Essential Job Skill: Speaking Up for Animals

April 25, 2016Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, How-to succeed

Essential job skill - speaking up for animals

By Paula Fitzsimmons

If you want a career advocating for animals, you’ll need to get comfortable speaking out for them. Being their voice is an enormous responsibility, and can feel intimidating, but learning a few basic skills can help you speak out effectively . . .without losing your sanity in the process.

Some careers require more advanced communication skills than others – a public relations manager will obviously need to speak out more than an animal caregiver, for instance. Regardless of your position, you’ll need decent communication skills, because you’re representing not only yourself, but an entire organization.

Practicing even one of these tips can make a difference.

Overcome the Barriers in the Way of Your Animal Protection Job

April 1, 2016Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, Inspiration & ideas

Panther in Forest - Overcome Barriers

By Paula Fitzsimmons

What do you believe is holding you back from finding your animal dream job – No college degree? Lack of experience? Your location? What may seem like a barrier may very well be nothing more than a minor setback, or even perhaps the prelude to an even better opportunity.

You may very well have legitimate reasons for not being able to accomplish what you want to do right now: Vet school is too competitive; family obligations are preventing you from pursuing that advanced degree; you can’t accept an internship because you’re working two jobs. Situations arise . . . I get that.

More Than Just Words: 8 Powerhouse Quotes for People Who Care

October 26, 2015Posted inAll articles, Inspiration & ideas

Owl with EO Wilson quote
By Paula Fitzsimmons

Life can’t be boiled down to a sentence or two . . . it’s too complex for that. But good quotes are more than just strings of meaningless words or “kumbaya” sentiments. At least for me. They represent bigger thoughts and ideals, can propel you forward, and act as reminders of what’s important. And who can’t use a kickstart every now and then?

I chose the following quotes for you . . .the activist, the person who wants to make a difference, whether you work in the animal protection field, are seeking a job with animals, or are a volunteer activist. I hope these words and ideas speak to you as they do for me. I’ve added some commentary, and would also love to know your thoughts on these.

What Cecil the Lion’s Tragic Death Can Teach Us About Passion – in Activism & Career

July 29, 2015Posted inAll articles, Inspiration & ideas

African Lion with quoteBy Paula Fitzsimmons

The tragic death of Cecil, the lion killed outside of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park has sparked outrage. And rightly so. Trophy hunting – the killing of an animal for the sake of “sport” – is despicable in its own right. What adds to this fury is that Cecil was apparently beloved, and according to National Geographic, one of the region’s best known and most studied lions. And with fewer than 21,000 lions remaining in Africa (according to African Wildlife Foundation) how can trophy hunting even be justified?

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting an Animal Rescue

May 6, 2015Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Rescue cats and other needy animals.By Paula Fitzsimmons

There’s no question a need for animal rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries exists.

The animal welfare community has worked – and succeeded – to decrease the number of homeless animals, but there are still pressing issues. According to a 2012-2013 study by the former National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (by way of the Humane Society of the US), there are an estimated 3,500 animal shelters in the United States – with 6 to 8 million cats and dogs entering these shelters each year.

Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees: Help Raise Funds for Animal Nonprofits

May 5, 2015Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Money doesn't grow on trees. Help animal nonprofits with fundraising.By Paula Fitzsimmons

An animal nonprofit can be well-respected, have solid goals, and a dedicated group of staff and volunteers. But without adequate funding, most won’t get very far.

For animal rescues & sanctuaries, food, veterinary bills, and land required to house the animals, all cost money. And unlike the image you see in this post, the green stuff doesn’t grow on trees. Sure, people and businesses may at times, donate these products & services; but often not at the level required to care for the hundreds of needy animals they may receive each year.

Want to Make Animals Your Life’s Work? Discover Your Choices

April 30, 2015Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Animal jobs and careersBy Paula Fitzsimmons

I’ll assume you’re reading this because you’re crazy about animals, and that you’d love to make a living based on this passion. But your choices may seem limited: Veterinarian. Dog walker. Pet sitter. Groomer. And let’s not forget . . . pooper scooper. These are some of the more common career titles you’ve probably come across while researching animal-centered jobs.

These can be fantastic career paths for some. And they’re quite important, too – what would this planet be like without vets and other animal care providers?