How to Pursue a Career in Animal Advocacy

Animal welfare has evolved into a viable career option over the past decade--and should continue to expand, as the public is informed more and more about the abusive practices that exist involving animals and animal protection issues. The following are some ways to go about pursuing a career in animal advocacy.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the major issues and campaigns regarding animal welfare. For instance, puppy mills, animal experimentation, the fur trade, horse slaughter and treatment of factory farm animals. A good way to start would be to visit the websites of major animal protection organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Best Friends Animal Society.

2. Sign up for email alerts from these organizations regarding their current campaigns and also subscribe to their magazines and newsletters in order to stay updated on their work.

3. Sign up for google alerts regarding major animal welfare issues (see link in Resources below). Once you sign up for a particular topic you would like to monitor, for instance "Puppy Mills," you will receive periodic alerts regarding related news stories.

4. Do volunteer work for an animal welfare organization or other animal welfare-related work, even if it's not in a position that you would ultimately like as a career. A volunteer job or internship is a good way to "get your foot in the door" and get more familiar with the animal welfare community. It will also be a plus for your resume. For instance, you can volunteer for office work at a shelter or other animal organization or write about animal issues for a pet publication.

5. Seek training and/or certification in the area of animal advocacy you would like to be involved in. For instance, law, teaching, lobbying or director of an animal advocacy campaign.

6. Check employment opportunities on the major animal organizations' websites. The websites list volunteer and internship opportunities, as well as paid positions (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• You can have animal advocate job openings delivered to your MySpace page (see Resources).

• There is a wide variety of positions in animal advocacy that are unpaid, but equally rewarding.

Resources

• Animal Advocate Jobs: MySpace
• HSUS Positions
• PETA Positions
• Best Friends Positions