Caring for animals offers a wide range of challenging but fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities, enhanced in recent years by the greater public awareness of and focus on the importance of animal health and welfare.
At Oatridge we provide a solid foundation in the theory and practice of looking after animals, whether they are large or small, pets or wildlife. Former students are to be found in a huge variety of roles within animal welfare societies, zoos, wildlife parks, city farms, boarding kennels and catteries, veterinary practices, grooming parlours and pet superstores. Some are in business for themselves; others are dog handlers for the police, prison service or armed forces.
Our facilities are presently based at the College farm complex and include a small animal unit, aviary, grooming room, functional animal operating room and housing for companion livestock such as poultry, ponies and Pedigree sheep. Students also have the opportunity to work in our equine facilities and have access to cattle, sheep, pigs and horses on the farm.
Progressing further
It is possible to move on from Certificate level to HNC and then to HND level in Animal Care. Some students then choose to progress to Degree study at one of several Higher Education Institutions in Scotland, which offer courses in Zoology, Biotechnology, Veterinary Nursing and Animal Care.
Career opportunities:
- Kennel and Cattery
- Worker/Manager
- Animal Welfare Officer
- Welfare Centre Worker
- Auxiliary Veterinary Nurse
- Farm Park Worker
- Zoo Worker
- Animal Centre Worker/Manager
- Dog Handler
- Pet Shop Manager
- Army Dog Handler
- Veterinary Pharmaceutical Representative