Animal Health

Animal welfare has become increasingly prominent in recent times, and is increasingly seen as an important social issue in developed countries.

Organisations such as the RSPCA have been guardians of animal welfare for a very long time. Veterinarians and others involved with animals in their daily work are commonly responsible for animal welfare (not just curing illness). This may involve participating as key members of ethics committees supervising animal use in research, or in other committees/organisations involved with animal welfare.

Local government is normally responsible for the control of pets and other domestic animals. Laws can vary from one municipality to the next; but they usually control what animals can be kept, how they can be kept, and where they can be kept/taken.

Large animals, for example, such as horses, may not be allowed to be kept on small residential properties. In some places, the movement of cats and dogs may be restricted or prohibited.

The Law

In most developed countries, there are many laws that govern the treatment of animals, both domestic and wild. These may cover various things such as:

• Procurement of animals (eg. operation of pet shops, stock markets, etc)
• Breeding
• Keeping or trading in wildlife and domestic animals
• Exporting or importing animals
• Quarantine and or destruction on diseased animals

Breeders

Various well organised breeding schemes exist, which control the pedigree of domesticated animals; maintaining records of parentage, and maintaining a system to verify the blood line.

Holiday Care

Many people have a serious problem with pets when they decide to take a holiday.

When this happens, pets are often neglected or abandoned.

Apart from being irresponsible and cruel, this treatment of an animal may be illegal.

Options include....

• Placing an animal in a commercial care facility such as a boarding kennels or cattery.
• Getting someone in to house sit and look after the animal.
• Ruminants may be put under agistment etc. -but may still need to be checked.

To remove an animal from its "home" may be disorienting, and may cause stress. Often house pets can "fret", leading to abnormal behaviour (including abstaining from eating).

Codes of Practice for Animal Welfare

In developed countries legislation has often been established with the aim of preventing cruelty to animals. Codes of Practice clarify what is meant by cruelty of animals. These codes set down minimum management standards to achieve basic welfare requirements of animals, such as:

• Feed & water needs
• Disease protection
• Protection from extreme weather (eg. cold, heat, rain, etc)
• Protection from physical injury
• Protection from pain.

Failure to meet these codes minimum requirements is rare, but if it does occur, the owner and/or manager of the animal is liable to prosecution in the courts.

Typical Jobs

Animal Health/Welfare Officer- University.  Universities employ Animal Health Officers to provide clinical vet services and monitor animal welfare of animal research projects.

Animal Welfare Officer - Animal Welfare Groups (eg. RSPCA, Animal Welfare League)
Animal Welfare Officers are usually employed to investigate animal health issues which come to the attention of the organisation.

Animal Welfare Officer - Government Agencies (eg Dept. of Agriculture, Primary Industries).  Government agencies employ Animal Welfare Officers to monitor and investigate research projects being undertaken under the umbrella of the Department's Ethics Committee (eg. wildlife research)

Animal Welfare Officer - Animal Racing Industry (eg. greyhound and horse racing)
This person is usually employed to monitor animal welfare issues within the industry and as they progress in their career, to liaise with local councils etc. on key issues.

Animal Welfare Officer - Local Council.  Usually working in the Environmental Protection Department, the Animal Welfare Officer can be responsible for dealing with complaints about animals, capturing stray animals and educating the public on animal welfare issues.

Remuneration and Advancement Opportunities

The salary of Animal Welfare Officers can vary depending on the skill level of the person, the organisation and the responsibilities involved.  Typically, Animal Welfare Officers working in universities can earn between AU$40,000 and $60,000.  Of course, as you move up in this position, you will earn more. 

There are plenty of opportunities for advancement in this field.  Many Animal Welfare Officers move into positions in planning, coordination and policy.

Risks and Stresses

The viability of any agricultural enterprise is dependent upon external factors such as weather (drought, flood) and markets (supply and demand; both local and overseas prices). When times are good, work opportunity and remuneration can be good; but when times are bad, the workplace can become more stressful and opportunities less certain. Enterprises that are less susceptible to such fluctuations are likely to be more secure, less stressful and offer more opportunity for advancements. This varies depending upon the type of farm, and the financial position of the employer.

How to Distinguish Yourself from the Competition

Study a different combination of modules or a different course. Be sure to only study courses that enhance your ability to think laterally -something that is critical for success in research.

Knowledge in the areas of animal husbandry, nutrition, disease and production are commonly sought by potential employers in this field. 

Also, try to get some work experience as this is highly valued by potential employers.  You could offer your services at the local animal shelter, local council or university.  This will not only provide you with the desired experience but will give you an understanding of the job requirements and culture of these organisations.

Getting Started

The first step is to get a start in the industry. For many people this might go something like this:

Study Animal Health Care, volunteer to help in an Animal Shelter, and look for jobs (even part time) with veterinary practices, on farms, zoos or anywhere that you can get a start working with animals.