or PhD is a distinct advantage, essential for some management and lecturing posts.…0
  9. 9RSPCARSPCARSPCA inspector The front line of animal welfare in England and Wales, and one of the most emotionally demanding jobs here. Inspectors investigate complaints of cruelty, rescue animals, advise owners, issue warning notices and attend court. You apply directly for a trainee post, usually with five…0
  10. 10Animal care workerAnimal care workerThe most accessible way to start working with animals every day, and a sensible first step towards nursing, zoo or welfare roles. You could work in an animal welfare centre, kennels, a wildlife park or a pet store. Routes in include a college course in animal care, an apprenticeship that mixes…0