Work Experience
Work experience ideas for students who love animals
Are you a high school student with a passion for animals? Finding work experience that aligns with your interests can be both exciting and valuable for your future. Whether you're considering a career in veterinary science, animal conservation, or just love being around furry, feathery, or scaly friends, gaining hands-on experience now can give you a head start.
Let's explore some work experience opportunities that would be perfect for animal enthusiasts.
Local animal shelter volunteer
Animal shelters are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help care for the animals waiting for their forever homes. This is a fantastic way to gain experience while making a real difference. As a volunteer, you might:
Help with daily feeding and care routines
Clean enclosures and exercise areas
Spend time socialising animals through play and attention
Assist with adoption events and community education
Most shelters welcome volunteers from age 14-16 upward, though you might need a parent to volunteer alongside you if you're under 16.
Veterinary clinic experience
Want to explore a career in animal healthcare? Approaching local veterinary clinics about work experience opportunities could be your perfect next step. During your placement, you could:
Observe veterinarians and vet nurses as they work
Learn about animal handling and basic care procedures
Help with reception duties and appointment scheduling
Gain insight into the day-to-day running of an animal healthcare facility
Many clinics offer structured work experience programs for high school students, so it's worth calling around to find out what's available in your area.
Pet store assistant
Working at a pet store can provide valuable experience with different types of animals while developing customer service skills. In this role, you might:
Care for store animals including feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring
Help customers choose the right pets and supplies for their needs
Learn about various species and their specific care requirements
Assist with stock management and store maintenance
This could be a great part-time or casual job option for weekends or school holidays if you're old enough for employment.
Wildlife rehabilitation volunteer
If you're more interested in wild animals, volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center might be something you'd like to consider. As a wildlife rehab volunteer, you could:
Assist with feeding and caring for injured or orphaned wildlife
Help prepare special diets and environments for different species
Learn about conservation issues affecting local wildlife
Support community education programs
Many wildlife centers have junior volunteer programs specifically designed for high school students.
Animal boarder or pet sitter
If you're looking for something more flexible, consider offering pet sitting or boarding services in your local community. This entrepreneurial option allows you to:
Care for pets in their own homes or yours
Set your own hours and rates
Build relationships with different animals and their owners
Develop responsibility and business skills
You could start small by offering services to neighbors and family friends, then expand as you gain experience and confidence.
Where to find opportunities
Ready to get started? Here are some ways to find animal-related work experience:
Visit your local council website for volunteer opportunities
Ask your school career advisor about established programs
Check community noticeboards and social media groups
Reach out to family and friends who work with animals
Even if positions aren't advertised specifically for high school students, it's still worth asking if they'd consider taking you on for work experience.
Find out more
Want to explore more work experience options or learn about the benefits of gaining experience while still in school? You can find plenty of information on our website here.