What degree do you need to work at a animal shelter?
Michael Gray
Updated on March 20, 2026
What qualifications do I need to start training as an animal care worker?
- Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care.
- Level 2 Diploma / Animal Care and Welfare Assistant (Level 2 Apprenticeship)
- Level 3 Diploma / Advanced Apprenticeship in Work-based Animal Care.
Do you need a degree for animal rescue?
Animal rescuers work with wildlife or domesticated pets to heal injuries or find them new homes. Many animal rescue jobs don’t require a professional degree — a high school diploma or on-the-job training is enough to get you hired.
What degrees allow you to work with animals?
Most entry-level animal jobs in zoology require a college degree. Many zoologists opt to take a program specific to zoology while others may choose a broader program of study such as biology. Post-college, zoologists may find themselves working with animals at a zoo or out studying wildlife in their natural habitats.
What jobs with animals can you do without a college degree?
Many only require a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training.
- Veterinary Services. Veterinarians need support staff to keep their business operating.
- Rescue Services.
- Animal Handler.
- Dog Trainer.
- Farm Animal Caregiver Assistant.
- Animal Control.
- Marketing.
How do I start a career with animals?
How to Gain Experience Working With Animals
- Work at a Veterinary Clinic.
- Volunteer at a Shelter or Rescue.
- Start a Pet Sitting Service.
- Choose an Animal Related Degree Program.
- Participate in College Work Study Programs.
- Volunteer at a Zoo or Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility.
- Work at a Farm or Stable.
Can you make a living running an animal rescue?
A pet shelter business’ profitability isn’t widely known, because most shelters are run as non-profits. Non-profit shelters often employ a director, vet tech and other staff. A for-profit business can earn enough to pay for a team’s salaries, which often total six-figure sums, and still provide a profit.
How do I start my own animal rescue?
Follow these steps when starting your animal rescue:
- Make sure that running an animal rescue is the right thing for you.
- Prepare a business plan.
- Prepare appropriate facilities and equipment.
- Find volunteers and hire the right people.
- Launch a website and create social media accounts.
- Build a supportive network.
What are good jobs for animal lovers?
Jobs for animal lovers
- Animal caretaker.
- Animal trainer.
- Veterinary assistant.
- Zookeeper.
- Breeder.
- Veterinary technician.
- Animal control officer.
- Veterinary nurse.
What kind of Education do you need to work at an animal shelter?
Administration. One shelter may only hire a candidate with a degree in animal science, while another may look instead for business management experience. Generally no more than a bachelor’s degree is required. Other positions in administration can include human resources, public relations and adoption counseling.
Do you have to go to college to be an animal keeper?
Animal keepers’ training can come in a variety of forms. Modern keepers are expected to have a college degree – at least an associate degree but often a bachelors and sometimes graduate degrees. There are some college programs that focus specifically on animal husbandry and care in a zoo or aquarium setting.
How many years of Education do you need to be an animal rescue?
Some organizations may require a two- or four-year degree, but this is not an industry standard. Employers will provide training. Administration is where positions vary the most in education requirements.
Where can I go to college for animal rescue?
Training is offered in the form of seminars, webinars or short sessions, and is conducted by veterinarians, animal rescue experts and professors. Animal rescue courses may be held on college campuses, but many are taught in local communities by traveling instructors.
