OFO No:

What is a Nature Conservator (zoo)? 

Nature Conservators in a zoo work alongside Zookeepers. They are responsible for the well-being of all the animals in the zoo.

Nature Conservators also work to help educate the public regarding the animals.

Nature Conservators (zoo) can work in:

• Zoos
• Bird Sanctuaries
• Animal Sanctuaries
• Aquariums
• Private farms

What does a Nature Conservator (zoo) do?

• physically cares for the animals
• keeps all the cages and enclosures clean and tidy
• feeds the animals
• constantly checks for diseases and parasites
• reports serious cases to veterinarians
• assists with breeding programmes
• assists with capturing and transportation of animals to other venues
• researches and gather data
• keeps up to date with current trends and philosophies

Are you  . . . ?

• passionate about animals?
• a person who loves the outdoors?
• willing to work in all-weather conditions?
• responsible and reliable?
• dedicated?
• physically fit?
• interested in nature conservation?

How do I become a Nature Conservator (zoo)?

You can study a National Diploma in Conservation at:

• CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

• NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

• MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

• UNISA

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• JOHANNESBURG ZOO

• NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS of SOUTH AFRICA

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Zoologist … or … Animal Health Technician

Is becoming a Nature Conservator (zoo) the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Animal Scientist?

Animal Science is the ‘study of the biology of animals’.  All animals can be studied.  For example: farm animals, exotic animals, wild animals or animals bred for pets.  An Animal Scientist will experiment and study information about breeding, animal behaviour, production, diets, business and animal care. 

What does an Animal Scientist do?

• studies and research special breeding practices so that the business is run well
• studies diets to improve products
• shares information with other scientists, farmers, etc
• studies, researches and improves farming practices
• learns new methods and techniques
• studies crossbreeding
• studies the biology and history of the animal and shares information with breeders

Are you …. ?

• interested in science and the environment?
• interested in animals?
• interested in the biology of animals?
• interested in research and experiments?
• observant?
• a problem solver?
• able to cut up a dead animal to study?
• self motivated?
• team player?
• good at writing and reports or essays?

How do I become an Animal Scientist?

OFO No:

What is an Animal Breeder?

An Animal Breeder is someone, like a dog or cat breeder, who is breeding small animals for sale as pets.

An Animal Breeder can also be an Animal Scientist.  They study clever ways to farm livestock (eg cows, pigs, chickens etc) and animal-based products we eat. 

There are 3 main kinds of Animal Breeders:

• pet breeders ie cats and dogs etc

• purpose-bred breeders will farm race horses to race, angora rabbits and llamas for wool etc

• bred-for-food breeders will farm cows, sheep and pigs so we can eat the meat

What does an Animal Breeder do?

• feeds and gives water to animals
• studies special diets of animals
• maintains and cleans animal areas – pens, cages, yards etc
• looks for early signs of illness or injury on animals
• treats minor or small injuries
• calls veterinarians for more serious problems
• gives injections
• studies then makes clever decisions as to what animals to breed
• makes notes on weights, growth patterns, and diets etc
• builds cages, pens, fence yard or farms etc
• grooms and cares for animals – clips nails or cuts hair
• exercises animals
• exhibits animals at shows

Are you … ?

• happy around animals?
• passionate about animals?
• able to breed animals for slaughter (kill)?
• touch animals eg grooming and give injections?
• willing to work strange hours?  Baby animals can be born at any time of the day or night.
• willing to read and learn about breeding information and trends?

How do I become an Animal Breeder?

Pet Breeders

Pet Breeders of small animals such as cats or dogs, need no special education.  It is recommended that you go as far as you can at school.  Reading and talking with other breeders of the same animal will help you.

Recommended school subjects:  Life Sciences and Physical Science.

Purpose-Bred or Bred-for Food Breeders

Those breeding large animals may need a 4- or 6-year degree in animal or agricultural science or a related field. 

Institutions below offer a BSc degree in Animal Sciences:

• UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

• STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY

• FREE STATE UNIVERSITY

• UNIVERSITY OF KWA ZULU NATAL

• NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY

Required school subjects:  Mathematics and Physical Science.

Recommended school subjects: Life Science

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SASAS: South African Society for Animal Science

All the info you need about Animal Sciences can be found on this website:

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Health Technician … or … Horse Trainer

Is becoming an Animal Breeder the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Animal Nutritionist?

Animal Nutritionists study the effect of diet on the health and productivity of animals. 

They usually found in the field of agriculture. 

They give advice and information on animal nutrition as well as designing the diets of the animals.

They may also work in food production companies which make food for zoos and pets.

What does an Animal Nutritionist do?

• conducts research and writes reports
• studies nutritional and economic value of animal diets
• designs diets for growth, reproduction, health and performance of the animal
• performs laboratory trials
• educates farmers, veterinarians and government bodies about animal diets
• studies manufacturing techniques
• expands existing ranges of animal food products and develops new ones
• helps with sales and markets ideas
• keeps up to date with changing regulations
• studies nutritional disorders with veterinary surgeons

Are you … ?

• interested in nutrition?
• love animals?
• interested in science and research?
• computer literate?
• function under pressure?
• focussed?
• skilled in communication both verbal and written?
• patient?
• able to work alone and on a team?
• able to share your findings?
  

• SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL SCIENCE

How do I become an Animal Nutritionist?

A BSc in Animal Science is what is required.  Most universities in South Africa offer this.

BSc degree in Animal Sciences can be done.  See institutions below.

Required school subjects:   Mathematics and Physical Science.
Recommended school subject: Life Sciences

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Animal Care Attendant … or … Zoo Keeper … or … Veterinary Nurse

Is becoming an Animal Nutritionist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Animal Health Technician? 

Animal Health Technicians are interested in all technical areas of animal health care.  They work together with and help veterinarians, scientists and science students. 

For examples: programmes to remove disease, making and giving vaccines, studies in the field and work in an indoor laboratory.

What does an Animal Health Technician do?

• carries out experiments on animals and make notes
• watches animals’ reactions to tests/experiments
• makes calculations and graphs
• takes animal fluid samples eg faeces or tissue for veterinary analysis
• inspects and tests animals for disease
• makes food for animals
• cleans water bowls and fills them up
• helps with return-to-the-wild programs
• cleans cages
• sterilises equipment
• studies breeding programs
• helps in fertility testing
• helps with injections, surgery, bandages and care of animals after operations
• humanely puts animals down (euthanasia)
• handles animals that have died
• studies dead animals

Are you … ?

• love animals?
• hardworking?
• physical and strong?
• interested in working with veterinarians?
• emotionally stable?
  
• good at communication (writing and speaking)?
• organised?

How do I become an Animal Health Technician?

To become an Animal Health Technician you will need a minimum 3 year National Diploma in Animal Health which can be studied through UNISA . 

A BTech Degree in Animal Health is extremely advantageous.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SAVC: South African Veterinary Council

POSITIONS & SALARIES:

Animal Health Technician jobs can be found in the Department of Agriculture (government) or in the private sector, assisting farm managers, veterinarians or science laboratories eg medical companies.

• 2011-2012  Starting salaries from approximately R96 000 per annum

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Care Attendant … or … Animal Nutritionist

Is becoming an Animal Health Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 516404

What is a Professional Dog Walker?

A Dog Walker is a person who:

• Walks a dog/s from the dog’s residence and back.
• You can also drive the dogs, in your own car, to other walking locations.

Walking the dog/s keeps them fit and healthy.  It also helps dogs socially as they will meet other dogs on the walk.  It also provides exercise and friendship for the walker. 

It’s a wonderful service for very busy owners who have little time to exercise their pets themselves.

What does a Professional Dog Walker do?

• arrives at dog/s residence on time
• walkins dog/s either from residence or taking dog/s to a nicer place
• cars for and pets dog/s
• grooms if required
  
• returns dog/s safely
• in an emergency, eg unexpected injury, takes dog/s to the veterinarian
• owner’s might want you to pet-sit
• informs owner’s if there is a problem with their pets

Are you … ?

• a dog lover?
• very responsible?
• patient and kind?
• a walker
• fit and healthy?
• able to lift large dogs into a car if necessary?
• able to deal with difficult or aggressive dogs?
• organised?
• calm under pressure?

How do I become a Professional Dog Walker?

No training is required. 

A course in dog or animal behaviour might be an advantage. 

• COAPESA

Offers both intermediate and advanced courses in dog training: For example: 

COAPE Dogwise Stage One:  Introduction to Canine Behaviour and Training Course

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Dog Handler … or … Animal Care Attendant

Is becoming a Professional Dog Walker the right career choice for me?

Horse Stud
Manager

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career.

OFO No: 

What is a Guide Dog Trainer? 

A Guide Dog Trainer’s job is to train a dog to assist physically disabled people so that the person can live as normal and independent a life as possible. They also train the disabled person to bond and ‘work’ their dog correctly. 

Guide dogs are used to assist:

• Blind or partially blind people
• People who are wheelchair bound
• People who are hard of hearing

Types of dogs used are usually:

• Golden Retrievers
• German shepherds

What does a Guide Dog Trainer do?

• carefully selects a team of dogs to train
• checks the dog for correct temperament, intelligence etc
• trains dogs to avoid obstacles (high and low)
• trains dogs to watch out for traffic etc
• trains dogs to be obedient
• matches the dog with an owner
• trains the owner & dog team together

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about dogs?
• compassionate?
• patient?
• a good communicator?
• strong and fit?
• a person who works well with animals?
• emotionally stable?

How do I become a Guide Dog Trainer? 

Guide Dog Trainers are usually trained by experienced guide dog trainers.

It would be advisable to start your training by volunteering at the SAGA for some time to familiarise yourself with the whole process.

• SAGA: SOUTH AFRICAN GUIDE DOGS Association for the Blind

Train the dog: CLICK HERE 

Train the owner: CLICK HERE 

• FRIENDS OF THE DOG

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Care Attendant … or … Professional Dog Walker

Is becoming a Guide Dog Trainer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 

What is an SPCA Inspector? 

SPCA stands for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is dependent on public funding and donations. No government funding is received. There are 90 SPCA’s around SA. 

The job of an SPCA Inspector is to make sure all animals are treated with kindness. They make sure that no animal is neglected or abused.

SPCA Inspectors are highly trained people who can manage both abused animals and cruel and difficult people.

Their job can be emotionally hard but extremely rewarding at the same time. They need to be emotionally strong and confident.

What does an SPCA Inspector do?

• inspects circuses, livestock sales yards, farms, pet shops, and private homes etc
• investigates animal cruelty or abuse
• rescues animals when needed
• lays criminal charges against those committing animal abuse or neglect
• educates members of the public with regard to correct animal care
• sensitises children to compassion for animals

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about animals?
• socially and environmentally aware?
• caring and compassionate?
• courageous and determined?
• physically fit and in good health?
• outgoing and friendly?
• confident?
• a person with good communication skills (verbal & written)

How do I become an SPCA Inspector?

• You must be 18 years old or older
• Must have a clean criminal record.
• You should have a Matric or equivalent.
• You must have a driver’s licence.
• Must have volunteered/worked at an SPCA for at least 3 months and been nominated by their Society to attend a training course.

See below for recommended training path.

• NSPCA’s RECOMMENDED TRAINING PATH:

• NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SPCA’s

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Care Attendant … or … Animal Nutritionist

Is becoming an SPCA Inspector the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Animal Care Attendant?

An Animal Attendant will make and provide food, give water and take general care of animals.

Some Animal Attendants specialise as:

Pet Shop Attendants

Sells animals to the public, pet food and accessories.  Some Shop Attendants work on weekends and public holidays.  Talking with the public important.

Kennel Hands

A Kennel Hand tags cats and dogs for for identification.  A tag is a small microchip that gets put under the skin of the animal.  This chip has the name, address and telephone number of the owner.  If a pet gets lost, a special scanner will ‘read’ the tag and the owners will be phoned.  Kennel Hands might exercise, feed and groom the animals too.

Pet Groomers

A Pet Groomer washes, dries, brushes, combs, cuts and styles pets’.  They also cut nails, clean ears, eyes and check the pet’s skin. Specialised groomers will prepare purebred dogs and cats for shows.

What does an Animal Care Attendant do?

• makes the food, including special diets, for some animals
• delivers made food and clean water to the animals
• cleans cages make comfortable beds for animals
• cleans animal’s toilet area
• disinfects cages
• checks locks on cages are good
• grooms (brush) animals and washes them
• treats animals with special mixtures to control pests
• treats small injuries
• reports serious health problems to veterinarians
• moves animals between cages
• rescues injured and abused animals
• helps with kind euthanasia of animals (put animals to sleep)
• burns animals that have died
• keeps up to date notes on each animal
• talks to staff members and the public

Are you … ?

• animal lover?
• confident and patient?
• allergy free?
• enjoy physical activities?
• strong?
• observant and organised?

How do I become an Animal Care Attendant?

An Animal Attendant will be trained on the job.  Further study is available if you want to specialise in a particular field.

No set level of school required, but it is recommended that you go as far as you can at school.

Recommended school subjects:  Life Sciences and the Sciences (Biology and/or Physics).

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Health Technician … or … Professional Dog Walker

Is becoming an Animal Care Attendant the right career choice for me?