Work with animals

Working with animals is amongst the most popular options for career breakers wanting to do volunteer work abroad. Volunteer placements can involve a huge range of work, from helping vets, animal care, scientific research and working in game parks.

What kind of work can I do with animals?

Most volunteer placements don't require you to have any previous experience or training, so obviously you won't be performing operations! However, you will usually be working alongside professional vets, scientists and conservation managers, which means you get to learn a lot of useful stuff while doing valuable work.

Some examples of the sort of work past career breakers have done:

  • Carrying out marine research on coral reefs
  • Tracking wild animals
  • Caring for sick or orphaned animals in sanctuaries
  • Working on whale and dolphin conservation projects
  • Assisting vets with various procedures
  • Photographing animals for research
  • Helping out on a game reserve, working with animals like lions and elephants
  • Working on a rainforest conservation project, observing and tracking birds
  • Looking after turtle eggs

Animal conservation work can also involve training and community development - for example, assisting on a project which aims to promote sustainable development.

Where can I work with animals?

Most volunteer placements involving animals are in the developing world. Africa has a lot of opportunities for volunteers, partly because there is a lot of conservation work to be done there, and also because of the opportunities that it offers to volunteers. Many placements involve working with big game animals.

Asia and Central and South America also need volunteers to work on animal conservation projects, and you can also find marine projects in these parts of the world, as well as the Pacific islands. Central America is a good place for turtle conservation projects.

When should I work with animals?

Volunteer projects involving animals take place all year round. Some projects will obviously be seasonal, such as those involving the birth of new animals. Placements can be as short as 2 weeks or as long as a year.

Top working with animals tips

  • Make sure your insurance covers you for whatever work you will be doing.
  • Don't skimp on vaccinations - a full course of rabies jabs is essential if you're going to be handling animals.
  • Make sure your paperwork is in order (your volunteer organisation will usually sort this for you). Even if you're not working for money, you will often need a specific type of visa.
  • Be aware that if you want to do marine conservation but can't dive, your organisation will usually include a diving course as part of the placement.

More information on working with animals: